Stewart Lane

I am a multi-media artist working in music composition, cultural activist, performance, songwriting and short film making, with a parallel life as a performance/life coach and organisational development consultant. I'm chiefly interested in questions of neuro-divergency, agency and their relationship to the well-being of the mind and body. I have always believed music and sound to have trans-dimensional and therapeutic potential, and how, considered in this light,  they can impact the cultural and social landscape. The cross-fertilisation of these usually unconnected worlds has been inspiring, informative, unexpected, challenging, joyful, perplexing and fulfilling. This was never a career path. Life led me here, for which I am very grateful.

 

THE JOURNEY

 

I've followed  a maverick path of questioning and investigation, reflected in the range of musical genres and styles I've been attracted to exploring. Music was never a choice, but a necessity. It has been a constant in my life and I'm always involved with it somehow. It is a crucible for the mingling of ideas and experiences.

 

My first adult adventures in music were as part of the alternative cabaret circuit, from which I formed an experimental protean ensemble called BAL (1989-1996). Over seven years, its shifting line-up included voices, string quartet, piano, rock guitars and drums and chamber orchestra. I have also written for film and theatre as well as a variety of programmatic music pieces (String quartets, chamber works, mixed ensemble, sonatas - violin, viola, cello, saxophone, hand-bells, and orchestra)

 

As a child I frequently experienced what has been termed lucid dreaming, out-of-body (OOB) and metaphysical states. Trying to make sense of them within the context of the 'real world' was tricky. By the age of 11, I'd largely shut them off. But not permanently. Music helped. Sometimes it was the only way I could make sense of things. I'm happy to say, they began to return, although in a different way. I can now tell the difference between this world and others.

 

My alternative realities haven't only consisted of the ethereal. I have lived and worked among people inhabiting the fringes of society and convention; artists, quantum visionaries, the homeless and the unconventional. I've explored neuro and neuro-cardio-psychology, cognitive

behavioural psychology, science faction and fiction, the metaphysical and the ultra-physical. These are the themes and influences that informed and inspired me and found their way into my work with voice, sound, words, people, coaching and facilitating.

 

Working with people and organisations exploring personal development and creativity, inclusion, questions of agency, well-being and social enterprise, alongside music, have been among my most rewarding experiences.  

​

I identify as a global citizen.