Tag: Seasick Steve

5 Questions About Seasick Steve: Surprising Revelations

Seasick Steve, the iconic American blues musician, has carved a niche for himself in the music world with his distinctive sound and persona. Known for his raw, powerful performances and a backstory that reads like a novel, there’s more to Steve than meets the eye. Let’s delve into five questions about Seasick Steve, uncovering some surprising facts about his early career, nickname, talent discovery, unique instruments, and the authenticity of his “blues tramp” image.

1. What were the surprising beginnings of Seasick Steve’s musical career?

Steve’s musical journey is far from ordinary. Born Steven Gene Wold in 1951, his entry into music wasn’t through the conventional routes of music schools or early childhood prodigy tales. Instead, Steve’s initiation into the music world was through sheer necessity and survival. Traveling and hopping freight trains across the U.S. in his youth, he started playing music as a way to fend for himself. Surprisingly, it wasn’t until his late 40s that Steve’s music career began to gain traction, a stark contrast to the industry norm where youth is often prized. His debut on the music scene was as unexpected as it was delayed, proving that talent can emerge at any stage of life.

2. How did Seasick Steve earn his unique nickname?

The story behind Steve’s nickname is as intriguing as the man himself. Unlike what one might assume, the moniker “Seasick” didn’t come from a lifetime spent at sea or a particular vulnerability to motion sickness. Instead, it originated from a comment made by a friend during a boat trip in Norway, where Steve was living at the time. Despite the relatively calm waters, Steve felt unwell, leading his friend to jestingly dub him “Seasick Steve.” The name stuck, and it has since become synonymous with his gritty blues persona, highlighting how sometimes, a casual remark can lead to a lifelong identity.

3. What was the amazing discovery of Seasick Steve’s talent?

Steve’s talent was discovered in a manner as unconventional as his music. It was his electrifying performance on the British television show “Jools Holland’s Hootenanny” in 2006 that catapulted him into the spotlight. Before this appearance, Steve was relatively unknown in the mainstream music world, despite decades of making music. His performance, characterized by raw energy and authenticity, captured the hearts of millions overnight. This breakthrough moment showcased how unexpected platforms can reveal hidden gems, transforming an underground musician into a household name.

4. What unusual instruments does Seasick Steve use, and which has he created himself?

Seasick Steve is renowned for his use of unconventional and homemade instruments, which contribute to his unique sound. Among these is the “Three-String Trance Wonder,” a guitar with only three strings that Steve claims is all he needs to make his music. Another creation is the “Mississippi Drum Machine,” a small wooden box that serves as a percussion instrument, stomped upon for rhythm. These instruments, crafted from found objects and personal ingenuity, demonstrate Steve’s philosophy of making the most out of the least, embodying the essence of blues music.

5. To what extent is Seasick Steve’s image of a blues tramp real, and to what extent is it just a stage creation?

Seasick Steve’s image as a blues tramp, complete with a rugged beard, worn-out clothes, and a backstory of hardship, raises questions about authenticity versus performance. While it’s true that Steve’s life has had its share of struggles, including periods of homelessness and labor-intensive jobs, his persona is not entirely a fabrication. However, Steve himself has admitted to embellishing aspects of his backstory for effect. This blend of reality and storytelling serves to enhance his connection with the roots of blues music, which traditionally channels the spirit of struggle and resilience. Nonetheless, it’s clear that Steve’s image, though partly curated for the stage, is deeply rooted in genuine life experiences, making his persona as authentic as it is captivating.

Seasick Steve’s journey from obscurity to international acclaim is a testament to the unpredictable nature of music and the enduring appeal of genuine, soul-stirring performances. His story, instruments, and persona remind us that music is not just about notes and melodies but about stories, emotions, and the raw human experience.

Seasick Steve basement session playing “Don’t Know Why She Loves Me But She Do” on cigarbox guitar.

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

Seasick Steve

Seasick Steve is a blues musician, whose history can be used for a very interesting screenplay. His work is permeated with a personal life experience, which is not felt by only bright colors. But Steve was able to draw from this is the best.

