Surprise Cast #91 Oli Steadman (Stornoway)

In this episode, W sits down with the talented and kind hearted Oli Steadman from the band Stornoway to discuss life as a musician, the band's journey, and the profound impact of music on both personal and collective levels.

W kicks off the conversation with a heartwarming backstory about using music to bring students together in his classroom, specifically through Stornoway's song "We Are the Battery Human." This leads to a discussion about the band's message of reconnecting with nature and stepping away from technology for well-being.

The episode delves into Oli's childhood experiences in South Africa (, his progressive education ("kids were all wacky and overstimulated b/c of busy, creative parents"), and the cultural impact of learning Zulu("history and culture"). Oli shares poignant memories of moving to the UK ("never got to say goodbye") and the challenges he faced, including the role of music in overcoming solitude. The conversation also touches on the powerful influence of Nelson Mandela ("one of a kind person, so special, genuine role model") and the inspiration drawn from his life.

We explore the concept of "friendtorships"—mentorships that also encompass deep friendships. Oli reflects on key figures in his life who have helped him grow, both personally and professionally, including his former bosses Jim Reynolds ("welcomed me to my first job...Jim had the most brutal and helpful, 1:1 chat w/ me") and Dean Curtis ("the kind of boss that everyone deserves to have"). The discussion emphasizes the importance of genuine connections and the role of technology in modern friendships.

As we transition to talk about Stornoway's work, their last performance,  the focus shifts to their 2023 album "Dig the Mountain" and the song "Trouble with the Green."(so many interpretations, it deals with stress, technically a description of the symptoms") Oli provides insights into the band's creative process, the challenges of lyric writing, and the evolution of their harmonious sound. The episode wraps up with a fun lightning round, giving listeners a glimpse into Oli's preferences and personality.

Don't miss this enlightening conversation filled with personal anecdotes, musical insights, and the essence of what makes Oli such a unique and creative person. His words will draw you in, hook, line, and sinker!

Follow Oli Steadman:
https://www.stornowayband.com/
https://www.instagram.com/olikizuki/

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4hkqdLRXDnfkqr1H0iCqEZ?si=8ZNaPzHcRxmpHVnW9XUpxQ&nd=1&dlsi=13fd4f9a55ca48e8

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