Independent freelance drummer Steven Shelley is a dedicated, structured, and highly diligent musician with a strong professional work ethic. My approach to playing is dynamic, layered, and straightforward yet impactful rhythms.
 

Steven can improvise and possess great listening skills that allow me to adjust to various musical scenarios during performances.
 

As a freelance musician, I aim to collaborate with all artists—singer/songwriters and groups—in live performance and recording sessions within the West Midlands area. I possess several years of experience playing live at bars, clubs, major events, festivals, functions, and acoustic locations.

 

In December 2024, Steven joined with Encore Musicians agents to pursue collaborating with musicians diversifying in musical genres (funk/jazz) in addition to freelance recording studio sessions under the name 'NANJA PROJECT.'
​
 

​

​

​

Discography of Live and Recording Projects

Danny Ansell Music, performing live headline gigs across the UK, Main Stage Godiva Festival, Sofa Sounds, clubs, and bars.
Recorded: 'Fireworks' 2024, 'Puddles' 2023, 'Jericho' 2022

Duck Thieves, Bnad Member
Recorded: ‘Christmas All Year Round’ - 2019, ‘Make Babies’ - 2018, ‘Dance Like A Duck Thieve’ - 2018 

Performed alsongside Coventry Ska Band The Speicals on their 40th Anniversary Tour at Coventry Cathredel 

Performed Mainstage at Govida Festival 2018

BBC Introducing Coventry CWR
 

Charlie Blackwood, Recording Session Drummer
Recorded: ‘Summer Rain’ - 2023

Various original Indie bands collaborations from Coventry/ Birmingham - 2013-2017

Laurance Wood Trio, 2015-2017: 
Recorded: ‘Signs’, 'Wednesday's Child', 'Birds Singing' - 2016

Orb Community Arts: Drum and Music In Mental Health Mentor- 2009-2012
https://www.facebook.com/orbcommunityarts

Egokiller, Jam/ Americana Band, Leeds. (Guest Drummer)
Recorded: ‘Stevia Blues’, ‘She’s An Osculator’ 2013

​

Hargreaves, Blues/Country/Americana Band, Harrogate 

Recorded:  ‘Sooner But Not Later’ Album - 2009
 

Btec & HND in Popular Music Courses: Live Performance, Studio Production, Music Technology, Coventry, Worthing. 1999-2022

Steven attended City College Coventry 1999-2002, where he met drum teacher Karl Brazil, who inspired Steven in a new direction to focus on simple, groove-dynamic playing. He joined an indie band from his early twenties to gain experience’s for college purposes. 

Influenses 
Ted Duggan (Dirt Road Band, Banco De Guia, Bad Finger), who has continually been his mentor and inspired Steven ever since he began drumming at age five. Steven progressed in learning his skills by listening to all styles of music genres. 

Endorsements
Steven's proud and truly honoured to be part of the Liberty Drums & Vector Pedals family since 2021. “ These bespoke handcrafted British drums built by Andy Street give me inspiration to create my own unique identity with a simple but effective, dynamic voice” ​​