The exact date of birth of Steve is not known, a musician himself says he was born in 1940 or 1941 year. Not preserved because no documents proving this fact. When he was four, his parents divorced. At the age of five he tried without success to learn to play the piano of his father, who was a musician. But when he was eight, he learned to play guitar from K. C. Douglas – bluesman, who then worked in the garage of his grandfather. Steve came from a dysfunctional family. After the divorce, the mother of Steve remarried. Beaten and humiliated by her stepfather Steve at age 13 ran away from home, choosing to live as the tramp and the seasonal worker.

Steve from the beginning of its life was interested in music and instruments. Unfortunately, the way his life did not allow him to purchase the right equipment to play. Many people in this situation abandoned their passions and dreams. Steve, however, was not like most. For 7 years of his life traveling around the United States with guitar and composed blues tunes. He never gave up his passion.

In the ’60s, Steve has made contact with the music industry, which was fulfilled his dreams. He was a session musician, sound engineer and ultimately producer. Collaborated with Janis Joplin and Joni Mitchell. According to sources, when he lived in Seattle he became friends with Kurt Cobain.

Steve in his life he traveled not only the United States. He also lived in Paris, earning his living by playing in the subway. Also he lived in Norway. It was after a cruise to Norway clung to him the nickname “Seasick” because of seasickness during the cruise.

During his stay in Norway, Steve became seriously ill – has undergone extensive heart attack. This event was a landmark in his life. Close encounter with death determined the Steve to register their own songs on the album. The first album “Cheap”, recorded with the Norwegian musicians, was released in 2004. He became famous, however, after the second album, released two years later the “Dog House Music”. From that moment under the stage name Seasick Steve began performing at numerous music festivals, especially in the UK.

Seasick Steve is famous for collecting, creating and use of unusual guitars. He collects destroyed instruments that he repairs himself. In the collection there are several dozen, including the three-Trance Wonder (devastated Fender Coronado) or one string Diddley Bow, he play “slide” using a screwdriver. Sam Steve says that repairing or even create their own instruments left him from the days when he could not even afford food, much less expensive in these times than guitars.

Seasick Steve is a great example, that we should not abandon our passions and dreams. Despite many adversities Steve played and worked. His rich experience luggage clearly influenced his work.

Video source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-aaiB3O8XQ

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

Seasick Steve

Steve is living proof that your big break can come at any age. Born Steven Gene Wold in Oakland, California in 1941 – yes, 1941 – Steve has spent his life in transit: he’s been everything from a hobo to a record producer. But he never strayed far from music.

Kicked out of his family home at the age of 14, Steve became a genuine hobo, hopping freights all over America. Always traveling with his guitar – having been taught a few chords as a kid by Delta bluesman KC Douglas, an old pal of the legendary Tommy Johnson – in the ’60s he began to play at clubs on the West Coast and supported Son House among others.

Seasick’s show in the live TV show Live On Jools Holland in December 2006 is considered one of the most significant breakthroughs in the history of music. After the performance, the artist, thinking that no one listened to him, threw his guitar angrily and returned home. Before he could wake up the next day, he was famous.

An American, living in Norway, in the following years published platinum albums, received two Brit Awards nominations and thousands of invitations to major international music festivals.

The distinctive punk blues performed by Seasick Steve carries all the hallmarks of self-taughtness. Raw voice and always customized fingering while playing hand-made guitars – these are his trademarks. He can create instruments from cans of cigars, car parts or even … from a pickaxe, and his guitars have two or three strings.

When asked about his nickname has said: “because it’s just true: I always get seasick”. Once he was ill on a ferry from Norway to Copenhagen, later in his life, a friend began playfully using the name and, despite Wold not rising to it for a while, it stuck. When asked about his name on British Sunday morning television show, Something for the Weekend, he replied, “I just get sick on boats”. On Top Gear, when asked about his name, Wold replied: “Well, I guess I just don’t like boats!”

