Rising singer-songwriter Stephen Mugford dives back into the ocean with the live rendition of ‘Easy to Love’ from his jazz-centric debut album Palooza Beach, which first made waves on September 13th, 2024.
The track — one of four forthcoming live singles from the EP set to be released this fall— draws from a profound love story in Mugford’s own life, destined to find its place on many romantic soundtracks. “It was a chance to capture the less filtered, raw feelings that all of these songs emanate from. I love the produced versions, but these are simpler and more raw expressions of the deep emotions that were at the centre of each of them,” says Stephen.
Guided by the uplifting spirit of Jason Mraz, the melodic storytelling of Paul McCartney, and the warm acoustic ease of Willie Nelson, ‘Easy to Love (Live)’ shines a light on the imperfect but deeply human nature of relationships. Its stripped-back acoustic lilt allows the emotion at its core to resonate all the more.
Two additional live singles are set to follow before the EP releases: ‘Wild Things’ — a heartfelt ode to his children that celebrates difference as a superpower — and ‘Runnin’ — a meditation on aging with his wife, written in just seven minutes. An accompanying video for ‘Backside of the Moon’ will further explore the challenges of parenthood. With a playful reshuffling of roles, producer John Escobar steps in on drums and rhythm guitar, while pianist Zahili Gonzalez Zamora brings a new dimension to the soundscape — leaving Stephen Mugford free to settle into where he belongs: storytelling through his voice.
With years of musical experience and a background in poetry, Stephen charms listeners with incisive lyrics and emotional nuance, his raucous storytelling holding audiences rapt. The result is music that lingers long after the last note — intimate, unguarded, and unmistakably Stephen Mugford.
‘Easy To Love (Live)’ is out on all streaming platforms now.
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