Stephen (Steve) Mead is a UK-based musician, teacher, band coach, and recording artist specialising in groove, timing, and ensemble performance. He works closely with beginners and developing players to build confidence, musical awareness, and real-world band skills—encouraging musicians to actively contribute within a group while learning to listen, adapt, and play with intent. With extensive live and studio experience across cruise ships, theatres, and recording sessions, Steve brings strong leadership, reliability, and calm direction under pressure. Alongside teaching and coaching, he offers professional instrument recording for soundtracks, film, games, and media projects, delivering tight, musical performances that serve the bigger picture. Whether recording, arranging, producing, or leading ensembles, Steve’s approach blends practical performance skills with a friendly, encouraging style—always focused on dynamics, feel, and making music that connects with audiences.

Stephen James Mead

Stephen (Steve) Mead is a UK-based musician, teacher, band coach, and recording artist specialising in groove, timing, and ensemble performance. He works closely with beginners and developing players to build confidence, musical awareness, and real-world band skills—encouraging musicians to actively contribute within a group while learning to listen, adapt, and play with intent. With extensive live and studio experience across cruise ships, theatres, and recording sessions, Steve brings strong leadership, reliability, and calm direction under pressure. Alongside teaching and coaching, he offers professional instrument recording for soundtracks, film, games, and media projects, delivering tight, musical performances that serve the bigger picture. Whether recording, arranging, producing, or leading ensembles, Steve’s approach blends practical performance skills with a friendly, encouraging style—always focused on dynamics, feel, and making music that connects with audiences.

Available to hire

Stephen (Steve) Mead is a UK-based musician, teacher, band coach, and recording artist specialising in groove, timing, and ensemble performance. He works closely with beginners and developing players to build confidence, musical awareness, and real-world band skills—encouraging musicians to actively contribute within a group while learning to listen, adapt, and play with intent.

With extensive live and studio experience across cruise ships, theatres, and recording sessions, Steve brings strong leadership, reliability, and calm direction under pressure. Alongside teaching and coaching, he offers professional instrument recording for soundtracks, film, games, and media projects, delivering tight, musical performances that serve the bigger picture.

Whether recording, arranging, producing, or leading ensembles, Steve’s approach blends practical performance skills with a friendly, encouraging style—always focused on dynamics, feel, and making music that connects with audiences.

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Experience Level

Expert

Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Bass Player / Band Leader at Norwegian Cruise Lines
January 1, 2022 - September 1, 2025
Bass player and band leader for Syd Norman's Pour House rock show onboard ships Breakaway, Aqua, Prima and Escape; responsible for lead vocal duties and delivering high-energy 70s/80s rock performances to diverse audiences.
Bass Player / Show Band Member at Norwegian Cruise Lines
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2022
Country band and show band contracts on board NCL Encore, Escape and Crown Princess; provided bass, ensemble playing and performance across genres.
Bass Player / Reading for theatre and shows at Norwegian Cruise Lines (Syd Norman's Pour House)
November 1, 2018 - June 1, 2019
Bass player with Syd Norman's Pour House; reading for theatre Christmas show; Reading for production pieces including Badass Broadway; bass for 'Howl at the Moon'.
Party Band Performer at Royal Princess Cruise Ship
August 1, 2018 - October 1, 2018
Party band contract aboard Royal Princess; performed as bassist with high-energy party sets.
Party Band Performer at Crown Princess Cruise Ship
April 1, 2018 - July 1, 2018
Party band contract aboard Crown Princess.
Sight Reading / Pantomime Bassist at Ipswich Regent Theatre
November 1, 2017 - January 1, 2018
Sight reading for the pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk.
Party Band / Reading Jazz at Sapphire Princess
July 1, 2017 - October 1, 2017
Party band and reading for jazz sets aboard Sapphire Princess; reading with orchestra.
Party Band / Reading for World Orchestra at Majestic Princess
June 1, 2017 - July 1, 2017
Part band and reading for Princess World Orchestra; tour.
Party Band / Reading Jazz with Orchestra at Diamond Princess
April 1, 2017 - June 1, 2017
Party band and reading jazz sets with orchestra on Diamond Princess.
Party Band / Reading Jazz with Orchestra at Sapphire Princess
November 1, 2016 - January 1, 2017
Party band and reading jazz shows with orchestra on Sapphire Princess.
Bass Player at TJ Johnson Band
January 1, 2015 - January 1, 2016
Caribbean tour; bass player; Real Book sight-reading for Bernie Holland.
Bass Player / MD at El Born (Tina Toplak)
May 1, 2013 - July 1, 2013
Bass Player/MD for Soul/RnB artist Tina Toplak; producing and playing bass on debut album due Feb 2014; London, UK.
Bass Player at Johnny Ashby Band
January 1, 2012 - February 1, 2014
Joined as bass player; album released Feb 2014; London, UK.
Bass Player at Tenth Electric
January 1, 2013 - February 1, 2014
EP released Feb 2014; bass involvement on project.
Bassist / Producer at Joy and Repetition
January 1, 2010 - January 1, 2011
Played bass on and co-produced album 'Leaving'; London, UK.
Bass Player at The Magz
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009
Indie outfit The Magz; album and 3 EPs released, London, UK.
Dep Bass Player at Audiogiants / The Haunting / Milner / Good Question
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2009
Dependable bass player for multiple projects and sessions.
Dep Bass Player at Revival (Function Band)
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2013
Resident/Dep bass player with function band; performed extensively.
Dep Bass Player at Lee Thompson's Ska Orchestra
January 1, 2007 - Present
Full-time backup bass player; stand in for rehearsals.

Education

BMus Degree in Popular Music Performance at Tech Music School, London, UK
January 11, 2030 - January 16, 2026

Qualifications

BTEC National Diploma in Music Practice
January 11, 2030 - January 16, 2026
ENG-1 Medical Certificate
January 11, 2030 - January 16, 2026
STCW Trained
January 11, 2030 - January 16, 2026
Full UK Driving Licence
January 11, 2030 - January 16, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Travel & Hospitality, Education, Professional Services, Other