Rupert has independently funded and released 2 albums and gained a worldwide fan base through social media sites.
Whilst studying Music and New Media Tech. Stroud worked his way through Uni as a bar tender serving the diverse student population and locals of his home town Leeds. The experience, the good, the bad and the sometimes ugly, proved great inspiration for his song writing!
While recording his debut album in 2009, with legendary Leeds producer Will Jackson, (previous credits- The Kaiser Chiefs, The Pigeon Detectives, The Cribs and Embrace) Rupert met his drummer Mick Bedford (who plays drums on both albums) and Keyboard player/guitarist Mike Pearson, both accomplished musicians.
Stroud had been playing the Yorkshire gig circuit as a solo acoustic artist since the release of his debut album. While recording his second album Chasing The Night, again with Will Jackson as producer, Stroud asked the two musicians to join him on stage. The two Mikes soon became permanent fixtures in his line-up. This proved a powerful decision, as the three evolved into a dynamic stage performance. They are often joined on stage by songbird Kate Peters, primarily as jazz singer, who also sings backing vocals on 'Chasing The Night'.
The band continue to gig frequently and are played and featured on BBC Introducing, local radio, online radio both UK and European stations, with live lounge performances and interviews as well as album track plays.
THE NEW ALBUM- "CHASING THE NIGHT" IS OUT NOW AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE TO DOWNLOAD ON ITUNES AND AMAZON.COM AND FOR MAIL ORDER FROM WWW.RUPERTSTROUDMUSIC.COM
Review of "Chasing The Night"
" With his exciting range of indie rock and acoustic music, singer/songwriter Rupert Stroud has been building a loyal following worldwide and his new album "Chasing The Night" looks set to secure his reputation as... one of Yorkshire's hottest young acts.
Produced by premier soundsmith Will Jackson, who has also worked with Embrace, The Cribs and The Pigeon Detectives, Chasing The Night showcases Stroud's versatility as a writer and performer and highlights his growing maturity as an artist.
"It offers impressive beat driven arrangements that are dynamic and inventive, at times intimate. Rupert's vocals and lyrics are certainly emotive and thought-provoking "
Beyond Magazine (Leeds)
July/August 2011
Issue 29
"In parts this reminds me of The La's and cast with it's acoustic nod towards jangle-pop but then in other moments it's net is cast bringing in all aspects of indie...from epic to odd all in a great album that's got more than a few great numbers on it!"
Jumbo Records (Leeds)
June-August 2011
" Kicking off tonight's showcase of local music for 360 Club and BBC Introducing is Rupert Stroud and two of his musically gifted friends. They open with a nice cover of Adele's 'Rolling In The Deep' which is fairly true to the original before moving onto his self penned, reflective and autobiographical material.
Stroud's voice has a beautiful tone to his voice which is especially haunting on 'Chasing The Night' while the other musicians add a richness to the music which makes it more interesting than the typical singer/songwriter acoustic based acts. The majority of the songs are driven by the drumming, be it on the kit or the bongos, which allows the singer to focus on emoting which he does well especially in the powerful choruses.
It's a soothing and accomplished display far better than the majority of 'unplugged' acts Stroud would ordinarily be grouped along with. "
Rebecca Atkinson
Leeds Music Scene
BBC Introducing-360 Club Gig review
28th October 2011
...Songs in their repertoire such as "Hangover' and '40 Days And 40 Nights'...It was during these songs that we got a real glimpse of what Rupert Stroud could do. His menacing vocals paired with intricate guitar lines and minimal yet powerful drumming came together to create a mesmerizing style of acoustic rock... you felt captivated and were fully engaged by the band..."
