Stephen Martines – Sounds Like Whiskey

By starrymag | October 23, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I’d describe it as “country infused with soul and pop undertones.” That said, I’ve just scratched the surface of the sound I hope to incorporate. The beauty of today’s country music is that it has room for multiple genre infusions, keeping things interesting and alive.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) I grew up listening to a variety of artists and various genres of music. In my family it was Sinatra, Dean Martin, Ray Charles, anything Motown and Elvis (whom my daughter is named after) were hugely influential. Waylon, Cash, Willie and George Strait – to name a few country influences. But growing up in the 80’s happened to be a great time for music, in my view. From old school hip-hop to rock to pop… You name it, we had it. Then came this guy named Garth! Damn. Life changed for me right there.

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Sounds Like Whiskey.”

A) Although I didn’t co-write this song, it was a “must have” for me! I am grateful to have the opportunity to cut it and release it as a single. My dear friend Vinny Hickerson (Trailer Choir) presented it to me a little while back and I related to the lyric immediately. It’s country but fused with pop undertones and speaks to many people’s experience with a fractured relationship -where one person’s heart just isn’t ready to let go. Country music more often than not hits you right in the gut; “Sounds Like Whiskey” carries with it the vapors of a painful breakup that still echo within me today. The song was written by Vinny Hickerson, Jay Brunswick and Josh Dunne and produced by Chuck Bonano, Johnny Scott and myself.

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) Most everyone has experienced moments of complete vulnerability; those moments inevitably lead down the path of the “What if..?” and “Why didn’t I..?” torments we’ve managed to bury just beneath the surface of the emotional self we choose to present to the world. Reminiscing over a past love can be painful, but it can also help us grow, help us realize what’s important. It’s that painful disconnect, I believe, that people relate to in Sounds Like Whiskey.

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) We are currently wrapping up our storyboard for the video. I’ve had a mini movie in my head that depicts the pain of a breakup, the vulnerability and heartache – reminiscent of longing for a love lost. I will be directing it – something I’ve wanted to do for quite some time.

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) My process is a little different than most, I believe: I’m a “visual” writer – a process to which I attribute in particular degree to my television background. I see an image of a song before a lyric comes to me. Like, I see more of an actual “song idea” in motion picture form.

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) An area I am most proud of, no doubt. Red Rose Records has given me a great deal of creative freedom where producing our music is concerned. Chuck Bonano, Johnny Scott and I do the majority of the production. We are grateful to Luke Arens in Nashville and the folks at Shock City Studios here in St. Louis for their solid mixing work as well. And Rob Schlette at Anthem Mastering adds the final touches – we couldn’t be happier with his work.

Q) What can fans expect from a live Stephen Martines performance?

A) My bass player, Chuck Bonano, dancing. [laughs] Trust me, it’s a sight you must see. In all seriousness, we put on an entertaining show. My band are incredible musicians, but more so we fit well together. The vibe is there! As for me, I love the close interaction with both my band and the audience, incorporating those that support you both on-stage and in the seats into the show. Whatever that may be in the moment. It’s a high-energy, family atmosphere, if you will. We’re ALL there to have a good time!

Q) Will there be a full EP or album coming in the near future?

A) Absolutely! An EP will be coming soon! We are focused on dropping a couple more singles, however. You never know; a full length vinyl album might be in the offing. How cool would that be!?

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) Let’s hope one day soon I will be able to properly answer your question as we ramp up a tour schedule. I’m looking forward to hitting the road anywhere that’ll have us. The UK or Australia would be killer!! We’ve played the CMA Fan Festival in Nashville twice now and it’s been a blast – but really, any show we do where there’s a connection with the audience has its own special place in my memory.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) There’s a handful but right now – Keith Urban without a doubt. Also, with the sound I’m hoping to incorporate in the near future, Bruno Mars is at the top of my list. There’s a fusion I’ve repeatedly heard in my head and can’t wait to explore it. Lindsay Ell is another. She just kicks ass!

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) Chris Stapleton – From A Room (Volumes 1 & 2). There are several albums I listen to on a consistent basis, but Chris’ hits home on many levels. Although I’ve not had the privilege of meeting him, those that know him knew how talented he was long before the rest of the world did. He’s deserving of every accolade received and so much more. He’s the personification and the soul of country music today, in my view.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) There’s so much of a negative mystique to an artist’s persona if they’re at arms-length from those that follow them, that listen to their music and relate to it on a personal level. By contrast. social media gives almost instant access from both the fan and artist perspective. That access forms a symbiotic relationship that fuels my drive. It allows someone like me to take their fan base on the journey, wherever it might lead, and makes them a part of the whole scene. I love that intimacy. I’ve been fortunate to have fans from my time on television who are now fans of my music. It’s family.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) THANK YOU! I’m beyond humbled to be embraced the way I have thus far in country music. For those who have continued to follow me from television to music, I am grateful for your constant support and hold every one of you dear to my heart. Without any of you, I wouldn’t be able to do what I love.