Interviews
Steven Christopher – Singleminded
By: Jamie Steinberg
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) It’s a little bit country and a little bit rock n roll.
No, ok it’s R&B with auto tune rap influences. The lyrics are pretty frank. But also resentfully emo.
Imagine a boy that used to be lovesick but now he just loves weed and video games. That’s what it sounds like.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) It kind of depends on the day. Maybe even the time of day, but Timbaland, NSYNC and a lot of 2000s R&B.
I think about the “U Got It Bad” video every time it rains.
I listen to a lot of Young Thug for the way he plays with melody, Cardi for the way he stretches his voice and I been listening to a lot of squeak rap lately.
Q) How do your Memphis roots play a role in the music you make?
A) Memphis really helped shape my taste in music. Growin’ up in Memphis I learned how music should make you feel. It’s a feeling you get when a beat slaps hard as hell like a Triple 6 Mafia record or when a lounge singer puts twenty years of pain and struggle into a song. You feel it in your gut. Memphis is real, no frills, not always pretty. I carry that with me now when I create.
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Singleminded.”
A) It’s about realizing you got the juice all by yourself.
It’s about not being stuck on having somebody or being in love and saying, “We can kick it but don’t get too attached, cause that’s not where I’m at.”
I’m just in a place where I’m enjoying being single. The song talks about that from a couple different angles.
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) I hope so. I hope people realize they don’t have to be with somebody to be happy. I think good things find you when you find yourself. So, do that.
Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?
A) The video is literally me enjoying a day by myself. Doing whatever I want. It’s fun.
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) With this song I made the beat first, but I usually just come up with melodies and free-style ideas on the fly. I save them as a voice note, then go back and develop them more later.
With this one I made the beat and then just sang into the mic on some Wayne-type energy. I’d never done that before.
Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) I do it all, but I’m open to collaborating.
Q) What are some themes you’ll be exploring on your upcoming album?
A) It’s heavily influenced by my experience in LA over the past two years and how it’s changed me. Some of the things I’ve experienced – dating or not dating, rather.
Q) What songs off of it hold a special place in your heart and why?
A) This one is honestly pretty special. It’s something different for me as a statement. as a mindset. it’s growth for me, musically and personally.
Q) What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
A) I hope they get to know me. I hope they relate. I hope it becomes the soundtrack to some amazing times ahead.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) The Neptunes would be amazing. Babyface would be life-changing. A sexy ass duet with Missy [Elliott] would be insane.
Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) I went through this 100 Gecs phase a few months ago that opened me up to a bunch of other stuff like 645ar and FLEE. I’m kind of into seeing how people push the limits of music now.
Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?
A) It would be a lot more important if algorithms actually let fans see artists’ content. [smiles]
I enjoy talking with followers though and hearing what their lives are like all around the world. It’s an exchange of positive energy.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) Thank you for loving me and my music. Let’s do this forever <3
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