Steph Macleod’s ‘Gold’ is the long awaited 3rd studio album from the internationally acclaimed singer songwriter.
Steph Macleod’s10 track album draws inspiration from his own recovery and features an eclectic range of musical styles including Folk, Americana, Rock, Celtic and Electronica.
“The purpose of the ‘Gold’ campaign is to encourage conversation about mental health and recovery while raising awareness and tackling stigma. Steph Macleod says “The songs were inspired by my own journey of recovery, and I hope to encourage a deeper conversation about emotional transparency. The more we talk, listen and ask questions, the more we come to understand; it’s OK to come to God in our brokenness. I’ve seen & experienced first hand how understanding and compassion draws healing and hope from a place of brokenness and fear.”
About Steph Macleod
Steph Macleod (SCO) is a singer songwriter, worship leader and Mental Health Awareness campaigner. He has been in full time ministry since releasing his critically acclaimed debut album ‘Light In The Darkest Of Nights’ in 2010.
“I have a passion for God and for people. It’s my hope that the songs I write will bring them closer together.”
Steph shares the hope he found in Jesus Christ through word and song all over the world. He draws inspiration from his own lived experience. He is committed to sharing the Gospel and the power of God’s saving grace.
Steph’s music has featured regularly on BBC Radio 2, BBC Songs of Praise, UCB, and he performs and leads worship regularly.
He also has a passion for mentoring the next generation of young Christian musicians and is an activist for mental health awareness.
He has toured and performed with Mike Farris, Nathan Jess, Chris McClarney, Martin Harley, and supported artists like Matt Redman, The Rend Collective, and Martin Smith.
Steph has recently become part of the new Scottish worship ministry Celtic Worship; a group of professional Scottish musicians who want to glorify God with the music they love so much.
They will be touring this autumn in collaboration with TearFund, and recording their first album in November.
Gold-The Album
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Still Waters
Gold begins reflecting on brokenness in the depths of mental health and addiction; crying out for deliverance while longing for peace and serenity. A truly powerful song written from the heart, reinforced by atmospheric production and contrasting dynamics.
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One Day at a Time
Steph wrote this song in hospital detoxing from medication he’d been on for over a decade. Stuck in reminiscence and emotional pain, he realised that surrender was the only answer in order to move into acceptance and then forward in freedom. Deep southern tones with a stomp and holler vibe.
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Grace
Featuring the EMCEE (MC) skills of MPFree and inspired by Steph’s love for DJ Shadow, Massive Attack and Portishead, Grace depicts Steph’s struggles of coming to God in a state of brokenness, depression and shame, but ultimately crying out in the depths of emotional pain. Incredible production from Sam Gallagher and a step into new creative territory for Steph Macleod.
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Let There Be Light
A vivid, emotive and stripped back song delving deep into the realms of loneliness yet holding onto the hope of a new beginning, faithful in the promise that God journeys with us always despite the overwhelming conviction of spiritual bankruptcy. Raw vulnerability dripping with gospel roots and spiritual Blues.
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Gold
The title track of the album plays homage to the people in Steph’s life who aided him in his recovery. Gold features synth soundscapes and a dynamic vocal ensemble. “The love I received helped me to accept my struggles; it gave me the ability to move forward. I truly found myself and began to grow by embracing vulnerability and breakthrough denial into the realm of emotional transparency. The more I let go, the more I healed. Just like gold, people are precious even when broken..”
6.Old John Barleycorn
Steph takes the protagonist of the old British folk song ’John Barleycorn’ and paints him in a new light. Now the personification of alcohol, Old John Barleycorn is a force to be reckoned with. The song is about knowing your enemy and being steadfast in faith. A high energy stomp with Celtic flavours featuring Scott Wood (Whistle) & Mhairi Marwick (Fiddle).
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Soul Searching
A ferocious song drawing inspiration from The Black Keys, Jack White and Goldfrapp. It Blends electronica and rock, Soul Searching is a story in 2 parts: the illusion of finding love and contentment from chemicals and hedonism, juxtaposed then with the liberation of the Father’s Devine Grace.
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Blood Red Running (Psalm 79)
Steph uses the vivid imagery of Psalm 79 as an analogy for his spiritual condition during the process of mental health recovery. With anger and resentment towards anything external (the destruction of Jerusalem) being an outward reflection of Steph’s inner turmoil, the climactic bridge is a plea for rescue and deliverance. Dynamic and cinematic music inspired by one of the greatest laments in existence.
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Love Changes Everything
The penultimate song of Gold is an antidote to loneliness, depression, low self esteem and self doubt: pouring out love to others. “The more I compassionately loved others, the more I found compassion for myself. It was a true paradoxical miracle!” Americana vibes with a powerful message.
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Ever Golden
Gold concludes with a song of reflection: Saying goodbye to the ‘old’ self and being at peace with the true self. Keep on singing; shining ever golden! A laid back groove enhanced by wonderful instrumentalists with an almost live acoustic flavour, Ever Golden draws an emotional musical journey to an inspiring and hopeful close.
Gold is available to to purchase from Steph’s website
