Richard Stirton is loving waking up and playing music every day

With the second season of The Voice South Africa under way, caught up with season 1 winner

After winning the first season of The Voice SA, Richard Stirton went on to have a successful year with his debut album Middle Ground.

How much has your life changed since winning season 1 of The Voice?

It has completely changed. I am now doing music full time and I am playing gigs every week. I have had a massive shift because I am no longer studying, so now I wake up every day to either practise, rehearse or prepare for a gig. I’m also essentially running my own business.

What has been the biggest adjustment for you?

The travelling and being away from my family and loved ones for extended periods of time. Family is very important to me, so to be seeing less of them because of all the travel and work I do has been quite an adjustment.

Looking back at The Voice, what were some of the challenges you faced?

Dealing with the pressure was tough. The Voice is an amazing competition and it was an unforgettable production to be part of, but the fact that you prepare for an entire week for a two-minute performance was quite overwhelming.

The pressure of live TV is a real thing, trust me.

Another very difficult part of the show was saying goodbye to fellow contestants on a weekly basis.

Everybody was giving of their best so it was hard to see people suffer huge disappointments, especially because we had all grown so close.

You released your debut album last year titled Middle Ground. What was the concept behind the album’s sound?

The idea for the album was to have as organic a sound as possible, which stayed true to my more alternative musical tendencies, but to also have commercial sensibility so the tracks could sit comfortably on the radio.

We wanted the songs to have a range of sounds and styles, but to, at the same time, have a similar identifiable sound at their core.

Which song on the album is your favourite? It’s difficult to say. They all have something special about them and I think because of the range of song types they each evoke different emotions.

I would be lying if I said I could single out one as my favourite.

Did you expect What Tears Me Most to reach No1 on iTunes?

I was obviously hoping it would, but I didn’t expect it to, especially not as fast as it did and to hold the top spot for as long as it did.

I’m super grateful to all the people who supported the track and the album and me in general. It really means a lot. I always maintain that we as musicians wouldn’t be able to survive without our supporters.

What did putting this album together teach you about yourself?

That I have a hell of a lot to learn.

Are you working on any new music, and if so, when can your fans expect its release?

Yes I am and they can expect it when it’s ready. We’ve only just released the first album so it won’t be too soon.

Who would be your dream collaboration?

With Ed Sheeran and Bon Iver on the same stage.

Who do you currently draw inspiration from for your music and which musician do you admire?

I’ve been binge watching Ed Sheeran interviews and performances for the past month. He is a freak of nature. The new season of The Voice is under way. What advice do you have for hopefuls?

Back yourself, back your sound, believe that you have put in the work to get you to the top.

There are always lots of amazing voices on these shows.

It is so easy to get caught up in the competition and to forget why you started singing in the first place.

Always remember to serve the song, connect with the song, the message and try communicate the message of the song as well as you can.

That way the song will connect with the listeners and they will connect with you.

What has been a highlight of your career so far after winning The Voice?

Waking up and music every day. playing