Ross Muir
Leeds Music Scene
360 Club-Gig review-19th August 2011
Way Back Home
Rupert Stroud Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Although the road to my fair city may be long but it’s straight and true
When all the smoke has cleared my love and the ashes fall to the ground
I’ll be there for you my friend oh I would never let you down
And all these roads are catching up on me
Oh I’m on my way back home
Oh I’m on my way
I fought through all these storms now I’m on my way back into your loving
Arms
I’m on my way back home
I’ve battled with some demons I know you’ve heard it all before
The tired eyes and the smokey lies ye they’re knocking at our door
I’m standing tall against these tides and nothing gonna knock me down
My will is strong but my heart is weak so please save my soul now
And all these roads are catching up on me
(Chorus x2)
Oh I’m on my way back home
Oh I’m on my way back home
Oh I’m on my way
I fought through all these storms now I’m on my way back into your loving
Arms
I’m on my way back home
The lyrics in "Way Back Home" by Rupert Stroud tell the story of a person who has overcome various temptations, struggles and battles along the way, but has managed to stay true to his love and commitment to a friend. The person acknowledges the difficulties that they have faced on their journey back to their city, but maintains that their will is strong, their heart weak and that they desire to be saved. The person is fighting against the tides, but is determined to make it back in the loving arms of their friend.
The lyrics are a testament to the power of love and friendship, how it can make one overcome challenges, battles and temptations, and bring them home safely. The use of personification, "the road to my fair city may be long but it's straight and true," helps the listener visualize the journey the person has taken to get to their destination. The metaphor, "when all the smoke has cleared my love and the ashes fall to the ground," suggests that after all has been said and done, the only thing that matters is the love and commitment that the person has for their friend.
Line by Line Meaning
Temptations all around me but the one that keeps me right is always you
Although there are many distractions in my life, my love for you is what keeps me on the right path.
Although the road to my fair city may be long but it’s straight and true
The journey to my desired destination may be arduous, but it is straightforward and honest.
When all the smoke has cleared my love and the ashes fall to the ground
After all the chaos and destruction, my love for you will remain steadfast and unchanging.
I’ll be there for you my friend oh I would never let you down
I promise to always be here for you and never disappoint you.
And all these roads are catching up on me
I am facing the consequences of my actions and past decisions.
Oh I’m on my way back home
I am returning to the place where my heart belongs.
I fought through all these storms now I’m on my way back into your loving arms
I have overcome many obstacles and I am now returning to the embrace of your love.
I’ve battled with some demons I know you’ve heard it all before
I have struggled with personal demons that you may already be aware of.
The tired eyes and the smokey lies ye they’re knocking at our door
I am exhausted from dealing with my own lies and deceit, which threaten to disrupt our relationship.
I’m standing tall against these tides and nothing gonna knock me down
I am resilient and will not let life's challenges defeat me.
My will is strong but my heart is weak so please save my soul now
While I am determined to fight, I need your help and support to overcome my weaknesses and save my soul.
Oh I’m on my way back home
I am returning to the place where my heart belongs.
Oh I’m on my way back home
I am returning to the place where my heart belongs.
Oh I’m on my way
I am making progress towards my goal.
I’m on my way back home
I am returning to the place where my heart belongs.
Contributed by John L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Fatima Waldrigues
Great memories with this one! Remembering some classics of cinema and TV. Really well done Rupert! Good luck with your new EP!!
mik bedford
I love this song, its a real belter and the video is just pure class, well done once again Rupert :)
Bryan Garnet
Followed his progress for quite a while now. IMMENSELY talented lad. So deserving of his success to date GO FOR IT Roops
Simon Burrows
What a great song and I love the video too.
Lili Apostol
love this song!!! and the video goes so well with it!! x
Sonnet Music
Nice one Rupert!! We're jamming to this today
MOSELEY
Nice work! great new single
Wendy Muffitt
Love this song rup .ive seen your playing at oakwell i live just up the road .ld love to catch up with your mum. Thanks for coming to my dads funeral it was great to see you and your mum .we would love to see you play! Love wendy
Lara Goodfellow
I love this guy and I love this song. Little bit of the North ;)
Benjamin Poole
A sumptuous, crisp and indulgent sphere of deliciousness with a rich, creamy smooth centre and solid core... much like a Ferrero Rocher... with this you are really spoiling us Rupert.