Stephen Sanchez – Kayla

By starrymag | November 1, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I would like to think that my sound is very emotional. When we began the process of actually recording these songs, I really wanted to make sure that the production itself felt just as heartbreaking or sentimental as the lyrics I wrote. I think, naturally, that longing heartache and bittersweet sentiment have become my sound in a sense.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) It changes like the seasons nowadays, but growing up I was heavily influenced by the writers who tailored hits for some of the well-known big band crooners and vocal groups: Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, The Platters, The Ink Spots, etc. They sang words that really meant something; lyrics that could convince a blind world that love does not only reside in one’s heart, but that it can be tangible before the eyes of man. That love still affects my writing and my life to this day.

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Kayla.”

A) I met Kayla nearly three years ago. I’d always felt some sort of wonderful when I was near her, but never did anything about it. She always questioned how wonderful she was, I just wanted to remind her of the beauty I saw in her. I sat in my room one night and wrote the whole song, recorded it on GarageBand with the worst production ever and sent it over to her the same night. She ended up really loving the song, but her heart was elsewhere. We lost touch after a while, and I haven’t seen her since.

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

A) I hope they are drawn to what the song makes them feel, where it takes them in their mind, whose arms they wish they were in while listening.

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

A) I think it displays Kayla as someone who is colorful, which gives a visual to how I felt about her and how I saw her.

Q) I have to ask, has the real Kayla heard “her song?”

A) The “real Kayla” has heard her song. She actually reached out and we both got a chance to reminisce about the night I sent her the demo version. It was really great catching up after so many years.

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

A) I think it changes daily. Some days I’ll hear another person’s song and be so inspired to write something that makes me feel what that song did. Some days I’ll have a lyric or idea first and then add music, but usually when I write, I have a melody first.

Q) For this track you recruited Ian Fitchuck. What was it about his talents that made you want him in on the production of your music?

A) Aside from being incredibly multi-talented. Ian is very precious with songs. He holds them with such conviction, only wanting what feels is the absolute best for them. I knew he was meant to work on this project right away when I saw that heart being poured out onto all of these songs.

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

A) The EP is finished and on its way. As for the full-length debut album, I feel that I have written some of my favorite songs and I’m really excited for people to hear them in the future.

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

A) I’d have to say the few places in Nashville I’ve been blessed to play at have been my favorite, but this November I will be playing at The Basement East and being a fan of the venue and the artists who have played there is going to make it all the more special.

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

A) I dream of having Phoebe sing/write with me on a “heartbreaker.” I mean, so does everyone else, but I would take her to get soft tacos after.

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

A) Social Media is such a huge platform for connecting with fans because you can be on a screen anywhere in the world from your living room. TikTok is such a great example of that. It doesn’t just connect fans to videos locally, but internationally. It’s incredible. Plus, in the midst of COVID, it helps fans stay connected to the artist when they aren’t touring.

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

A) Thank you all for giving me the space to create art for the world and a hope that it’ll mean something more than words and sounds.