Stan Calderón

Growing up in the Suffolk village of Knodishall, she was surrounded by country music, 50s and 60s classics, and traditional folk — influences that continue to shape her voice and songwriting today. Inspired by artists such as Joni Mitchell, the Dixie Chicks, Nina Simone, and Elvis Presley, Stan blends heartfelt lyricism with a warm, expressive vocal style.

Her songs explore the full spectrum of emotion: love and lost love, the comfort of friendships, the sting of heartache, and the everyday moments that spark joy, anger, or reflection. Creativity often begins with her guitar — experimenting with chords, picking patterns, and the feelings they evoke — or from a phrase she hears and instantly recognises as the seed of a song.

Since moving to Worlingham in 2023, Stan has found a vibrant musical community and the space to grow her craft. She is currently working toward releasing her debut EP and will be joined on stage at the First Light Festival by fellow musicians Andrew Candler, Denise Sartain, and Simon Bond. Her music remains a genuine expression of the stories, landscapes, and people that have shaped her life.

Selected as part of our Play Break open callout.