Story By: Denver T. Stevens
He just released his debut album “Wait and See” and has made a solid name for himself in the East Tennessee music scene, but for Knoxville native Singer-Songwriter Stephen Hunley it’s just another day to give back to the ones he loves. Stephen Hunley, 28, is the nephew of Country Music Artist Con Hunley and is a University of Tennessee graduate. With the spotlight on Stephen and a few upcoming shows that could really set him apart from the rest, HometownSevier.com decided to sit down with Stephen for the very first “Featured Artist” and really focus in on who he is, his music, and where he intends to go with his amazing talents.
So…you’re opening for Joe Nichols this Sunday, August 9, 2009 at Cotton Eyed Joe! That’s a big deal! How did that come about?
Mike Hammond at WIVK heard some of my stuff; liked it; and asked if I would like to open for someone at Cotton Eyed Joe! I said yes…without hesitation of course. Well maybe a little hesitation because I was a little shocked. Super excited about the show though!
Your brand new album “Wait and See” was released earlier this summer…what’s everyone saying about it?
The response has been really positive. People really seem to enjoy what they are hearing. It’s a very eclectic album and people seem to be very receptive to that idea.
I’m glad you used the word “eclectic” because the album covers a lot of styles and genres. What’s the story behind that?
Funny you should ask. People ask me all the time, ‘What’s your style?’, ‘Who do you sound like’, ‘Is it country? Pop? Rock?’ I tell them it’s a little bit of everything. It’s really hard to put this album [Wait and See] in a category or a genre. I’ve been influenced by so many different kinds of music and artists that it’s hard to say what or who my main influence is. I guess I’ve always been influenced by a song first and an artist second, which I’m thankful for because I’ve been exposed to so many different kinds of music.
A lot of the songs on “Wait and See” seem to be written about love and loss? Did you write them about someone in particular?
Yeah…the old cliché happened to me too! I got my heart broken. Nothing new there I guess, other than the fact that I got it broken more than once by the same girl. [laughs] But the way it impacted me helped me understand the idea of loss. And when I say loss, I don’t mean death. I just mean the disconnect between two souls. It hurt at the time, but I’m thankful for it because my true love and passion for music came to life as my relationship with her soured. I wrote my first song about her so I am grateful she gave me that.
At the end of your song “Home” on “Wait and See” there’s a vintage banjo Outro…explain?
I guess this song is more about loss in terms of death. My grandfather, Papaw Hunley, [Wm. K. Hunley] was diagnosed with cancer in December of 2004. We lost him at the beginning of January 2005. It was a really difficult time for my family and me. We lost a wonderfully, sweet, gentle and kind man. It was tough to see him go like that. But that [outro] was an old recording of my papaw playing the banjo and we just put it on the album to honor him. We miss him very much.
Lyrically speaking, your song style on “Wait and See” has many elements of storytelling. Is this something you did intentionally?
I don’t know. I can’t really explain my songwriting method. I don’t have a true method I guess. I just write what I’m feeling in the moment. Sometimes it’s not just what I feel in my own shoes…sometimes I try to walk in someone else’s shoes and try to imagine what they’re feeling. And I guess some of my writing is just observation. Addiction is something that has been prevalent in my family. “In An Instant” is a song that uses a lot of imagery and metaphor to show the effects of someone’s battle
against substance abuse. I hope anyone struggling with addiction can first acknowledge it and then get the help they need. This is an issue that is close to my heart.
Just for the record…I caught one of your shows at Sapphire in Downtown Knoxville last week and you did an acoustic version of “These Arms of Mine” by Otis Redding and I was absolutely blown away by the emotion in your vocals. I think your vocal style is amazing! I would recommend any music lover to just listen to the raw emotion in your singing…It’s truly a gift.
Thank you very much!
Knoxville Artist Mike Berry painted the cover artwork on your album. What was the inspiration behind that?
