South African singer-songwriter-guitarist Rowan Stuart has created an inimitable brand of folk music, with pop and soul influences. Recalling Sting’s imaginative storytelling, Death Cab for Cutie’s sense of space and beauty, and John Mayer’s tight grooves, Rowan uses his notable prowess on the guitar as the foundation for his creativity.
Rowan’s career came into full swing in 2014 with the release of his album ‘Hidden Doors’. He has since toured South Africa, and opened for some of the country’s biggest acts, including The Parlotones, Prime Circle, Matthew Mole and many others. Rowan’s talents were recognized by Cort Guitars, who invited him to become a South African brand ambassador.
On big festival stages like Splashy Fen, White Mountain and the Durban International Blues Festival, or in intimate venues, Rowan strives for excellence with every performance. He is a prolific songwriter, and is currently working on dozens of new songs, while continuing his South African touring.
“Hidden Doors is a testimony to Rowan Stuart being a world class songwriter, singer and guitarist. This is his first solo acoustic outing demonstrating his more sensitive side, employing tasteful fingerstyle, funky rhythms, beautiful solos and a slide break on ‘To Deny It’ which is goosebump-rivetting. Rowan Stuart is an unsung hero and one hopes that with this amazing and well-crafted outing and guitar prowess that he will reach a wider audience.” Nibs van der Spuy