In a world of quick hits and short-lived fame, it’s rare to come across an album that actually grows on you. But that’s exactly what Stephen Mugford’s debut, Palooza Beach, has managed to do. Nine months after its release, the record is making its way back into the spotlight—proof that some music just needs time to settle in.
Released back in September 2024 to warm critical nods, Palooza Beach doesn’t feel like a debut—it feels like someone letting you in on something personal. Across eight tracks, Mugford crafts a sound that’s both sun-drenched and intimate, fusing jazz-tinted echoes of the ’70s and ’80s with the easy, reflective storytelling of an acoustic songwriter. It’s got nostalgia, but it also breathes fresh air.
“People Watching” kicks things off with mellow trumpet lines and laid-back funk, setting a relaxed but thoughtful tone. It’s music that gives you room to breathe—soulful without being showy. Mugford’s style carries the casual charm of Jason Mraz, the lyrical touch of Paul McCartney, and the acoustic warmth of Willie Nelson, all without feeling like he’s trying to be anyone but himself.
What makes his songs stick isn’t just the sound—it’s the sense that he’s really lived them. Mugford studied poetry and kept journals long before picking up a guitar in earnest. After years in the corporate world and a serious health scare, he made a hard pivot—toward something more creative, more meaningful. Palooza Beach grew out of that shift, a slow-burn project two decades in the making, built on small moments, big thoughts, and a desire to tell it straight.
There’s some seasoned help behind the scenes—producer John Escobar (Julia Mark) and Grammy-winning guitarist Claudio Ragazzi (Something’s Gotta Give, Home Again, Argentina)—but Mugford’s voice is the anchor. Honest, warm, and unpolished in the best way, it draws you in without trying too hard.
These songs don’t chase trends or try to blow you away. They let you ease in, get comfortable, and find your own rhythm. There’s a kind of quiet confidence running through the album—call it wisdom, or maybe just perspective. Mugford refers to his approach as “reflecting in tune,” and it fits. The album feels like someone watching the waves and letting the stories come naturally.
With Palooza Beach, Mugford isn’t just putting out songs—he’s inviting listeners into something real. It’s low-pressure, high-vibe music that earns its place on repeat not because it demands it, but because it feels good to come back to.
Stream Palooza Beach on all major platforms.
