“The blues, its rhythms and structures, originated in Africa and crossed over to America. It is a universal language which everyone can feel if they listen closely.”

Steve Louw: Traces Of The Flood

Steve Louw (born 16 September 1955) is a South African musician and singer-songwriter who specialises in album rock, blues rock, country rock and Americana music. He was born in The Hague and has been active as a musician since 1981. He was inducted in the South African Rock Hall of Fame in 2003. Louw, who was born Stephen Geoffrey Louw, learnt to play the guitar after being inspired by the music of Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, and Neil Young. His career as a professional musician began in the early 1980s when he formed the band All Night Radio. Louw formed the band Big Sky and released six album.  Louw gained an international profile after he collaborated with Brian May (Queen) and Dave Stewart (the Eurythmics) on the track “Amandla”, recorded for the 46664 Aids awareness project inspired by the work of Nelson Mandela.

(Photo: Steve Louw)

In 2021 Louw returned with the album Headlight Dreams, recorded in Nashville with crack studio musicians and featuring a guest appearance by Joe Bonamassa. Louw released his sophomore solo release Thunder and Rain (2022). The album was produced by Kevin Shirley and features Joe Bonamassa and Doug Lancio. In 2024, Louw released his third solo album Between Time, produced by Kevin Shirley. On 15 May 2026, Louw released his fourth solo album Traces Of The Flood, produced by Kevin Shirley.

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most? 

The first time I heard Duane Eddy on vinyl playing Peter  Gunn, it felt like there was something deeper to the world than what I saw day to day.

Since then music has connected me to that energy coming in from the universe.

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? Is there a message you are trying to convey with your music?

The music you make represents who you are, your feelings, experiences and songs reflect that energy. The listener will get their own feeling from the music.

What keeps a musician passionate after six decades? How does your hometown that affect your music?

I live in a rural environment, and nature and its cycles have a deep impact on me.I love what I do and the flame keeps burning.

“Everyone listens to music differently and takes away a different vision and message from a song. If I can convey a truthful message the listener will get their own truthful message.” (Photo: Steve Louw)

Why do you think that the Blues music continues to generate such a devoted following in South Africa?

The blues, its rhythms and structures, originated in Africa and crossed over to America. It is a universal language which everyone can feel if they listen closely.

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I love the sound of Vinyl and I still listen to Vinyl. I hope that Vinyl will become even more popular.

What is the impact of music on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

Everyone listens to music differently and takes away a different vision and message from a song. If I can convey a truthful message the listener will get their own truthful message.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

It’s a fulfilling life to live a  creative life.

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

I keep trying to be truthful and real.

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(Photo: Steve Louw, South African musician and singer-songwriter)