Stevedreez Invites You to the Effortlessly Smooth World of 'DIAL TONE' [Q&A]
Photo: Jazen Saga
An eclectic mix of sounds and overlapping eras, Stevedreez is reviving the disco era with a signature tender, intergalactic sonic groove.
Splitting his upbringing between Japan and Virginia, itâs evident singer, songwriter, and guitarist Stevedreez is integrating influences beyond American modern media and the confinement of time. Upon first listen, you could be told his music comes from 1973 or 2073 and both would check out.
His latest EP DIAL TONE features five soultronic tracks, including previously released singles âCRYSTAL BALLâ and âGOOD LOVE.â Hypnotic and sonically alluring, this project will single-handedly transport you to a time of futuristic funk and old-fashioned love affairs.
Hot on the heels of his project release, we caught up with Stevedreez to discuss the influences that have built him into the innovative artist he stands as today.
Ones To Watch: Whatâs incredible about your music is the inability to tell what year it comes from. Which era would you say youâre the most influenced by?
Stevedreez: I take a lot from the '70s and '80s, but I also grew up in the '90s. I like '90s movies and feel very influenced by them, but music-wise, Iâm definitely into '70s and '80s vibes.
And how old would you say your soul is?
I get the old soul thing a lot. I have a ton of old records on my wall and grew up listening to my dadâs old classic rock music, like Rolling Stones and stuff. My soul probably isnât as old as my dad, but somewhere around there.
With such an eccentric sound, who are some of the acts that informed you as an artist?
Itâs hard to say, Iâve liked so much stuff! My dadâs classic rock built a foundation around me playing guitar for sure. His favorite artists are The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, like most middle-aged white dads. My mom was into R&B so I grew up with a mixture of both. She would always play this Toni Braxton CD in the car, or Sade. Both of them like country as well, but I branched out on my own when I started making music. I was doing lo-fi study beats so Iâm not really sure how I got here, haha.
Songs our parents played while we were in the backseat of the car are always the most sacred. Do you ever imagine people experiencing your music for the first time in the same way?
I always associate my music with being listened to in the car, thatâs just the best way to consume music I think. Not even paying that deep attention, just letting it soundtrack your ride. Being with your family, friends, girlfriend, or boyfriend. If thereâs an album I really want to listen to from start to finish, then Iâll wait until I have a drive.
Agreed. Whatâs your perspective on the disco era, because youâre reviving it with your music.
I know my dad probably doesnât like it, haha. I got into disco a few years back, itâs just quality dance music. I like house music too, which basically also comes from disco. Itâs always a good time when dance music is on, I like to go to clubs and just groove to it.
Even though your music is so made to dance to, itâs hard to picture you at a club! You seem so reserved.
Yeah, if Iâm at a party, Iâm very chill. Usually just somewhere with my drink, definitely not the life of the party.
Do you have to step into an emboldened version of yourself when itâs time to perform or shoot music videos?
Yeah, but Iâm getting better at it. Iâve done tons of videos at this point, not as many shows because Iâm still getting comfortable. But with videos, itâs like, I know I want it to look good so I make sure of that. With my shows too, even if Iâm nervous I try to make the performance as best as I can. Itâs worse to sound bad than to be nervous.
Iâm sure it helps to have an instrument you can hide behind! Tell me about your guitar roots.
Definitely, Iâve been playing guitar since elementary school. Maybe since third or fourth grade. When making a song, music always comes first to me, Iâll work on the lyrics later. When Iâm on stage, thereâs a couple of songs I play where Iâm not playing guitar and those always feel weird. I like to have my instrument to help me feel more at home. At the end of the day, Iâve always seen myself more as a guitarist than anything else. I made dance songs that donât have guitar in them and they blew up a little bit, so Iâve had to adjust to being both.
Are there any guitarists that you like to emulate?
All the classics for sure, like Jimi Hendrix and George Harrison. My friend always calls me Slowhand, like the Eric Clapton kind of thing. I donât shred, I just play really vibey stuff.
You make so many tender love songs, I couldnât imagine you shredding. Whatâs the formula for the perfect love song?
Itâs been done so many times. Iâm really into the cheesy songs that are saying whatâs already been said, like Mac Demarco is really good at that, heâs mastered the trope of a love song. But I think the best love song of all time is "Be My Baby" by The Ronettes. The Beach Boysâ love songs are really good, too.
And lastly, now that the EP is out, whatâs next in this new era for you?
After this project, Iâm hoping to do more shows and take all this music Iâve been making live, so weâre working on making a tour happen. I have so much music Iâve made thatâs ready to go, Iâm just focusing on this five-song project right now. After that, Iâll be dropping a lot of singles and hitting up cities Iâm long overdue for. All in its timing.
Stevedreez' DIAL TONE is available now.