AMBIENCE UK
All hailing from Newcastle, Ambience UK is formed from some of Newcastle’s finest musicians. They play a mixture of original laid back soul, R&B and chill out music, hence the band’s name. They are in the process of recording those tracks, which will be aired on this site, or go now to the link on Myspace. (click on the name above)
Steve Lee - keyboard / vocals
Started out as a percussionist with 'Arthur 2 Stroke & the Chart Commandos' but it was when he was working at the Gateshead Garden Festival that he started singing. Steve was always influenced by soul music, this led to the Steve Lee Duo with Pete Robson on guitar, followed by the Steve Lee Band. From here he met Anth Keenan & John Anderson and formed the 'Soul Messengers'. When John left he reformed the Messengers with Anth, Louise Mehan & Joanne Hunter. When they disbanded he formed the Soulutions with Pete & Barry Skeels on bass. One thing that Steve has been noted for & a major attraction for promoters was his 'Barry White' tribute band (made up of the Soulution band plus a few extra musos). This led to a collaboration with Magic FM, where they supported several high profile concerts at the Lancastrian Suite in Gateshead. After this came the Soul Corporation, which he has now left to form Ambience in which he is playing the piano & keyboards/vocal, but he is also working as a solo singer & with Louise as a duo.
Pete Robson - Guitar
Pete teaches guitar in schools around Newcastle & Sunderland Uni to beginners & intermediates. Pete has played in a number of bands, in the 80's he made 2 albums with 'Opus 3' (on Pete Waterman's label) he also played with Keith Wilkinson, bassist of Squeeze, Pete has played various other albums. He did a music workshop with Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) and played at Wembley Arena as part of a national music & drama expo for Sunderland Uni. A number of times, he has been music director for panto & stage productions. Has written & produced original songs for the A&M label. During this time Pete has played with Steve in a number of bands inc, Steve Lee Duo & the Steve Lee Band before joining Steve in the Soulutions, Pete was playing with club act Invision and now has joined Steve (again), Louise & Barry to form Ambience.
Barry Skeels - bass
Originally from Essex now lives (last 24 yrs) in Newcastle. Started playing in various bands in & around London. One album with 'Iron Maiden' (not the famous one, although they had the name first, however they were the first doom band, as described by Wikipedia), 2 albums with cult underground band 'Zior', and a few singles. Moved up to Newcastle in '84. Joined Newcastle band 'The Blues Burglars'. Left and became guitar / bass tech for Venom, Skyclad, Samson (Bruce Dickinson's band before becoming Iron Maiden's singer (the famous Maiden) and others. Then he became a tour manager for next 10 years for Venom, Anathema, Riot, Trouble etc etc. Also toured with support, Black Sabbath, Saxon & Manowar. Was in A&R at Demolition Records for a while. Met Steve in the 90's and started working with his various bands. Now runs a band management company 'Offbeat Management' and stage lighting & PA hire company, 'Showlights'.
Louise Mehan - lead vocal
Formed Ambience with the lads above. Louise still does solo work & as a duo with Steve. The youngest of Ambience, she has worked in the clubs with Pete Heeney in the band 'Soul Town' and with Steve in the 'Soul Messengers'. Everyone who has heard her sing reckons she one of Newcastle's undiscovered great soul singers.