Albums

2004: Cheap
2006: Dog House Music
2008: I Started Out With Nothin and I Still Got Most of it Left
2009: Man From Another Time
2010: Songs for Elisabeth
2011: You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
2012: Hubcap Music
2015: Sonic Soul Surfer
2016: Keepin’ The Horse Between Me and The Ground
2018: Can U Cook?
2020: Love and Peace
2021: Blues In Mono

The one and only Seasick Steve came to Dingle for Series 6 of Other Voices and he sang about hobos and chiggers and told us about his three string Trans-Wonder – it was made in Japan you know – in no time flat he blew us all away.

Seasick Steve

Seasick’s show in the live TV show Live On Jools Holland in December 2006 is considered one of the most significant breakthroughs in the history of music. After the performance, the artist, thinking that no one listened to him, threw his guitar angrily and returned home. Before he could wake up the next day, he was famous.

An American, living in Norway, in the following years published platinum albums, received two Brit Awards nominations and thousands of invitations to major international music festivals.

The distinctive punk blues performed by Seasick Steve carries all the hallmarks of self-taughtness. Raw voice and always customized fingering while playing hand-made guitars – these are his trademarks. He can create instruments from cans of cigars, car parts, or even … from a pickaxe, and his guitars have two or three strings.

When asked about his nickname has said: “because it’s just true: I always get seasick”. When he was ill on a ferry from Norway to Copenhagen, later in his life, a friend began playfully using the name and, despite Wold not rising to it for a while, it stuck. When asked about his name on the British Sunday morning television show, Something for the Weekend, he replied, “I just get sick on boats”. On Top Gear, when asked about his name, Wold replied: “Well, I guess I just don’t like boats!”

Albums

2004: Cheap
2006: Dog House Music
2008: I Started Out With Nothin and I Still Got Most of it Left
2009: Man From Another Time
2010: Songs for Elisabeth
2011: You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
2012: Hubcap Music
2015: Sonic Soul Surfer
2016: Keepin’ The Horse Between Me and The Ground
2018: Can U Cook?
2020: Love and Peace
2021: Blues In Mono

Seasick Steve is a blues musician, whose history can be used for a very interesting screenplay. His work is permeated with a personal life experience, which is not felt by only bright colors. But Steve was able to draw from this is the best.

The exact date of birth of Steve is not known, a musician himself says he was born in 1940 or 1941 year. Not preserved because no documents proving this fact. When he was four, his parents divorced. At the age of five he tried without success to learn to play the piano of his father, who was a musician. But when he was eight, he learned to play guitar from K. C. Douglas – bluesman, who then worked in the garage of his grandfather. Steve came from a dysfunctional family. After the divorce, the mother of Steve remarried. Beaten and humiliated by her stepfather Steve at age 13 ran away from home, choosing to live as the tramp and the seasonal worker.

Steve from the beginning of its life was interested in music and instruments. Unfortunately, the way his life did not allow him to purchase the right equipment to play. Many people in this situation abandoned their passions and dreams. Steve, however, was not like most. For 7 years of his life traveling around the United States with guitar and composed blues tunes. He never gave up his passion.

In the ’60s, Steve has made contact with the music industry, which was fulfilled his dreams. He was a session musician, sound engineer and ultimately producer. Collaborated with Janis Joplin and Joni Mitchell. According to sources, when he lived in Seattle he became friends with Kurt Cobain.

Steve in his life he traveled not only the United States. He also lived in Paris, earning his living by playing in the subway. Also he lived in Norway. It was after a cruise to Norway clung to him the nickname “Seasick” because of seasickness during the cruise.

During his stay in Norway, Steve became seriously ill – has undergone extensive heart attack. This event was a landmark in his life. Close encounter with death determined the Steve to register their own songs on the album. The first album “Cheap”, recorded with the Norwegian musicians, was released in 2004. He became famous, however, after the second album, released two years later the “Dog House Music”. From that moment under the stage name Seasick Steve began performing at numerous music festivals, especially in the UK.

Seasick Steve is famous for collecting, creating and use of unusual guitars. He collects destroyed instruments that he repairs himself. In the collection there are several dozen, including the three-Trance Wonder (devastated Fender Coronado) or one string Diddley Bow, he play “slide” using a screwdriver. Sam Steve says that repairing or even create their own instruments left him from the days when he could not even afford food, much less expensive in these times than guitars.

