Stuart Mcleod

Born in South Shields, Stuart cut his teeth playing guitar in various bands in Working Men’s Clubs across the Northeast. He is a talented songwriter in his own right with a unique style of writing and guitar playing. His influences feature, amongst many, Mark Knopfler, Kris Drever, Boo Hewerdine, Steve Earle and Ryan Adams.

After a chance meeting with Lesley in 2012 they began a collaborative songwriting partnership on songs for her Americana album 'Looking For The Girl'. As a result they decided to move forward together as singer songwriters

and formed Oakleas Rise releasing their first album together ‘Little White Lies’ in 2019. One of the album tracks written by Stuart - 'Bring On The Night' was put forward for use on the Canadian Netflix drama 'Operating Naked'

Stuart also set up 'The Lost & Found Club' project, the inspiration for which came when he found some old cassette tapes featuring demos from his youth. With the help of Lesley and Christopher Barn of Backland Studios

a ten track album was conceived.

After COVID Stuart and Lesley decided that they wanted to dedicate more time to the things they loved and moved to the East Riding of Yorkshire in 2022, to live near the inspiring Spurn Point landscape and coast. After getting married in 2024, they decided to change their name from Oakleas Rise to Curtis & Mcleod to welcome a new era!

They are currently recording a new album together which reflects the Indie Folk & Americana direction that has evolved over the past few years.

For all music visit Stuart's Store