Paul Stone & The Basement Collective - The Shadow Of Your Smile (Single) + 10 Questions

There’s something quietly magnetic about the way Paul Stone & The Basement Collective move. No rush, no noise, just mood, warmth and a deep respect for the craft.

Their latest release, “The Shadow Of Your Smile,” feels right at home in that space. Since landing on airwaves in late January, first championed by Robert Elms on BBC Radio London, it has been steadily gathering momentum. The track has since found its way onto Jazz FM’s B Playlist, sitting comfortably alongside some of the genre’s most established names, and is already becoming a go to sunset selection for DJ’s both in the UK and further afield.

What makes this release resonate is its authenticity. Recorded live in Stone’s self built basement studio, the track leans into a vintage analogue process that prioritises feel over polish. The result is something intimate and organic, a subtle nod to the timeless songwriting of Johnny Mandel and Paul Webster without ever feeling like a pastiche.

This isn’t new territory for the Collective. Their earlier single, “Embers,” quietly made waves across the UK and Europe, even earning a place on Jazz FM’s A Playlist. But “The Shadow Of Your Smile” feels like a natural step forward, more assured and more distilled.

There’s also a sense that things are building behind the scenes. With international radio support growing and conversations underway with a major U.S. sync agent, the next chapter for Paul Stone & The Basement Collective looks set to reach even further.

For now, this is a track to sit with, preferably as the light fades.

Paul Stone sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

Music’s all I’ve ever known, started with an obsession with my grandads record player. So fortunate my parents got me into music lessons from an early age and I would recommend this to any parent. I still say it should be optional to every child at school! One of our biggest Exports and its being hidden in the budgets.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

Always admired Sting, for me he has everything musically I’d want to achieve. I watched Tony Bennett’s final concert which brought a tear to my eye and made we realise music is simply forever.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them? 

So the band took off late 25 with our original track ‘Embers’ We’ve just released our version of the classic ’The Shadow Of Your Smile’ in a really chilled vibe I think people might kick back a listen to. Certainly not commercial and never aimed at that. We’ve already tracked some great original work we love and I’m trying to find the time to mix it.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I’d describe it as a friendship and very Musical. We record all together in the Studio Basement and it creates a vibe which takes inspiration from classic jazz and blends with pop songwriting, Benson, Bennett and Sting.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

It has to be the return to music after such a long time. I’ve 4 children under 10 so it was a big decision for me but needed to do this spiritually, every musician understands this.

To then gain the support of a Station Like Jazz FM to make ‘A’ Playlist with an original song based on the music alone was simply  incredible!

In a world led by stats, digital footprints and ‘eco systems’ Jazz FM proved to me that making music was good enough on its own which has really inspired us, we are so incredibly grateful to them and their support!

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Embrace the Silence, don’t get into music to make a pound or sell out an arena. Do it because it makes you feel good.

Make music for the sake of making great music, it’s a gift so embrace it.

Also surround yourself with great people.

Without certain people picking up the phone to me for a simple chat now and again I may have given up.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

I love the story and music of Emma-Jean Thackray, its organic and real and you can hear it.

I’m also loving the vibe coming out of Leeds and Bristol right now, some cool things going on.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Rhythm Of The Saints, Fields Of Gold, Rocking The Suburbs… Also sit back and listen to the UK Jazz Playlist to see whats going on and the Classic Jazz Giants!

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Between ’Taxi dad’ and my other work I’ve very little time. Love watching small live jazz gigs and whacking balls on the driving range!

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Coffee, Ns10’s and Scrap Paper.