Seasick Steve is a great example, that we should not abandon our passions and dreams. Despite many adversities Steve played and worked. His rich experience luggage clearly influenced his work.

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

Blues In Mono is the album released by Seasick Steve in 2021. Available on all digital platforms.
Choose your service here: https://lnk.to/BluesInMono

Seasick Steve

Seasick’s show in the live TV show Live On Jools Holland in December 2006 is considered one of the most significant breakthroughs in the history of music. After the performance, the artist, thinking that no one listened to him, threw his guitar angrily and returned home. Before he could wake up the next day, he was famous.

An American, living in Norway, in the following years published platinum albums, received two Brit Awards nominations and thousands of invitations to major international music festivals.

The distinctive punk blues performed by Seasick Steve carries all the hallmarks of self-taughtness. Raw voice and always customized fingering while playing hand-made guitars – these are his trademarks. He can create instruments from cans of cigars, car parts, or even … from a pickaxe, and his guitars have two or three strings.

When asked about his nickname has said: “because it’s just true: I always get seasick”. When he was ill on a ferry from Norway to Copenhagen, later in his life, a friend began playfully using the name and, despite Wold not rising to it for a while, it stuck. When asked about his name on the British Sunday morning television show, Something for the Weekend, he replied, “I just get sick on boats”. On Top Gear, when asked about his name, Wold replied: “Well, I guess I just don’t like boats!”

Albums

2004: Cheap
2006: Dog House Music
2008: I Started Out With Nothin and I Still Got Most of it Left
2009: Man From Another Time
2010: Songs for Elisabeth
2011: You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
2012: Hubcap Music
2015: Sonic Soul Surfer
2016: Keepin’ The Horse Between Me and The Ground
2018: Can U Cook?
2020: Love and Peace
2021: Blues In Mono

Seasick Steve could play anything. Dirty down and funky blues.

Diddley bow

The diddley bow is a single-stringed American instrument that influenced the development of the blues sound. It consists of a single string of baling wire tensioned between two nails on a board over a glass bottle, which is used both as a bridge and as a means to magnify the instrument’s sound.

The diddley bow is typically homemade, consisting of a wooden board and a single wire string stretched between two screws and played by plucking while varying the pitch with a metal or glass slide held in the other hand. Using a glass bottle as the bridge helps amplify the sound. The diddley bow was traditionally considered an “entry-level” instrument, usually played by adolescent boys, who then graduate to a “normal” guitar if they show promise on the diddley bow. Currently, the diddley bow is also played by professional players as a solo as well as an accompaniment instrument.

Seasick Steve

Steve is living proof that your big break can come at any age. Born Steven Gene Wold in Oakland, California in 1941 – yes, 1941 – Steve has spent his life in transit: he’s been everything from a hobo to a record producer. But he never strayed far from music.

Kicked out of his family home at the age of 14, Seasick Steve became a genuine hobo, hopping freights all over America. Always traveling with his guitar – having been taught a few chords as a kid by Delta bluesman KC Douglas, an old pal of the legendary Tommy Johnson – in the ’60s he began to play at clubs on the West Coast and supported Son House among others.

Albums

2004: Cheap
2006: Dog House Music
2008: I Started Out With Nothin and I Still Got Most of it Left
2009: Man From Another Time
2010: Songs for Elisabeth
2011: You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
2012: Hubcap Music
2015: Sonic Soul Surfer
2016: Keepin’ The Horse Between Me and The Ground
2018: Can U Cook?
2020: Love and Peace

Thank You

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

“Down On The Farm” is the song from the album Hubcap Music recorded by Seasick Steve in 2012.

Seasick Steve

Steve is living proof that your big break can come at any age. Born Steven Gene Wold in Oakland, California in 1941 – yes, 1941 – Steve has spent his life in transit: he’s been everything from a hobo to a record producer. But he never strayed far from music.

Kicked out of his family home at the age of 14, Steve became a genuine hobo, hopping freights all over America. Always traveling with his guitar – having been taught a few chords as a kid by Delta bluesman KC Douglas, an old pal of the legendary Tommy Johnson – in the ’60s he began to play at clubs on the West Coast and supported Son House among others.

