Steve Poulton

ARTIST PROFILE

 Steve Poulton is more than a musician—he’s a force of nature on stage. An accomplished guitarist, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, Poulton has captivated audiences across the globe as well as being part of a Grammy-winning 2010 Best Native American Music Album. With a career spanning decades, he has carved out a reputation as an electrifying performer, gifted songwriter, and masterful audio engineer.

Poulton’s musical journey began at the age of 10 with piano lessons from Sister Sippron, a Catholic nun who often drifted off to sleep mid-lesson. Undeterred, his passion for music only grew stronger. He expanded his skill set to drums, trumpet, bass, and classical guitar. But when he first heard the searing electric guitar tones of Gary Moore, his path was forever altered. Inspired by the raw energy of rock and blues, Poulton set out to make the guitar his voice.

Determined to amplify his sound, he modified his grandmother’s phonograph player into his first guitar amplifier. This early fascination with electronics became a lifelong obsession, and to this day, he meticulously builds and tweaks his gear in the endless pursuit of the perfect tone.

Poulton hit the road at just 16, first touring New Zealand before expanding his reach to Australia, Europe, Canada, and the United States—where he lived for nearly two decades. His time in the U.S. left an indelible mark on his sound, a rich blend of acoustic fingerstyle guitar, open-tuned dobro, banjo, percussion, and electric guitar. His versatility is unmistakable, as he effortlessly shifts between genres, creating a musical experience that is as diverse as it is powerful.

His music is a melting pot of folk, bluegrass, country, blues, pop, rock, jazz, and fusion, weaving timeless influences into something uniquely his own. With deep, resonant vocals and blazing guitar performances, Poulton has a way of leaving audiences spellbound. Whether on stage or in the studio, his passion and authenticity shine through, making his live shows a must-see for music lovers and guitar aficionados alike.

Connection to Kāpiti / Horowhenua

Steve and his whanau have deep connections to Horowhenua.

Musical genre and vibe

Contemporary / Classic

Jazz / Blues

Connect / Listen / Watch

https://stevepoulton.com/

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