Melton vocalist to sing with music stars at Northern Soul Survivors Weekender event

A Melton singer, who released his first single earlier this year, is set to make his second appearance at the world's biggest Northern Soul event, supporting top artists and performing with his band.
Singer Stefan Taylor PHOTO: SuppliedSinger Stefan Taylor PHOTO: Supplied
Singer Stefan Taylor PHOTO: Supplied

Stefan Gackowski, whose stage name is Stefan Taylor, is attending the Northern Soul Survivors Weekender on Friday until Monday, at Butlin’s Resort, Skegness, in Lincolnshire, singing lead vocals with The Signatures.

“I can’t wait,” said Stefan. “It has come around really quickly, is it really a year since the last time I sang there? I had an incredible long weekend last year, met loads of great people, performed with music legends and can’t wait to do it all again.

“I have got quite a few family and friends going this year, which will make it even more special.”

The 24-year-old has achieved great success in hig singing career since he attended St Francis Catholic Primary School in Melton, Ratcliffe College in Leicester and later East 15 Acting School in Southend.

He said: “I have always been surrounded by music since a child. My granddad played keyboard and accordion and encouraged me to sing, my dad (Bernie Gackowski) used to do some DJing and I guess they heard me singing. I started having singing lessons with a local singing teacher in Melton called Rachael Wilson who worked her magic.”

Stefan also joined a local amateur dramatics society and played the lead role as Oliver Twist in ‘Oliver’ at aged nine. By the age of 15, he started singing at a few village pubs and the rest is all history.

Stefan said: “Being in The Signatures has helped me find a love for the music that my parents have loved since they were younger. I have been learning about the music that has helped shape their lives and also been the soundtrack to their lives. That’s been the best thing about it.”

Earlier this year, he released a single on 7” vinyl with an original track Break The Blues” written by Stefan and multi-platinum producer Mark Topham, whom Stefan is currently working with on more material.

“It’s the best feeling in the world, playing live music and having 10 extremely talented musicians and singers with you creating this indescribably energy and taking audiences on a journey, allowing them to forget their everyday lives (and ours) for that hour or so being an entertainer,” said Stefan.

“I wouldn’t want to do anything else.”

Melton residents can hear Stefan for themselves when he performers at a charity concert in aid of the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, on March 15, at The Market Tavern, where his dad will be doing a guest DJ spot.