Albums

2004: Cheap
2006: Dog House Music
2008: I Started Out With Nothin and I Still Got Most of it Left
2009: Man From Another Time
2010: Songs for Elisabeth
2011: You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
2012: Hubcap Music
2015: Sonic Soul Surfer
2016: Keepin’ The Horse Between Me and The Ground
2018: Can U Cook?
2020: Love and Peace

Blues is a musical genre known as the folklore of African-American musicians. Its origins are associated with the southern states of the USA, that is the region conventionally called the “deep south”. The very name of the genre (sadness, despair) is related to its nostalgic form, also in the textual layer. Blues pieces touch male-female relationships as well as feelings and emotions (love, loneliness, faithfulness, jealousy). However, blues performers often sing about freedom, work and travel. The songs also feature social criticism relating mainly to racial inequality and political issues.

Many artists are inspired by blues music and combine it with other styles. In this way, such musical mergers as punk blues, soul blues or blues rock. The popularity of this genre in the USA has led to the emergence of regional varieties, such as Louisiana, New Orleans, Texas and Detroit blues. There are also factions characteristic of other countries – British blues and African blues.

Seasick Steve basement session playing “Don’t Know Why She Loves Me But She Do” on cigarbox guitar.

Seasick Steve

Steve is living proof that your big break can come at any age. Born Steven Gene Wold in Oakland, California in 1941 – yes, 1941 – Steve has spent his life in transit: he’s been everything from a hobo to a record producer. But he never strayed far from music.

Kicked out of his family home at the age of 14, Steve became a genuine hobo, hopping freights all over America. Always traveling with his guitar – having been taught a few chords as a kid by Delta bluesman KC Douglas, an old pal of the legendary Tommy Johnson – in the ’60s he began to play at clubs on the West Coast and supported Son House among others.

Albums

2004: Cheap
2006: Dog House Music
2008: I Started Out With Nothin and I Still Got Most of it Left
2009: Man From Another Time
2010: Songs for Elisabeth
2011: You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
2012: Hubcap Music
2015: Sonic Soul Surfer
2016: Keepin’ The Horse Between Me and The Ground
2018: Can U Cook?
2020: Love and Peace
2021: Blues In Mono

Blues is a musical genre known as the folklore of African-American musicians. Its origins are associated with the southern states of the USA, that is the region conventionally called the “deep south”. The very name of the genre (sadness, despair) is related to its nostalgic form, also in the textual layer. Blues pieces touch male-female relationships as well as feelings and emotions (love, loneliness, faithfulness, jealousy). However, blues performers often sing about freedom, work and travel. The songs also feature social criticism relating mainly to racial inequality and political issues.

Many artists are inspired by blues music and combine it with other styles. In this way, such musical mergers as punk blues, soul blues or blues rock. The popularity of this genre in the USA has led to the emergence of regional varieties, such as Louisiana, New Orleans, Texas and Detroit blues. There are also factions characteristic of other countries – British blues and African blues.

Seasick Steve

Seasick’s show in the live TV show Live On Jools Holland in December 2006 is considered one of the most significant breakthroughs in the history of music. After the performance, the artist, thinking that no one listened to him, threw his guitar angrily and returned home. Before he could wake up the next day, he was famous.

An American, living in Norway, in the following years published platinum albums, received two Brit Awards nominations and thousands of invitations to major international music festivals.

The distinctive punk blues performed by Seasick Steve carries all the hallmarks of self-taughtness. Raw voice and always customized fingering while playing hand-made guitars – these are his trademarks. He can create instruments from cans of cigars, car parts or even … from a pickaxe, and his guitars have two or three strings.

When asked about his nickname has said: “because it’s just true: I always get seasick”. When he was ill on a ferry from Norway to Copenhagen, later in his life, a friend began playfully using the name and, despite Wold not rising to it for a while, it stuck. When asked about his name on British Sunday morning television show, Something for the Weekend, he replied, “I just get sick on boats”. On Top Gear, when asked about his name, Wold replied: “Well, I guess I just don’t like boats!”

Studio version is on the new album ‘Love & Peace’ – Out Now

Buy now: https://amzn.to/2Pta19a