Essential 8: Molly Stevens

Courtesy of the Artist

Nashville TN based and Macon, GA Native Molly Stevens grew up singing in church and at many revivals led by her grandfather, a celebrated preacher around the Southeast. Growing up in Macon, Stevens never knew a time when southern rock or soul wasn’t floating through the air. She studied theatre in college and moved to New York City shortly thereafter with acting aspirations. It wasn’t long, however, until she realized music was her true passion. Armed with a vintage 1950s Gibson acoustic given to her by her grandfather shortly before he died, she moved to Nashville in 2009 intent on turning her passion into a career.

This past September, she released her new EP, Here & Now Vol. 1, and here she answers her Essential 8 plus where she talks about her grandfather, the album, Chick-Fil-A, and much more!
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Did you have a musical mentor? If so, who was it and how did they influence you?
My grandfather was my musical mentor. He played guitar and left me his old 1958 Gibson when he died. I take it everywhere with me.

With any particular song, was there an “a-ha” moment when you knew the song was completed and perfect?
My tune "Just Hold On" had that feeling. Once we got the melody down it all made perfect sense and fell into place.

Is there a story behind your album’s title?
Why did you choose to anchor the album with the songs you did?- Of course there is a story. There always is. Here and Now is a mantra I try to live by. Staying present and just taking things one step at a time. It's a lyric in my tune Just Hold On and it just felt right to name the album Here and Now Vol. 1

Where do you draw inspiration from when writing?
Life experiences. All day long. My emotions, feelings, thoughts. I always write what I'm feeling.

When/where do you do your best writing?
In the studio with Whitney Dean. He and I get the mood set right and magic happens there for me.

Do you write about personal experience, the experience of others, observations, made-up stories, something else or a combination?
I almost always write about personal experiences.

What’s the best advice you have ever gotten from another musician?
"There is room for all of us. Don't compare and try to be like other artists. Just be you."

What’s the best advice to give to a musician just starting out?
One day at a time. And be authentic.

What’s your favorite/”go-to” food on the road?
Chick Fil A of course :)

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Do you have any touring tips?
I always pack a cooler with drinks and the basics. Saves money and time.

What are your “must have” albums for the road?
Lori McKenna "Bird and Rifle", Jason Isbell "Southeastern" and probably Brandi Carlisle tunes...

How do you kill the long hours in the van?
Listen to podcasts!!

What’s the most frustrating thing about being on the road?
Not sleeping in my own bed.

What do you love most about being on the road?
Meeting new people.

What has been your biggest struggle so far?
Being seen and heard.

What has been your biggest success?
Doing this whole thing for 10 years.

What’s your favorite venue and why?
Eddie's Attic forever. It's intimate. It's the perfect set up for storytelling.

What’s your dream venue and why?
The Ryman.

Who would you love to collaborate with?
Kacey Musgraves.

Which song of yours gets the best crowd response?
"Just Hold On"

Are there any songs you are tired of playing and why?
No way.

Is drinking at gigs a positive or a negative?
I'm going on 7 years sober! I love my life today because of it.

Favorite (or first) concert you have ever attended?
Brandi Carlile

Favorite thing to do on a day off?
Find the cool coffee shop or go on a hike. I love being outside and if my dogs are with me we love hiking.

Do you have a favorite gift from a fan?
I do. A fan brought me the coolest hat back from Wyoming. I wear it a ton. It was such a kind sentiment.

Have you met any of your heroes? If so, how did it go?
I have. I met Keith Urban a few times. I think I played it cool ;) I've hung with The Indigo Girls and maybe embarrassed myself a tiny bit. But still haven't met Dolly and I think I will lose it when I do.

Is there a recent release you cannot stop listening to?
Lori McKenna's new album The Tree. On repeat.

Is there a song (of yours) you wish you would have released as a single and why?
I don't think so. I like how it's all flowed and don't have any regrets.

Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off?
Play The Opry. It'll happen ;)

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