For many, the dream of creating and releasing music remains just that—a dream. But for STU@RT, the artist moniker of Stuart Coalwood, that dream has become a reality, proving that it’s never too late to pursue your passions.
Stuart Coalwood, originally from Watford and now based in Dorchester, Dorset, has spent the last 35 years working within the NHS, currently serving as a senior manager at Dorset County Hospital. But beyond the demands of his career in healthcare, music has always been a defining thread in his life. Influenced by his father, who played the vibes, Stuart was surrounded by music from an early age. As a teenager in the 80s, he dabbled in songwriting but never quite finished anything. Then came COVID—a period of isolation, reflection, and for some, a chance to rediscover old passions.
From Aspiration to Reality
“COVID created the space to once again be creative,” Stuart explains. “I had always wanted to release music since my teens, and the time finally felt right.” That realization led to his 2023 debut album, Love, Life & Being, available on Bandcamp, followed by the Extended Play EP and singles “Living in Another World” and “City Skies.”
His music is a nostalgic nod to the synth-driven sounds of the 80s and 90s, drawing inspiration from the likes of The Human League, Heaven 17, New Order, and Electronic. He writes and records demos in Dorchester before refining them in a studio in Stroud with the help of producer Brutal Deluxe and mastering engineer Nicky Howard.
The Story Behind “Raven”
Now, STU@RT is introducing his latest track, “Raven,” available on streaming platforms. Inspired by musician Gary Numan’s autobiography (R)evolution, the song is a deeply personal reflection on the experience of raising daughters. “It resonated with me because I have three daughters myself,” Stuart shares.
“Raven” is the first of several new tracks STU@RT plans to release throughout 2025, dropping a new song every six weeks leading up to a potential Christmas release. Looking ahead, he has ambitions for a vinyl release by autumn and is working toward putting together a live show for late 2025 or early 2026.
Persistence and Passion
Despite the challenges of breaking into the music industry in an era dominated by streaming and social media influence, STU@RT remains focused. “The biggest challenge is standing out in the sheer volume of music being released,” he acknowledges. “Live performances require upfront investment, and physical sales aren’t what they used to be. But I believe in persistence and the power of a great song.”
Perhaps his greatest personal triumph, though, isn’t just his music—it’s overcoming a throat cancer diagnosis in 2015. After undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, he not only regained his health but also his confidence to sing again. That resilience fuels his artistry today, reminding listeners that it’s never too late to chase your creative ambitions.
Looking Ahead
With his steady stream of releases and a potential second album on the horizon, STU@RT is an artist proving that musical dreams don’t have an expiration date. “I hope my music reaches both old and young audiences alike,” he says. “At the end of the day, I just want to create music that resonates with people.”
Listen to STU@RT:
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