Career
Staples has a very recognizable vocal style and a distinctively low, nasal voice. Prior to co-founding Tindersticks, Staples played in a band called Asphalt Ribbons, whose final line-up was nearly identical to that of his later band. He has released two solo albums: Lucky Dog Recordings 03-04 and Leaving Songs.
He has composed the soundtrack to two films by Claire Denis, L"Intrus (2004) and White Material (2009).
Tindersticks had previously recorded the music to two other Denis films, Nénette et Boni and Trouble Every Day. In 2007 he collaborated with David Boulter composing the soundtrack to Tot Ziens! (We"ll meet Again), a short by Belgian director Klaus Verscheure.