Biography

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Steve Madewell made his fourth solo album, Haunted, across two continents. Much of the recording took place in Steve’s Ohio barn with additional recording, mixing, and mastering by his co-producer Martin Stansbury at Cacophony Cottage in Cornwall, England. Steve worked with Martin (whom he met through friend and fellow songwriter Sarah McQuaid) to build this selection of tunes from his un-recorded repertoire.

Madewell’s experience in the conservation field obviously influenced the imagery in his songs. We are all haunted by personal foibles, misguided desires and shortcomings, and struggle with uncontrollable realities, aging, loss, and social inequities. Emotionally, this record dances with, or around many of these feelings, often with a very personal edge. And there is more than anxiety and loss in the project.

The album opens with a murder ballad, “Haunted.” A tragic story, set in a different time. The manifestation of a poor choice, full of regret and loss, with dire consequences of the most profound and horrible kind. A haunting on multiple levels. The song begs the question: Is this a personal metaphor, or just a fabrication? 

Madewell includes a dose of humor with “Carry That Tune,” “Matter of Time,” and the bluesy tongue-in-cheek “Late As Usual.” A message of love and balance is reflected with “My Mothers Prayers,” “The Good Old Days,” and “I Know That I Need You.” Steve calls out social injustice with “All I Want.”

The album showcases the influence of several musical genres in a folk format. “Drake Hollow” is about the Underground Railroad and has a definite trad feel. “I Can’t Get You Off Of My Mind” is a folk/bluegrass lost love song. The soft rock, “All I Want” is just edgy enough to make an appropriate commentary on police brutality. The weight of something lost is the heaviest of all.

Madewell crafted the melodies, lyrics, and vocals with the exception of a brief interpretation of “I’ll Fly Away.” Supporting musicians and vocalists include: McQuaid, Stansbury, Caroline Quine, Andrew Bonnis, Christine King, Erik Diaz, and Roger Luxton.