STEVE Rodgers follows in some illustrious footsteps, those of his father, Teesside born rock singer Paul Rodgers, he of Free and Bad Company. Matt Westcott spoke to the singer and guitarist, who has been likened to Jack Johnson and Paulo Nutini, as he prepares to play Stockton’s Arc this Saturday.

Matt: Was it inevitable that you would follow a similar path to your father?

Steve: Yes, it probably was in my case. My father was so music orientated that we couldn't help but play the piano or the guitar. He played with such joy around the house that it was infectious.

Matt: When you decided this was what you wanted to do, was there any trepidation given what your father had achieved?

Steve: Not at all – It was a natural progression from learning to play the blues and rock to writing my own songs and wanting to go out and perform them.

Matt: Did he have any advice for you?

Steve:Yes he said build a great team around you that believe in what you're all trying to do.

Matt: In what way would you say you differ?

Steve: He's a rock frontman I'm more a sit down play the acoustic vibe – I'm more chilled I guess, musically speaking.

Matt: What made you decide to call it a day with the band you were with, Boa, and go your own way?

Steve: I had a lot I wanted to sing about and there's a lot of freedom when you're solo.

Matt: I am told you like to focus on life’s depths, mysteries and wonders? They sound like deep topics?

Steve: Life is an interesting place and I think we need meaning and a little magic because it can also be hard sometimes. But I do feel the more we look at the good things in our life the more we see good and equally the more we focus on the bad the more we see – the brain is simple like that – it follows our directions.

Matt: Do your songs reflect personal experience or do you prefer to lose yourself in another world?

Steve: They reflect personal experience – It has to be personal for me so that I feel it every time I sing the song.

Matt: What are your plans for after this tour?

Steve: Well I'm ready to record the new album, so that should be out very soon.

Matt: Finally, you’ll be playing just a few miles from your father’s home town. Will you be paying a visit to Middlesbrough?

Steve: Of course. I'll be staying with my sister Natalie and nephew who live there and my aunts are coming to the gig. Always great to see my family.

Steve is supporting Midge Ure at the Arc in Stockton on Saturday, October 25. For details email box.office@arconline.co.uk or call the box office on 01642-525199.