There’s a certain kind of despair that hangs heavy over these bluesy undertones. “At 23, I picked up a guitar and wrote my first song. Honestly, it was probably pretty terrible… but through a good amount of support, and a lot of stubbornness, I continued working on my craft. So, here I am a quarter life’s crisis later and still working to find a place to call home.” Finding home and a broken heart, two common themes you’ll find in Stephen’s music. “You’ve got write what you know,” he says. “Growing up, we didn’t stick around too many places. I was always moving schools, moving friends, and casting new relationships. I guess it’s only natural I’d pursue a career that’s whiskey soaked and road driven.” You can certainly hear those strong road influences in the songs Stephen produces. It’s a blues feel with a southern soul behind it. “I’d have to say my strongest influences come from guys like BJ Barham (American Aquarium), John Mayer, Jason Isbell… those types of writers. You just have to respect their skill and tenacity.” Stephen’s first EP, while still in the works, is entitled “Wine in Paper Cups” and is expected out sometime early 2017.
Writers note: I just want to say thank you to anyone that’s come out to a show, thrown a dollar in the tip jar, bought me a beer, or just said hello. It’s moments like these that remind me why I started playing music and why I’m still pursuing it. I hope to make this so much more. Thank you all.