Stephen Simpson (musician)

Stephen Simpson, professionally known as Ego Sum, is a versatile musician, beat-maker, music producer, and DJ hailing from Huddersfield, UK. His musical style is a fusion of house, hip-hop, soul, reggae, and electronica, showcasing his diverse influences and creative range.

Early life
Born in Huddersfield, Stephen Simpson's musical journey began at an early age. Growing up in a household filled with music, his parents, a teacher and a carpenter, both musicians, allowed him to explore and develop his gift. At the age of 5, encouraged by his godfather, who was a reverend at the family's church, Stephen sat behind the keyboard his parents had purchased for him and played for the gathered congregation. Recognized as a child prodigy, he continued to play in the church band every subsequent Sunday, igniting his passion for music.

During his childhood, Stephen's musical talent blossomed, and he rapidly mastered the piano, drums, and bass guitar. His formal music education, combined with a deep appreciation for local music scenes in Leeds, Manchester, and Huddersfield, set the stage for his future career. He began producing songs and performing at venues across the UK, quickly gaining recognition for his unique style.

These early experiences laid the foundation for Stephen Simpson's remarkable journey in the music industry.

Career
In 2000, Stephen Simpson launched his professional career as a keyboardist and session musician. He collaborated with the UK trio Nine Yards, signed to Virgin Records, and toured the UK, opening for renowned acts like The Brand New Heavies and P. Diddy.

In 2002, Simpson had the privilege of performing at the Commonwealth Games' opening ceremony in Manchester as part of an ensemble group of singers and musicians, sharing the stage with the likes of S Club 7, setting the stage for the event's grand beginning. He also played a crucial role in the closing ceremony, recording several alternative music versions in a last-minute overnight studio session at Parr Street Studios in Liverpool, one of the UK's largest recording studios previously owned by Genesis. These recordings were pressed into two 12" vinyl records, providing a solution when Grand Master Flash's planned playlist had to be scrapped due to licensing complexities in various broadcast countries. Simpson's adaptability and dedication were vital in ensuring the Games' success.

Having established himself as a much sort after musician Simpson then went on to join the Grammy-nominated artist Estelle and her live band on her 2005 European tour as keyboardist and bassist under the music direction of Steve Octave, where they opened for John Legend. In the summer of 2007, Simpson relocated to London and began a close working relationship with Russian producer DJ Vadim. Together, they formed a production duo known as "Butterfish Black" and a band called "The Electric". After parting ways with the band in the winter of 2011, Simpson ventured into collaborations as a musician with numerous musical artists, including Chipmunk, Liam Bailey, Robinn, Jasper Erkens, Natural Self, Hawkhouse, Krept and Konan, Jesse Boykins III and Bilal.

In 2015, Simpson contributed to the soundtrack of the film "Anti-Social," directed by Reg Traviss, which notably featured Meghan Markle in one of her final acting roles before her entry into the British royal family. Shortly thereafter, Simpson teamed up with his housemate, Chesca Royalty, in 2017 to work on multiple tracks for her "System Olympia" project. Around the same time, Simpson began showcasing his talent as a bassist in The Arg Band, making appearances on the reality show "The Only Way is Essex" as part of James Argent's band. After several years, Simpson left the band and, in 2022, joined forces with drum and bass MC Illmatika to form a live ensemble alongside several other musicians and MCs.

Presently, Simpson is actively involved in the music scene as a DJ, performing under the pseudonym "Ego Sum." He hosts a monthly radio show titled "IYKYK" on Voices Radio, an independent radio station based in London.

Style
While currently best known as a House Music DJ, Simpson's music transcends genre boundaries, crafting a unique digital-analog hybrid sound. He skillfully employs a diverse array of vintage synthesizers, drum machines, and acoustic instruments to weave dreamy and textured compositions that captivate audiences.

Alice Russell

 * "Living the Life of a Dreamer" remix (Little Poppet, May 2009)
 * "Got the Hunger" remix (Little Poppet, May 2009)

Anti-Social (OST)

 * "Looking Back" w/Shara Nelson (RST Pictures, May 2015)
 * "Matola" w/Rodney P. (RST Pictures, May 2015)

DJ Vadim

 * "Hidden Treasure/Saturday/Soldier" 12"/Digital download (BBE, April 2009)
 * U Can't Lurn Imaginashun LP (BBE, May 2009)
 * "That Lite" remix 12" (BBE, July 2009)

The Electric

 * Life is Moving – Instrumentals LP (BBE, June 2013)
 * Life is Moving LP (O.G.S. Organically Grown Sounds, April 2011)
 * Toot Toot 12" (O.G.S. Organically Grown Sounds, March 2011)
 * You are Diamonds 12" (Jakarta, November 2010)
 * Beautiful w/Yarah Bravo 12" (O.G.S. Organically Grown Sounds, September 2010)

I Blame Coco

 * "Summer Rain" 12" (Island Records Group, November 2010)
 * "No Smile" 12" (Island Records Group, November 2010)
 * "Never Be" (Unreleased, November 2010)

Mr Day

 * "If I Can't Love You" remix 7" (Favorite Recordings, May 2009)

System Olympia

 * Dusk & Dreamland LP (Slow Motion Recordings, Jan 2017)
 * Rising/Setting EP (Slow Motion Recordings, Jan 2017)
 * "8" 7" (Slow Motion Recordings, Jan 2017)
 * "Your Not Talking" 7" (Slow Motion Recordings, Jan 2017)

Wax Taylor

 * We Be/There is Danger EP (Atmosphériques, May 2008)