History of Stephen Jones (Babybird) in Timeline

Stephen Jones, also known as Babybird, is an English musician and novelist. He gained prominence in the 1990s with his lo-fi indie pop music, characterized by introspective lyrics and catchy melodies. Jones is the creative force behind Babybird, writing, recording, and producing most of the band's material. Beyond music, he has also ventured into writing novels, showcasing his artistic versatility. His work often explores themes of love, loss, and societal observations, establishing him as a multifaceted artist in both the music and literary worlds.

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Full Timeline

September 1962: Stephen Jones' Birth

In September 1962, Stephen Jones, the English musician and novelist known as Babybird, was born.

1994: Publishing Contract and Self-Financing Plan

In 1994, Stephen Jones had written over 400 songs and secured a publishing contract with Chrysalis Music. However, unable to obtain a recording contract, he decided to self-finance the release of his home demo albums under the name Baby Bird.

August 1995: Release of 'I Was Born a Man'

In August 1995, Stephen Jones, under the name Baby Bird, released his first self-financed album of home demos titled 'I Was Born a Man'.

1995: Babybird Tours and Demo Collections

During the second half of 1995, Stephen Jones toured as Babybird with Huw Chadbourne, Robert Gregory, John Pedder, and Luke Scott. Two additional demo collections, 'Bad Shave' and 'Fatherhood', were released during 1995.

October 1996: Release of 'You're Gorgeous'

In October 1996, Babybird's single "You're Gorgeous" reached number 3 in the UK singles chart and became one of the biggest-selling singles of the year, charting internationally. Jones has declared that "You're Gorgeous" is a feminist song.

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1996: Signing to Echo Records and Release of 'Goodnight'

In 1996, Babybird signed with Echo Records, a division of the Chrysalis Group. The first single under the label was a full-band recording of "Goodnight", a song that previously appeared as a demo on 'Fatherhood', which was released in the summer of 1996.

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1996: Release of 'The Happiest Man Alive'

In early 1996, Stephen Jones, as Babybird, released 'The Happiest Man Alive', his fourth album of demo collections.

1998: Release of 'There's Something Going On'

In 1998, Babybird returned with the album 'There's Something Going On', preceded by the single "Bad Old Man". The album achieved modest success, followed by minor hits "If You'll Be Mine" and "Back Together".

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2000: Release of 'Bugged' and Subsequent Split

In 2000, Babybird released the critically acclaimed album 'Bugged'. However, due to poor sales and the underperformance of singles "The F-Word" and "Out of Sight", the band was dropped by their record label. A third single, "Fireflies/Getaway," was released on Animal Noise records, selling few copies. The band subsequently split up in 2000.

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2000: Publication of 'The Bad Book' and 'Travel Sickness'

In 2000, Stephen Jones published his first work of fiction, 'The Bad Book', and collaborated with DED Associates on an art book titled 'Travel Sickness'.

Travel Sickness

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2001: Release of 'Stephen Jones 1985–2001'

In 2001, Stephen Jones released 'Stephen Jones 1985–2001', an album of demos, as he returned to releasing albums under his own name.

2003: Publication of 'Harry and Ida Swop Teeth'

In 2003, Stephen Jones published his second work of fiction, 'Harry and Ida Swop Teeth'.

2003: Release of 'Plastic Tablets'

In 2003, Stephen Jones released 'Plastic Tablets', his second instrumental album.

2004: Soundtrack for 'Blessed'

In 2004, Stephen Jones created the soundtrack for the film 'Blessed'.

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October 2005: Babybird Reform and Subsequent Album

In October 2005, it was announced on the official Babybird website that the band had reformed. A subsequent album, 'Between My Ears There Is Nothing But Music' was released, after which the band was dropped by the Echo label.

October 2008: Release of 'Cokeholes' as a Single

On October 27, 2008, Stephen Jones released "Cokeholes" as a three-track single.

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November 2008: Release of 'Death of the Neighbourhood' Album

On November 10, 2008, Stephen Jones released his solo project album, 'Death of the Neighbourhood', under the moniker 'Death of the Neighbourhood'. It was a 32 track 2-disc CD set released on ATIC Records.