Origins Of A Chart Busker

way back in the 70's, aged 4, as a dancing lounge act. In his socks and underpants he wore out the carpet with regular performances for his parents, grandparents & pet doberman dog.

 

He was soon spotted by his younger brother Tyber and it wasn't long before the pair of them put on nightly home shows and drove their mother Jackie up the wall! Sadly, arguments over rights to toys led the duo to quitting the lounge act in 1976.

 

Despite this major set back, Si soldiered on

into his teenage years and soon found a 2nd musical calling, in the shape of songwriting. This became Si's big hobby, impressing legendary grammy award winning songwriter and neighbour, Graham Lyle.

 

Major encouragement from Graham shaped Si's path out of what would have been a career in the services and Si was now on his way to full time music.

 

Following a stint fronting the 6th form school blues band, Si's adult singing career began as a successful classic soul club singer in the late 1990s. Si played around London where he enjoyed residencies with his band at the famous Hammersmith Palais and Clapham Grand.

 

In the late 90's Si founded a busking vocal duo, The Dualers, with his brother. Having put their toy sharing differences behind them, the pair embarked on an incredible journey together, harmonising a mix up of classic soul, ska and rock ‘n’ roll.

 

With a strong cult following on the street Si went on to write, produce,  record and release, their debut single Kiss On The Lips. The hit song reached 21 in the UK national charts in 2004.

 

The duo continued to pound the pavements in the years that followed selling out London’s O2 Indigo with Si’s songwriting and vocals remaining a key ingredient on the albums they recorded, up until 2011.

 

In 2012 Si returned back to a solo career, having become a prolific bandleader and songwriter on the vintage scene  with dance-floor hits Dynamo, Coupe De Ville, Vegas Baby & Old School. All still remain favourites on the old wooden floors.

 

In 2013 Si was signed to Warner Records  and championed by DJs Chris Evans and the late Terry Wogan.  He was A listed on Radio 2 and Magic with the self penned hits Dance Forever More and Caught In the Moonlight.

 

In 2015 Si wrote, produced and released A Christmas Twist which went viral on the net, notching up over 12 million views.

 

In 2017 Si was signed to German label Ruf Records and toured Europe with the Blues Caravan. He released the album Old School featuring more self penned scene hits, including Vegas Baby and Old School.

 

In 2018 Si was back in the spotlight reaching millions when an old 2010 dance clip of him street performing with his brother went viral. The clip, shot by a passer by, captured Si’s jovial home recorded version of a 1962 Jamaican Ska tune Don’t Stay Out Late. Si added a penny whistle, sped the tune up to a jig and created a dandy street dance.. dandy!

 

In 2020 whilst in lockdown, Si wrote and recorded an intimate unplugged album on his acoustic guitar Poems Unlocked. Featuring Daisy Duke, Hunker Down, Closeness & Shining Lights, which was officially released on iTunes and via his online shop early in 2021.

 

In Sep 2024 Si released a new 5 Track EP Lone Blue Star from the soon to be released new album Jollification.

 

Press have compared Si to the greats of old - Jackie Wilson and Sam Cooke.

However, Si remains true to himself writing and producing his own songs in his unique style and sound.

 

SI CRANSTOUN continues to tour clubs and venues across the UK, putting his heart and soul into every show. So, if you haven't already bought a ticket, we strongly recommend that you do!!

 

Lastly, a note to promoters:

If you book the SI CRANSTOUN BAND for themed Events, Gigs and Festivals (Vintage Rock n Roll) Si is happy to sway his music to your theme. Otherwise he'll default to a mash up of all that he loves, i.e. he'll Rock It up & throw in some Ska & Early Soul. Yeah Baby!!