My mom has an interiors and gifts shop (Kimberly’s Interiors and Gifts) in Knoxville and she had some of his artwork in her store for sale. I fell in love with his use of color and shape. I went to Mike with a concept for “Wait and See” and told him to just be himself and paint whatever ideas came to his mind. And he did just that…masterfully I might add.
How has Sevier County and its musical history inspired you?
Growing up my uncle, Con Hunley, used to play a New Year’s Eve Show at the Grand Hotel and Convention Center. The whole family would come to the show and at midnight we would all get up on stage and sing a few songs. It was really cool! Also my aunt Ruth, Uncle Tim, Kenny, and Burton played at Dollywood and some of the theaters in Sevier County so I spent quite a bit of time up there around music. I’m so thankful for being able to grow up in such a music-rich part of the country. I’m very proud to say I am from East Tennessee.
So your Uncle is Country Music Artist Con Hunley…what words of encouragement has he given you?
He told me to, ‘be myself and to do what comes natural. Don’t try to be something your not and whatever you decide to do, do it passionately, and mean it whole-heartedly and usually your dreams will come to fruition.’ Some pretty good advice for all of us if you ask me! [laughs] Most importantly I learned so much by watching and listening to him over the years. To me, he is the greatest country music vocalist of all time…and I’m not just saying that because he is family. I really believe that. He’s been a big influence and I’ve been lucky to have him in my life.
When can the people of Sevier County expect to see Stephen Hunley?
Well…if they want to drive to Knoxville they can see me at least a couple times a month. I play several small clubs in and around Knoxville. But honestly, I really don’t know when I will play in Sevier County. Hopefully soon though! So…club owners…[laughs] if you want to book me…hit me up on Myspace! [laughs] Seriously though. Check out www.stephenhunley.com, www.myspace.com/stephenhunleymusic, or check out my Facebook fan page to see where I will be playing next.
Outside of music, what makes Stephen Hunley tick?
I love to play golf. It is such a humbling game. I think that’s why I love it so much. It forces you to play the shot you have and not get too far ahead of yourself. I’ve learned a lot of life lessons out on the golf course. I have definitely become a more patient person. I also love traveling. I love the beach. I love spending time with my family, especially my nephews. I’m a kid at heart so I still play baseball and football and basketball with my two buddies. Nick is 6 and Chase is 13. They are great kids and I’m lucky to have them around…they keep me young.
If you were taking a cross-country drive and you had 3 of your best friends in the car with you, what would be the Soundtrack to your adventure?
Wow! I don’t know. It would have to be a mix tape! [laughs] We would definitely have to have OTIS REDDING, ELTON JOHN, THE BEATLES, AL GREEN, STEVIE WONDER, THE EAGLES, STEELY DAN, JAMES TAYLOR, TOM PETTY, OASIS, TRAIN, and THIRD EYE BLIND on board. Plus whatever my friends would want to hear as well. I guess I have to take into consideration what they want to hear.
What’s next for you?
What’s next for any of us? Who really knows? I’m hoping for a lot more shows, a #1 hit maybe? [laughs] But I just live it a day at a time. I guess we’ll just have to “Wait and See.” [laughs]
This is your time to plug your album…where can we go buy it?
Everyone can buy the album online at stephenhunley.com or they can go to the Disc Exchange on Chapman Hwy in Knoxville. Or if you come see a live show you can buy it there…I might even sign it for you! Wait… that might devalue it. [laughs]
In my last ditch effort to describe you as a person, any parting words of enlightenment?
I’m awesome, amazing, charming, talented, oh and ladies… unbelievably good looking. [laughs] Rim shot! [acts like he’s playing the drums with his hands] Just kidding. Seriously, I’m really down to earth. I am who I am. What you see is what you get for the most part. I love life and I try to live everyday like it might be my last day here. I love people, except for people who annoy me. [laughs] I love music. It is what drives me and I hope it can add some joy or comfort to other people’s lives along the way.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT STEPHEN HUNLEY OR TO BUY HIS DEBUT ALBUM “WAIT AND SEE” GO TO:
