01Profile
A Nathan McLaren-Stewart Photo
Nathan McLaren-Stewart
Photographer/Journalist — Bristol
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
I’m Nathan McLaren-Stewart, I was born in Cambridge but my family is Scottish.
What do you do?
Too much. I am the founder of Bad Luck Magazine, play in a band called Captain Suun and help to do some things for Astral Festival. I’m also a photographer.
Describe your style in three words?
Seventies Music Man.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
The Growlers - Primavera Sound 2017.
If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
The Doors, because Jim Morrison a true poet and performer, and Led Zeppelin because… Led Zeppe-lin.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
The Summer of Love because it was the youth in revolt in 1967 against the Vietnam war and a bull-shit government in a peaceful and beautiful way. In music, the rock scene of the early 1970s. It was an honest and raw time for music and we are yet to hit back to that mark, I don’t think we ever will.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Iggy Pop, the man probably has some mental stories I could get out of him.
Of all the independent venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
The Old England in Bristol because it’s always welcoming and a real important venue in Bristol. I’ve seen some amazing shows there.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Robert Johnson. I think he’s getting on people’s radar a bit more now because of a Netflix documentary, but I found his story so interesting. He allegedly sold his soul and has a chilling background. He was also the first of the “27 Club”. His music was haunting.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
Deep Purple - 'Smoke on the Water'
An early introduction to rock from my dad. Also, who doesn’t know who to play the guitar part?
A song that defines the teenage you?
The Smiths - 'How Soon Is Now?'
I used to listen to The Smiths a lot, but I find it hard to now that Morrissey is the way he is. How Soon Is Now was the first time I really appreciated Johnny Marr is a guitarist though, and I think their songwriting was just always quite relatable for the indie youth.
One record you would keep forever?
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - 'Déja Vu'
I’ve always struggled to explain why this record means a lot to me, but when I bought my copy I got it from a wonderful lady when I was at End of the Road with a band. She told me she had seen CSNY live back in 1970 and has been in love with David Crosby since that day and will never forget the look in his beautiful kind brown eyes. I thought it was such a beautiful connection to have to music.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
“When I get myself together, I’m gonna get down in that sunny southern weather.”
Crosby, Stills & Nash - 'Almost Cut My Hair'
A song you wished you had written?
Led Zeppelin - 'Going to California'
It’s just a beautiful ballad. Page’s guitar playing has such a nostalgic feeling to it, and Plant’s longing for something is raw and honest.
Best song to turn up loud?
Primal Scream - 'Rocks'
I can’t not drop a Scottish artist in here. Bobby Gillespie has been one of my favourite people to photograph live, and I can’t help but turn it twice as loud when Rocks kicks in.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
Taylor Swift - 'Bad Blood'
It’s just catchy.
The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes - 'Reaching for the World'
I ended up with his on record by chance, I think it was bought for me in a charity or something. It was in a tatty condition, but upon hearing the opening track I knew the whole record would be golden. The suits The Blue Notes wore were really something.
Best song to end an all-nighter?
The Velvet Underground - 'Pale Blue Eyes'
I think it’s one of the ultimate comedown songs. The sweet guitar melody has an immense feeling of calm. I think it also has a subtle power of telling everyone that it’s time to go home.
Any new bands you are into at the moment?
The Pinheads, Creatures, Mattiel
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
I’m Nathan McLaren-Stewart, I was born in Cambridge but my family is Scottish.
What do you do?
Too much. I am the founder of Bad Luck Magazine, play in a band called Captain Suun and help to do some things for Astral Festival. I’m also a photographer.
Describe your style in three words?
Seventies Music Man.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
The Growlers - Primavera Sound 2017.
If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
The Doors, because Jim Morrison a true poet and performer, and Led Zeppelin because… Led Zeppe-lin.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
The Summer of Love because it was the youth in revolt in 1967 against the Vietnam war and a bull-shit government in a peaceful and beautiful way. In music, the rock scene of the early 1970s. It was an honest and raw time for music and we are yet to hit back to that mark, I don’t think we ever will.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Iggy Pop, the man probably has some mental stories I could get out of him.
Of all the independent venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
The Old England in Bristol because it’s always welcoming and a real important venue in Bristol. I’ve seen some amazing shows there.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Robert Johnson. I think he’s getting on people’s radar a bit more now because of a Netflix documentary, but I found his story so interesting. He allegedly sold his soul and has a chilling background. He was also the first of the “27 Club”. His music was haunting.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
Deep Purple - 'Smoke on the Water'
An early introduction to rock from my dad. Also, who doesn’t know who to play the guitar part?
A song that defines the teenage you?
The Smiths - 'How Soon Is Now?'
I used to listen to The Smiths a lot, but I find it hard to now that Morrissey is the way he is. How Soon Is Now was the first time I really appreciated Johnny Marr is a guitarist though, and I think their songwriting was just always quite relatable for the indie youth.
One record you would keep forever?
Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - 'Déja Vu'
I’ve always struggled to explain why this record means a lot to me, but when I bought my copy I got it from a wonderful lady when I was at End of the Road with a band. She told me she had seen CSNY live back in 1970 and has been in love with David Crosby since that day and will never forget the look in his beautiful kind brown eyes. I thought it was such a beautiful connection to have to music.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
“When I get myself together, I’m gonna get down in that sunny southern weather.”
Crosby, Stills & Nash - 'Almost Cut My Hair'
A song you wished you had written?
Led Zeppelin - 'Going to California'
It’s just a beautiful ballad. Page’s guitar playing has such a nostalgic feeling to it, and Plant’s longing for something is raw and honest.
Best song to turn up loud?
Primal Scream - 'Rocks'
I can’t not drop a Scottish artist in here. Bobby Gillespie has been one of my favourite people to photograph live, and I can’t help but turn it twice as loud when Rocks kicks in.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
Taylor Swift - 'Bad Blood'
It’s just catchy.
The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes - 'Reaching for the World'
I ended up with his on record by chance, I think it was bought for me in a charity or something. It was in a tatty condition, but upon hearing the opening track I knew the whole record would be golden. The suits The Blue Notes wore were really something.
Best song to end an all-nighter?
The Velvet Underground - 'Pale Blue Eyes'
I think it’s one of the ultimate comedown songs. The sweet guitar melody has an immense feeling of calm. I think it also has a subtle power of telling everyone that it’s time to go home.
Any new bands you are into at the moment?
The Pinheads, Creatures, Mattiel