About
The story behind four decades of musical innovation and collaboration
Independent international
composer, arranger & artist
Stephen Emmer is based in Amsterdam, Netherlands. With a career spanning over four decades, he has established himself as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary composition.
His work bridges the gap between classical composition and contemporary production, creating soundscapes that are both timeless and innovative. From orchestral arrangements to electronic explorations, Stephen's music defies easy categorization.
Throughout his career, Stephen has collaborated with some of the most iconic voices in music, including Lou Reed, Chaka Khan, Patti Austin, Midge Ure, Julian Lennon, Glenn Gregory and Tony Visconti. His albums have been recorded at legendary studios including Abbey Road.
In 2024, his album Mt Mundane won the Gold Medal at the Global Music Awards. The project was recorded with over 60 orchestral musicians and addressed themes of personal crisis and resilience. His experience of partial hearing loss led him to found the Artists Against Tinnitus foundation.
Recognition
Timeline
Early Career
Beginning as a composer and arranger in Amsterdam, establishing foundations in orchestral and contemporary music
Live Performances
Played guitar in a variety of bands, like; Minny Pops, The Associates, The Lotus Eaters, Act and Continental Cast
Vnyl & Radio
Co-founder and chief editor of Dutch music magazine ‘Vinyl’, next to hosting and producing various national radio shows
Vogue Estate
Solo mini album released on WEA Idiot Records including songs with Martha Ladly and Billy McKenzie
International Recognition
Expanding into film scoring and international collaborations, working with major artists and studios
Recitement
Launched and conceived after returning to his musical idealism of the early years to find inspiration through catharsis
Music Director
A five year journey as music director for the world famous Holiday On Ice shows
International Blue
Produced by Tony Visconti at Abbey Road Studios, featuring Glenn Gregory and Midge Ure
Home Ground
Release of the acclaimed album featuring Chaka Khan, Patti Austin, and other legendary voices
Maison Melody
Launch of his neo-classical album, when exploring isolation, family, solitude in the company of his piano and strings
Mt Mundane
Gold Medal winner at Global Music Awards. Recorded at Abbey Road with over 60 orchestral musicians
Asymmetrical Dot
Latest release combining contemporary chamber music with global influences
Notable Artists
Electric Fairytale Recordings
Electric Fairytale Recordings is a deliberate genre defying music recording and publishing label that strongly believes that interesting music doesn’t have to do be pigeonholed into a specific genre, since the appeal comes from the music itself in all of its own uniqueness.
Visit websiteArtists Against Tinnitus
Following his own experience with hearing loss, Stephen founded the Artists Against Tinnitus foundation to raise awareness for hearing-related issues that musicians face. The organization works to educate and protect the hearing health of musicians worldwide.
Learn More