Biography:

Originally from Sale in Eastern Victoria, singer/songwriter Stephen Ward is based in Melbourne, Australia. His debut album So Long (2011) offered the first glimpse of his talent; and after three years of solid gigging Stephen has again hit the studio and recorded four-track EP Permanent Dream. 

Mixed by Joel Tipping and mastered by Naomune Anzai, Permanent Dream features Ward on vocals, guitars, and bass. Additional contributions from Mitch McGregor (djembe and percussion), Laura Moore (cello) and Lucy Smyth (harmony vocal) help shape the lush acoustic backdrop for this subtly eclectic set of songs.

The response to So Long was enthusiastic – it has sold far and wide via digital channels to increasing numbers of fans in the US, UK, Germany and New Zealand – already Permanent Dream’s country-tinged opening track ‘White Circles’ was awarded first prize at the Gippsland Country Music Festival songwriting competition. 

The atmospheric, harmony-laden ‘Moonlight’ has prompted comparisons to Tusk-era Fleetwood Mac, Neil Finn and Gotye; while the poignant lullaby ’Little Man’ tugs at the heartstrings. Rounding out the EP is ‘Colour Blind’, a mature piece of acoustic power pop that will appeal to folkies and rockers alike.

Permanent Dream will be released in 2014 across a number of locations, dates TBA.