Martin Stephenson And The Daintees

Martin Stephenson And The Daintees are a North East England folk and alternative act led by singer, songwriter and musician Martin Stephenson, who is born in County Durham. Stephenson starts the project in the early 1980s after being inspired by punk and by a wide mix of styles including rockabilly, show tunes, straight rock and punk.

Early years and recordings

The Daintees are named as a reaction to what Stephenson sees as the seriousness and angst of much of the music of the period. They are one of the first bands to sign to the Newcastle-upon-Tyne independent label Kitchenware Records. Their first single, Roll On Summertime, introduces them as a lively new act.

After Kitchenware moves Stephenson to London Records, the band releases Boat To Bolivia in 1985, produced by Gil Norton. The album includes songs such as Crocodile Cryer, Little Red Bottle, Running Waters and Rain, and it establishes Stephenson’s songwriting style through rootsy pop songs with a broad range of influences.

Live reputation and later albums

Extensive touring gives Stephenson and the band a strong reputation as a live act. Later London Records albums include Gladsome, Humour, and Blue in 1987, Salutation Road in 1989 and The Boy's Heart in 1992. These records do not capture his work as fully as the debut, and Stephenson’s preference for more direct and heartfelt music leads him to play folk clubs and small bars as well.

Independent releases and related work

Stephenson leaves London in 1993 and also ends his link with Kitchenware management. He then signs to Demon Records and makes three albums there: Yogi in My House, Sweet Misdemeanour and Beyond the Leap, Beyond The Law. After Demon is sold in 1998, he releases When It's Gone, It's Gone on Get Rhythm and later issues a self-titled album on Floating World, made up of re-recordings of songs from across his career.

He later lives in the Highlands of Scotland. He also records The Lilac Tree, an acoustic-based project.