Stephen Sanchez is putting classiness back into modern day music. His sound is reminiscient of artists we know and love such as Elvis, The Everly Brothers, Ricky Nelson, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, and many more. His world is entirely unique, though. His sincerity to himself is charming and his respect for those that came before him is honorable. Stephen was kind enough to be a part of UMG 1824's latest press conference and told us stories that ranged from the making of "Angel Face" to meeting Kate Hudson.
What's the best piece of advice that someone gave you as an artist?
I went and saw this band Tenth Avenue North like eight years ago and I saw their show, I waited until after to meet the lead singer of that band. I asked him for a piece of advice and he said, "Everytime someone gives you a pedastal, they put you on one, take yourself off of it and put the person who put you on it back on that pedastal." It's like, everytime you're first in line, but the person behind you in front of you. Never being too big to take the crown off of your head, lessons on humility.
You've mentioned that your music is inspired by classic romance and love stories, are there any particular shows, books, or personal experiences that have inspired your songwriting?
There's totally personal experiences that have inspired my songwriting, of which I have no comment on because those ones are mine! As for movies and things like that, I definitely find myself relating to different films. I just watched this movie called Lost In Translation, and it's about two characters who are going through different crises in their lives and they end up meeting each other. They escape from their realities and begin one together that's a lot more beautiful. Love is a wonderful escape from reality a lot of the time, and then it becomes real once you shake off all the clouds.
How was it to play your first show in Japan? How did the audience energy differ from the shows in the United States?
Total energy shift in the best way. In America, it's all about the hype, everyone wants to be hyped up. In Japan, they are totally like that, but they want permission to be, which I think is epic. They were all about being respectful during the show and being a part of it. Everyone was clapping and jumping! It felt like they were really listening to the songs when we were playing them.
You're back on the road this fall, what can fans expect for this tour iteration, and also what's been the best or most memorable part of this tour for you?
It's different this time because last year we just told the story outright. Now, we're taking it farther back. This show predates the Angel Club shows, but it doesn't predate the love story with Evangeline and The Troubadour. You can expect the real thing at these shows, as if you were back in the 50s seeing Troubadour Sanchez and the Mooncrests live. We're playing through the years, it's been really cool. As for the memories, when we played in Toronto I got to sing on the balcony and dance with this sweet little girl. It's been a very sweet and fun tour.
One of your recent singles "Emotional Vacation" which is kind of a tropical yearing for something real in terms of relationships, what are some places you go to for peace or to find that yearning sensation?
I mean, I'm such a romantic as it is... I'm kind of operating out of that always. I'm not necessarily looking for it either, it's either there or it's not, but I love when it is.
Is there a special memory in your career that warms your heart when you think about it?
I keep thinking about this one memory, and it's probably because I just watched Almost Famous, but when I got off stage at Glastonbury, Kate Hudson was waiting side stage. She ran up and hugged me, she was like, "You are so so amazing!" and then just grabbed my face and kissed me on the cheek. I just looked at her and thought, this is the greatest day ever! I just love her so much. Everytime I think about it I get the total giddy crush vibe.
Whenever you approach making music, how important is the storytelling? Where does that fall between the story, the lyrics, the melody, and the personal experience you're writing into the character?
Storytelling is so important to me, I find it to be really exciting to write from real stories and feelings. Hiding behind the character a little bit lessens the blow of vulnerability for me. I don't want to be the guy that's regurgitating the same, you know, "I broke up with someone and I wrote this." When I utilize music to get me through a personal thing, once I'm through it, the song isn't as emotional. I'm not as connected to the song when I'm writing with a character that's telling the story through their lens.
In your debut album "Angel Face" you explore the story of The Troubador Sanchez, who is a fictional character from 1958. What inspired you to create this character and how does it reflect your musical journey?
I love 50s and 60s music. I've always wanted to be back in the day playing music. It was very selfishly driven, I just wanted to play dress-up. It ended up being way cooler than I thought it would be. Everything to do with the 50s and 60s was inspiring. A lot of the storytelling was like Marty Robbins with his gunslinger stories and longing for love, then losing it. Roy Orbison told a lot of stories like that too. Tons of that was inspiring when it came to creating a character.
In an interview with SPIN, you said you were currently in love with the idea of having a podcast or radio show, so if you were to have one, what would the subject be?
Probably talking a lot about old music and random pop culture. It would be cool to have a space to talk about how they did it and where they did it. And of course, love and breakups. It would be cool to bring old guests, like grandparents, and have them tell their stories. Bring old musicians on.
Who are some collaborators that you worked with throughout the album that you feel like effected you artistically and personally the most?
I would probably say Ben Schneider, for sure. He's the lead singer and mastermind behind the project Lord Huron. We worked on a lot of the songs for the record. It created a massive shift in the sound of it, too. We did "No One Knows" together, and then we had Laufey come be a part of it. That song opened up the world where this became an actual love story. Intially it was very fluffy, but that song was really talking about people who love each other also hate each other sometimes. The only reaosn The Troubadour dies is because Ben and I wrote that song [Death of The Troubadour], that's the only reason that song exists. The only reason Stephen Sanchez exists is because of that band. So much of the music that's out wouldn't sound like it does.
How do you define success for yourself, and how has your defintion changed since you started your career?
All I wanted to do was sell out shows and play the songs that I wrote. Mainly, so I could listen to them. I thought it would be cool to have my own music recorded. I still just want to be around people and write songs that mean something to others, but also to me. I don't want to get into this space where it's like, I've won every GRAMMY and I've won the hearts of all these people or I'm untouchable. I don't want to do that. I want to be someone who still wants to connect with human beings.
Stephen Sanchez has managed to prove himself as both a part of the past and present of music, and brick by brick he's bringing back an experience that was thought to have died decades ago. He will be on tour throughout fall, so be sure to catch him in a city near you!
Comments