What a start to 2010 for Steve Moakler! It’s only February and Steve’s music has been featured in programs for ABC & MTV, a college campus tour is in full swing, and a new EP is in the works! Steve talked to us in greater detail about all of this and more!
This is only the beginning!
Nashville, TN
United States
Genre: Pop / Rock
Album(s): Weight of Words EP, Like I Mean It EP, All The Faint Lights
Website: http://www.myspace.com/stevemoakler
Matthew: Last year you released your first full-length album, All The Faint Lights, following two Pop/Rock-filled EPs (The Weight of Words EP & Like I Mean It EP). When and where did you record the new album?
Steve: Most of All The Faint Lights was recorded in a lake house in Louisa, VA over the course of 10 days in October. It definitely the most fun that I have ever had recording. It was a man-made lake built to cool a nuclear reactor, so even in October the water was toasty, so we were able to swim and take mini-canoe trips during breaks.
Matthew: How does the songwriting on this album relate to and/or evolve from your previous releases?
Steve: Well, I think I’ve become a better writer. Being in Nashville has inspired me and challenged me a lot to strengthen my craftsmanship. I think the songs on my new record are more focused. My earlier music is more abstract— not because I wanted it to be though, It was just because I was less developed as a songwriter. I think that I have gotten better at assigning each song with a message and digging in.
Matthew: How did the time in the studio with the band affect the vibe of the songs from the live solo performances we have seen?
Steve: Everybody who worked on my record was amazing at their “thing.” Every player brought a tremendous amount to the table served the songs well. I feel like each song’s potential was realized by having so many people talented people put their hands on it. I think that all the songs have been made more accessible. We had a lot of fun making this record, and my hope is that the listener is able to tell.
Matthew: Is there anything that you’d like to say to first time listeners?
Steve: Welcome aboard. I would consider it privileged to catch your ear.
Matthew: What have you been doing in the last few months since your album’s release?
Steve: I’ve been touring more than ever…I got on board with a college agency this summer and they have kept me really busy. My time is nashville has been spent writing for my next release. Lots of coffee.
Matthew: During the summer of 2008 you and Tim Schurrer went on the road for the “Home is Where the Heart is Tour”. What are your future tour plans? (”Home is Where the Heart is” Part 2)?
Steve: In February and March I am going to be in the road with two awesome and talented guys named Ben Rector and Andrew Ripp. With their help, I’ll be playing some premier venues in cities that I have never been too before, and I’ll also have an opportunity to introduce my fans to their music. I think it’s gonna be great for all of us. Other than that, I have a lot of college shows coming up this spring and next fall.
Matthew: The opening track to All The Faint Lights, Hesitate, was recently featured on ABC’s Private Practice. What can you tell us about this exciting moment in your music career?
Steve: Wow. I still can’t believe that happened. That was a huge moment for me. I work pretty hard–I feel like most of the time I just keep my head down and power through, I never know exactly where I’m going or if it’s working. Hearing my song on ABC felt like a big pat on the back, and it affirmed that my work was paying off. I felt incredibly blessed and encouraged.
Matthew: Can you give us a preview of what 2010 & beyond will be like for Steve Moakler and the fans?
Steve: The next 3 months are really dense with touring, which should be a blast. I’m planning to release an acoustic/stripped down EP next. It will feature a couple previously released songs with acoustic arrangements, but I will mostly be introducing some new songs before they are formally produced and released on a record. I expect to record that in MAY. I’m not sure when my next full-record will come out. I still feel like “All The Faint Lights” has a little bit more juice to be squeezed out of it. I hope to just continue to be inspired, keep growing, and enjoying the ride. It’s totally wild.
