Interview with Jeremy Steding
by Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show
Lamitschka: Music has many new fans throughout Europe who may be hearing about you for the first time. How woulduence o you describe yourself and the music you play to someone who has never seen or heard you?
Jeremy Steding I describe my music as “Vintage Country, Fried in Americana Batter” I have been influenced by Country artists such as Johnny Cash and Buck Owens, as well as great folk songwriters, like John Prine and Robert Earl Keen. Of course, I could go on for days about all the wonderful music that has inspired and affected me over the years!
Lamitschka: How was the last year for you? What were your highlights?
Jeremy Steding 2011 was a very good year for me, I created and released my third albm, “I Keep on Livin’, but I don’t Learn”, by Walt Wilkins. Concert attendance icreased dramatically. We also did our first international release, sending this album to the Euro-Americana Chart, where we charted at #17 in October 2011. It was a great year!
Lamitschka: What is your latest CD and how’s it doing?
Jeremy Steding I Keep on Livin’, but I don’t Learn is doing very well! The album has reached larger audiences than ever before and the reception has been absolutely fantastic.
Lamitschka: Do you write the songs yourself? If not, how do you go about finding the songs for your CD?
Jeremy Steding I am a songwriter, and wrote or co-wrote all but one song on the new album. The only cover was by a hero of mine, Johnny Cash. The one cool thing that comes out of conflict is art. Through a very difficult relationship period in my life, I was able to come up with my favorite song yet, “Arkansas Rain”.
Lamitschka: What is the difference between your last CD and your current one?
Jeremy Steding I believe I reached a new level of maturity as a singer and songwriter.
Lamitschka: How much creative control do you have over your music?
Jeremy Steding As an independent artist, I am blessed to have full creative control over my music. I have created as I have wished and intend to continue to do so!
Lamitschka: What do you think about today’s music scene versus its post and where do you see it going in the future?
Jeremy Steding I think the fans and artists are truly blessed today to be able to reach one another. What we are seeing is a seperation of the masses and those who truly take the time to seek out music that specifically interests them. I am a huge fan of the music of the past, and I personally tend to prefer vintage artists. I believe that the music business of the past is gone. I think, in today’s music scene, there will be less people getting filthy rich and more people able to share their music. I believe that the future will continue with the trends we are seeing now. MUSICALLY, I hope to see a resurgence of artistry and performance on organic instruments. The organic, live show is the future!
Lamitschka: What do you think about today’s music industry?
Jeremy Steding As a new artist, it is the only one I have ever known, so I am just damn grateful to be a part of it!
Lamitschka: As an artist, you so many tasks such as recording, touring, interviews. What do you like best, what’s your favorite activity?
Jeremy Steding The live show is king! When the band is on point and the audience is into the show, there is absolutely no better feeling in the world.
Lamitschka: Are you doing anything to take music beyond its current borders or are you happy where it is?
Jeremy Steding I’m always working hard to grow, artistically and professionally. I am very excited to take my music to Europe for the first time in Summer 2012! This is mostly going to be an acoustic tour, planting seeds to bring the full band the next year!
Lamitschka: What inspired you to become an artist?
Jeremy Steding I believe I was born one.
Lamitschka: What inspired you to become a songwriter?
Jeremy Steding Honestly, I just started doing it. I always loved art and I loved writing.
Lamitschka: What’s unique about you that will differentiate you from other artists?
Jeremy Steding I’m a black sheep, I always have been. Everything is just a little off-center with me. I sing a little different, I write a little different. I don’t tend to fit the mold, so I make one for myself!
Lamitschka: What moments in your career stand out in your memory as highlights and achievements which you are proud of?
Jeremy Steding Sharing the stage with Clint Black was very cool, but there are too many to begin!
Lamitschka: Who is your biggest critic, yourself or others?
Jeremy Steding Me, by far. It is a constant battle with myself!
Lamitschka: Many European fans travel to the United States to attend the several of the music festivals for the opportunity to see so many of their favorite artists, bands and celebrities. Will you be participating and how will the fans be able to find you?
Jeremy Steding We have a very busy performance schedule and make sure to list all dates at: www.jeremysteding.com
Lamitschka: When you’re on tour, do you have time to play tourist?
Jeremy Steding Absolutely! Travel is one of my biggest hobbies, and my favorite part of this job. I love to experience other cultures, taste other foods, drink different beers! I love the experience!
Lamitschka: Do fans mob you everywhere you go or do they respect your privacy?
Jeremy Steding For the most part, fans are very cool, respectful people. Most just want to share a kind word and say hello.
Lamitschka: Many music fans today get their information about artists online. Do you have your own website and what will fans find there?
Jeremy Steding Music, Pictures, Tour Dates! www.jeremysteding.com
Lamitschka: Tell us about the fan club and how people can join it.
Jeremy Steding People can sign up for the mailing list, and opt to be a part of the street team, via the website!
Lamitschka: What message would you like to send your European fans?
Jeremy Steding Let’s have a cold beer in the summer of 2012! I am booking extensive tour dates, all of which can be found at: www.jeremysteding.com
Christian Lamitschka ( CountryMusicNewsInternational@googlemail.com )
www.CountryMusicNewsInternational.blogspot.com