Q: Hi Tony Stevens, congratulations on your CCMA nomination! How did you feel when you heard the news?
A) Thanks so much! It’s hard to explain, but it sort of felt like the moment a fish bites the lure! A shot of adrenaline and a feeling of pure joy! Being nominated for Songwriter of the Year alongside Canada’s best is an absolutely incredible honour and is one of those ‘Days like this’ moments that I’m never going to forget.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A) As a boy I watched my Grandma sing in the church choir. I always thought she had a lot of guts to get up and sing in front of so many people. Growing up the music in the house reflected the times we were going through, the good and the bad. From the R&B and praise music my sisters blasted from their rooms to the sad sounds of Phil Collins and Alan Jackson that my dad would play to help him through a tough split. I guess I learned that there was a song for every situation and that made me value music from a very young age.
Q: “Whiskey in Colorado” has been a huge hit, reaching #8 on the Canadian country charts and accumulating over two million streams. Can you share the inspiration behind the song?
A) Well that’s a heck of a thing eh?! I’m still trying to get my mind wrapped around those facts! The song is inspired by an intense desire to be out chasing this dream that is all too often met with the fact that chasing the dream means being away from the people I love. It brings a unique cocktail of emotions up and this song explains that feeling and how it just can’t simply be ‘whiskey’d’ away. When I sat down to write with Dan Swinimer, Wes Mack and David Borys, it was a sentiment we could all relate to. Once the work tape and demo were finished, I knew this was a song that I wanted to cut and release.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A) I really loved Riley Green’s latest project, his song “Jesus Saves” is a perfect example to me of what a great country song is. It draws me into the story and explains a human experience in a way that only lyrics, melody and composition can. I find inspiration while I’m not looking for it. Song ideas and lyrics generally come from a lived experience I have had for the most part. When I’m cruisin’ in my old truck, (Gabrielle), I seem to run into inspirations and song titles the most.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A) Lived.
Q: Can you describe the musical style of Tony Stevens in three words?
A) Heartfelt, fun, emotive.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A) I’d say that the message is constantly growing and changing as I grow and change. But one thing’s for sure you won’t be guessing what I’m saying. The lyrics will always be real and clear. As for my goals, I want my songs to reach and relate to as many people as possible. My dream is for my songs to become a part of someone’s life soundtrack like so many songs have become a part of mine.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A) Eric Church. For all the obvious and cliche reasons. I also watched his career go from not being mentioned on the ticket opening for Dirks Bentley (another dream collab) to where he’s at now and as a ‘guy like me’ it is inspiring.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A) I was always told to find my sound or my voice or what I wanted to say. Looking back I can say that I’m as close to that as I’ve ever been but I don’t think I’ll ever really arrive. But that’s the fun, the journey. I’d say enjoy every step and try your best to be your authentic self. Write songs you want to sing and take the steps toward what you want in a career. The worst you can do is fail, no, scrap that, the worst you can do is never try.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A) Don’t wait to almost die to pursue what is put in your heart. Even if it is for 5 minutes a day, something is better than nothing.
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