Behind the Music with Chris Stephen on Home

Chris Stephen AVA LIVE RADIO.png

Band Name: Chris Stephen

Song name: Home

Music Genre: Country

I live in... Knoxville, TN

Link to play:
 https://open.spotify.com/album/4lBmF1BCYIRGItXJewYJnN?si=ufCpghzMSHeLpnVnHCstOg
spotify:album:4lBmF1BCYIRGItXJewYJnN
http://bit.ly/ChrisStephenVEVO

This song is about...
The uncertainties of love, especially when you're young. Sometimes not realizing what you have until it's almost gone is a lesson in itself.

My music is...
a mix of traditional or, Outlaw Country and Modern Country. Music has been my life and my passion since 2nd grade. To me, there is no better way to express and experience raw emotion. I love sharing my music with people and always hope that it connects and resonates with my music fans.

How do you think this release represents your current direction..
I don't know that I have a "direction" per say other than always growing as an artist and growing my fan base. Although I co-write with a few writers in Nashville, "Home" was written solely by me, it is solely an expression from my heart.

What most inspires you?
Like I said earlier, music is my passion. It is both healing and expressive. I could not imagine my life without making music. I mainly play guitar and trombone. But, I also play euphonium, bagpipes, and piano. I also play many many other instruments to a lesser extent due to my three years of schooling as a music education major at the University of Tennessee Knoxville.

Not mine but, Johnny Cash's and it fits me well. "People call me wild. Not really though, I'm not. I guess I've never been normal, not what you call Establishment. I'm Country.

Home..

EP is in the works leading out with the first single, “Home” .

Making music the Nashville way..
The Nashville songwriting complex still operates on a series of codes and traditions you won’t find in rock, pop or any other genre. But with that being said, you can really experiment with your style in country music from outlaw to pop country.

What it takes to write a great country song.
You have to have alot of truth and getting in touch with your emotions. Patience is also an important factor just like for ‘Home’. It took a few months to get this song down and I had to over come everything from writers block.

Is the lyric or melody the most important part of the song?

It’s a tough call, I used to think that lyrics were the number-one driving force in a good song, but I find that over my years writing these songs, that it's not. You got to have a melody.

Should you co-write and use session musicians in Country? Is there a benefit to having a co-writer. In Nashville, it’s beneficial to cowrite with the local talent.

Instruments that are key to todays Country music.

Interview:

Tennessee songwriter, Chris Stephen speaks with host Jacqueline Jax about his New Single "Home" the upcoming EP and how he feels about being a country musician today. You'll learn about what it takes to be a great songwriter and make music in Nashville today. Also how this next generation of artists are navigating the codes and traditions of the industry. From song writing tips to making music that's authentically your won, you won't want to miss this incredible Songwriters journal episode. 

Website & social media links:
 http://www.ChrisStephenMusic.com
Official VEVO Channel - http://bit.ly/ChrisStephenVEVO
http://www.Facebook.com/ChrisStephenMusic
Instagram @ChrisStephen_Music
www.instagram.com/ChrisStephen_Music
Twitter @ChrisStephen_
www.Twitter.com/ChrisStephen_
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qtKiJBD370ghLRdeX3TsR
http://www.ReverbNation.com/ChrisStephen
https://www.youtube.com/ChrisStephenMusic