STEVIE REDSTONE Opens Up About His Forthcoming Album, ‘Shot In The Dark’ and More!

LA’s piano-clad hipster Stevie Redstone recently released “Looking Glass,” the second track from his forthcoming album ‘Shot In The Dark,’ out on May 31st. The sweeping, minimalist orchestral arrangements and Redstone’s raw lyricism bring to life his own love story, while also illustrating the type of love all hopeless romantics long for.

 YOUTUBE / STATIC VIDEO: youtu.be/-aG933hqwCA

Redstone’s ‘Shot In The Dark’ is an infectious slice of vintage gold, a retro-tinged collection that feels both classic and modern, drawing from notes of Motown and Stax to Britpop and Laurel Canyon. Tipping the cap to George Martin and Phil Spector in their out-sized ambition, each track is a rollicking throwback straight out of American Bandstand, chock full of introspective stories of love (or the lack there of), while tackling both cultural and political issues with subtlety and nuance.

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Official website: stevieredstone.com

Facebook: facebook.com/stevieredstone

Twitter: twitter.com/StevieRedstone

Instagram: instagram.com/stevieredstone

Learn more about Stevie Redstone in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time today! Where does this interview find you?

Thank you guys for the look! I’m currently on vacation in Japan actually! It’s my second time here. I love this country, and this time I’m venturing outside of Tokyo to some more rural spots and having a blast.

Now that we are into the 5th month of the new year, how has 2019 been treating you so far? What are some goals that you have for yourself this year? How are those New Years Resolutions going?

Man, time is just flying by. 2019 has been great so far. We’ve been releasing some tunes ahead of the full album coming at the end of May. Playing some shows and always writing. Some of my goals this year include getting more exercise, significantly less screen time, 1000 hours of piano practice, touring in Europe and/or Asia for first time, releasing cool video content, and cooking more at home. I’d give myself a B+ overall. We have a Europe tour in October (!), 7 videos in the can and I’m getting some keys practice in (although sadly not on pace for 1000 hours).

Growing up, how important was music in your life? Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to be a musician? Was it an easy or difficult choice to make?

Music has been important to me and in my blood from a very young age. Some of my earliest memories are listening to the Beatles in the car with my folks. I don’t recall a moment or conscious choice when I decided to become a musician because I’ve been singing and “performing” ever since I can remember. I do recall when I started to play guitar, before eventually making piano my primary instrument. The decision wasn’t difficult as I fell in love with the piano, but learning it certainly wasn’t easy.

Was there ever a time when you thought about doing something else? If you weren’t a musician today, what else could you see yourself doing? Would you be as fulfilled in life?

Writing and playing music is pure joy for me, but the music business has its valleys for sure. So as far as a career, I suppose one has their moments of doubt or reflection along the way in that respect. But I’ve continued to create, stay positive, enjoy the journey, and try to remember the rest is up to the universe. – My other passion is cooking/hosting, and I’m not half bad at them if do say so myself. So if I wasn’t a musician, I would probably pursue opening a restaurant. I think it’d be a nice way to connect with strangers and friends, and hopefully make them smile. Instead of a song, it’d be from some delicious grub.

What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all?

One welcome challenge that comes to mind was learning how to co-write with new people all the time. I was in a band for a while before I went solo, and basically all my writing was either with my old band-mates, or on my own. This new album got me in the room with tons of folks I had never met, and you have to dive right in to a pretty personal, often intense creative process. But I came out stronger on the other side, and I’m very grateful for those opportunities. Not only because of the material they yielded, but also the friendships formed that will continue on.

Let’s talk about your forthcoming full-length album, “Shot In The Dark.” What was it like putting this collection together? Did anything surprise you about the overall process? How will you celebrate the release of the album?

It all started when I reconnected with a guy from my high school who went on to become a sort of independent A&R guy after working at the majors for a while. He introduced me to some great co-writers in Nashville and LA, and we began a pretty intensive 6-8 month writing journey, if you will. That same cat, Kevin Carvel, introduced me to Nic Jodoin who had recently taken over the totally epic Valentine Studios in L.A. The studio is like a time capsule to the 60’s with a rich history and interesting story. Meeting Nic was a blessing because he understood me, and we shared a lot of the same influences. He was ready to produce the kind of album I was trying to make, but at the same time challenged me and really guided the ship. I loved working with him in that room and with the wonderful musicians and arranger he assembled for the record. I’ve got a fun album release show in the works. Still putting the finishing touches on it, announcement coming soon!

While it’s difficult, can you pick out a few of your favorite songs on this album and talk about their inspiration and how they got to be on this collection?

One of my personal faves is one we just released, “Looking Glass.” There’s a lot of bigger arrangements on the album (which I’m a sucker for), but this one cuts through for me with its simpler acoustic guitar/strings/vocals arrangement. I was recently married, so while the tune is inspired by the love I share with my wife, it’s also more universally about being there for someone through their ups and downs, and eventually growing old together. I’m also proud of a tune called “Now” (released ahead of the album as well). That one reflects on all the negative energy flying around in modern times and tries to cut through it with a message of love! I like to think it pulls you in and makes ya move, and I dig the all-hands-on-deck arrangement.

How do you think you have grown as a musician since you first started singing and writing songs?

I’m proud of how I’ve developed as a songwriter over the years. I’ve worked hard at it. I’m pretty stoked on the live show as well. I play with some terrific musicians and it’s a gritty, lively, fun, danceable affair, with some improvisation and playing the tunes a little different than they are on the album.

What has it been like keeping up with your social media accounts and all of the different platforms? Is it hard to stay up to date on it all? What would you say is your favorite way to connect with your fans now?

If I’m being totally transparent, social media is one of my least favorite parts of this job. I guess I’m just old school that way. I wouldn’t say it’s “hard” so much as it just doesn’t come naturally to me. It’s also something that takes some knowledge and skill to really get through to people what with the algorithms and general white noise of brands and artists. It’s a necessary evil these days, I get it. Instagram is the one I find easiest to express myself and reach my fans in a natural way.

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely still love to work with in the future?

I like all kinds of music, but I tend to be mostly inspired by music of the 60’s and 70’s. I love the Beatles, Allman Bros, CSNY, the Motown / Stax thing, the list goes on. As far as artists that are still kickin’ – I’m still very inspired by Paul McCartney and would love to work with him. Same goes for David Byrne and Trey Anastasio from Phish (whom I love and have seen many, many times).

Where can people see you perform live next?

The record release show will be up next in L.A. – Hook a brutha up with a follow on your favorite platform, or check the website for updates on that coming soon!

If you had an unlimited budget and your schedule was free, what would your dream music video look like?

Hmmmm. I think it’d be wicked to work with Quentin Tarantino on something bad ass. That, or maybe something with zero gravity in space. Elon Musk, if you’re reading this, hook me up!!

If your music was going to be featured on any TV show that is currently on right now, which would you love it to be on? Or if you prefer, what is a movie that you love that you wish your music was featured in?

My favorite show right now is BARRY. Top marks for Bill Hader! Would love to have a song on that show. Any Wes Anderson movie would also do just fine, thanks.

At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music?

The hope is simply that they feel something, and connect with it on some level beyond the superficial. If it makes you happy, sad, nostalgic etc, that’s a win.

Would you like to share anything else with our readers about your music?

We put a lot of effort into writing and recording an honest, very organic, old school-inspired yet new feeling album. Give it a spin. It won’t be for everyone, but if you do dig it – as a totally independent up-and-coming artist it would mean the world to me if you passed it along to some friends. Beyond that, thanks for reading.