How many of your favourite artists sing songs about your local area?

Most commonly, our musical tastes are infused with the thrill of far-flung lifestyles, and abstract feelings. 

It is therefore refreshing to see the talents of a natural musician and songwriter channelled into subject matter which is fundamentally local. 

Julian Homer is a musician based in Offerton, whose songs about Stockport have turned him into something of a local celebrity. 

It is, after all, a pleasant surprise to hear songs about the 192 bus, about Offerton fire station, or Werneth Low. It is as enjoyable as it is unusual to hear all these familiar sights and subjects set to music - particularly music which is humorous, clever, catchy, and, straightforwardly, good. 

Originally from Glossop, Julian moved to Stockport in 2006. He has also lived in Germany, Chorlton, and more. So, why Stockport?

"I never wanted to be a city guy", Julian says. "I can't be doing with the city. Stockport just seemed right, and there's so much going for it. There just seems to be a lot to sing and write about."

Julian performs regularly across Stockport - you can find him most often at the open mic night at the Blossoms pub (along with some other top acts!) (Image - Julian Homer)

It was only around three years ago, however, that Julian started writing songs about Stockport. He explains how the process began.

"I've been writing songs since I was about 16. I was never happy with the content of a lot of the songs, and I realised they weren't connecting with anybody. It was this 'connection' that I was looking for. 

"And then, a few years ago, I just thought I'd write a song about the local shop - the baker's just down the road.

"I put it on social media, and it got loads of people sharing it - thousands of views, and loads of comments. I realised I'd connected with local people in Stockport."

When Julian went back to the baker's, he received something of a hero's welcome. He asked an employee what he should write about next, and the response was "Why don't you do one about Hempshaw Lane?" The street, as it happens, which the baker's sits on. 

And thus, 'Hempshaw Lane'- Stockport's answer to 'Penny Lane' - went live on social media, and garnered a similarly huge response from the local community. 

"It kind of went on from there, really, because then you start uncovering things", Julian says. "You think, 'What else has Stockport got to offer?' You've got the pyramid, you've got Redrock, the interchange… It's endless, really."

Nor are these songs limited to local landmarks. Ideas can come from all over; Julian singles out some of his favourite bars and open mic haunts, for example, and the conversations of the regulars. 

"People say things - it could be anything - and you go 'Ah, this would be a good idea for a song'. I'll always make a note."

In this way, the notes app on his phone quickly becomes filled with ideas - fragments of lyrics or potential song subjects. When a few lines are sufficiently fleshed out, Julian picks up the guitar. 

"I'll have a few chords going, and if I've got an idea for lyrics, that sets the song off. Quite often the melody is just 'there' - it's hard to explain."

In most of Julian's songs, then, the subject arrives before the music.

In any case, it seems to be a very prolific process, with three volumes of 'Stockport Songs for Stockport People' already out on music streaming services.  

The nature of these songs, too, perfectly matches their subject matter. Light-hearted, catchy, memorable, and informal, in the best possible way. 

You can find Julian's music on Spotify HERE. 

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