Essential 8: Stevenson Everett

Courtesy of the Artist

Singer-songwriter Stevenson Everett recently released his new single, "Bury Me In Louisiana" a heartfelt ballad that tips its hat to the Pelican state. Here he answers his Essential 8 where he talks bucket list items, attentive crowds, drinking at gigs, and more.

Is there a story behind your album’s title?
My latest album is called “Ballads and Blues.” I chose this title because those are my two favorite things to sing. They are also the two things Nashville told me I sang too much of, too many ballads and too many blues songs. I lost my most recent record deal 2 years ago and was at a professional crossroads. I had been in the music game for 16 years at that point, and decided that if I was going to make another album, then I was going to sing whatever songs I wanted to sing regardless of genre, style, and tempo. Not every song on the new cd falls in to either category, ballads or blues, but to me, the album is ballads and blues and everything in between.

When/where do you do your best writing?
Typically, late at night, alone, after the wife and kids have gone to bed. It’s quiet and there are no distractions and I just play. I’m not always looking to write something, but I’m always looking to discover something, whether it be a melody, a chord progression, or something musically that inspires a feeling that then inspires lyrics, that then may hopefully turn into a song. It’s a slow process for me, but one that I love.

What has been your biggest struggle so far?
My biggest struggle to this date has just been getting the music out to the world. You can create something beautiful, but if no one ever hears it, is it a waste of time and talent? I don’t know. The world has gotten louder and you’re competing with so much noise and content, not to mention the smartphone. I struggle with getting people to slow down long enough to listen. It’s not their fault, it’s just that the world has changed a lot from the days of the old troubadours and balladeers of the 60’s and 70’s. I do often wonder if I was born in the wrong era. But in the end, I still hold true that honesty will never go out of style, so I’ll continue to stay honest to myself and to the music.

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What’s your favorite venue and why?
My favorite venues have a lot to do with the audience. I always love playing the “Bluebird Cafe.” For a songwriter, it doesn’t get much better than that, a room full of people there to listen to songs and stories. I also play a lot of private house shows these days and I always enjoy those for the same reason. The audience is there to listen. The intimacy of the music and the audience is hard to beat.

What’s your dream venue and why?
I’ve always wanted to play a free show on a giant stage on the downtown streets of my hometown, Thomasville, GA. We’ll film it, livestream it, have special guests, record it and release it as a live album, the whole shebang. I’m gonna make it happen one day!

Which song of yours gets the best crowd response?
I have a song called “Sophia Rose.” It’s a song I wrote for my oldest daughter (my youngest daughter Scarlett has a song on my latest album). “Sophia Rose” is a song that always elicits an emotional response from the audience, an honest, genuine, and vulnerable moment. The crowd gets a true glimpse of who I am as not only a singer/songwriter, but as a father and husband. It’s my most requested song, a song that many people have used as their father/daughter dance at weddings. I love that.

Is drinking at gigs a positive or a negative?
There was a time when I was younger that I drank a lot at gigs. My shows were full band and a bit wilder. The older I get the less I drink on stage, if I even drink at all. I find I don’t sing as well. My stories aren’t as sharp. When I was younger I could get away with being a bit sloppy. Now I enjoy having a polished set. I save the drinks for after the show these days😉
 
Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off?
I have always wanted to play the Grand Ole Opry. Still waiting on that one😊

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