Stephen Riley is an accomplished artist, author, and northern soul DJ currently residing in a mossy hollow in Somerset, England. Growing up in the 1960s on the eastern edge of Manchester, just a few miles from the iconic Twisted Wheel club—often hailed as the birthplace of northern soul—he was drawn into the vibrant music scene from an early age. In 1969, he stepped into his first soul club, and by the 1970s, he was deeply entrenched in the northern soul movement, frequenting legendary venues like Blackpool Mecca, Wigan Casino, The Torch, and The Pendulum, as well as many lesser-known but equally cherished clubs.

After leaving school at 16, Stephen initially pursued a career as a gas engineer. However, in the late 1980s, he returned to academia to study fine art, eventually becoming a lecturer in fine art and cultural theory at various UK universities and colleges.

Stephen has authored two notable books on northern soul: The Truth About Northern Soul, which serves as a myth-busting exploration of the scene, contrasting contemporary perceptions with the authentic experiences of the 1970s. This book has become a vital resource for those seeking an unfiltered understanding of the genre. His second book, Soul Stories, acts as a narrative companion, set in the same era and drawing from his lived experiences. It dives into the complexities of life within those exhilarating soul clubs and beyond, capturing the essence of youth through themes of friendship, family, love, loss, and the vibrant nightlife of the 1970s.

Since 2016, Stephen has hosted the Northern Soul Recall Show, initially on Frome FM and later at Papa-D Productions. As part of the Hip City Classic Soul team, he DJs live, spinning original vinyl 45s at various venues throughout Somerset and guest DJing at events. Stephen welcomes requests and dedications for his show and invites inquiries regarding Hip City Classic Soul events, which can be directed through his Facebook messenger page.

For more information, visit his website: Stephen Riley Art or connect on Facebook: Stephen Riley. His books are available on Amazon: Stephen Riley on Amazon. And now available weekly on Diamond Groove.