Wait and See
Media
Featured Artist: Stephen Hunley
Aug 19th
Courtesy of HometownSevier.com
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:
Up and Coming: Stephen Hunley
Jun 20th
Up and Coming: Stephen Hunley
Alan Carmichael
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Courtesy of Knoxville.com
Knoxville singer-songwriter Stephen Hunley recently launched his first CD, “Wait and See,” at a lively release party in Market Square’s Square Room. Stephen comes from a musical family. His uncle Con Hunley experienced fame as a country singer and is still performing. Other family members and in-laws, such as father Steve and aunt Ruth and her husband Burton Akers, help Stephen’s career along and some perform on the CD. Stephen, 28, a Gibbs High School and UT graduate, has been fine-tuning his act at local music spots and getting ready to take his promising act on the road.
When did you first start singing and performing?
When I was growing up, even singing “Happy Birthday” at family gatherings was a big deal. All my family members would sing, and it sounded like a gospel choir. I took music lessons and chorus in high school. Solo, I started playing, performing and writing when I was 20 or 21 and a junior in college. I had gone to Cumberland College and played baseball, then moved back home. There was a void with no baseball, so I started writing and tinkering with the guitar.
Describe your musical style. The CD has country, rock and even a Latin-flavored tune.
From my writing, you can’t throw me into a category. I don’t write for commercial appeal, but my style is not so out there that people can’t get it. People say to me all the time, ‘I can’t tell your style.’ My music is up for interpretation. You can call it what you want; it won’t hurt my feelings [laughs]. Growing up I loved the Beatles, the Eagles, Otis Redding, and I had a big blues influence. My writing is a display of my emotions. I write about intense, personal experiences that affected me.
What are those intense, personal feelings?
Some of those songs on my CD are from lost loves. Love’s a funny game. I am working on a song now, “Without a Sound,” that’s about a girl I was dating in middle school. She was my first love, and I dated her in high school and college. She moved away to Las Vegas and then moved back and we dated again. The songs in the CD are based on her.
Are you single?
[Laughs] Well, I’m not married. I have a girl friend. We started dating a couple of months ago. She’s not like anyone I’ve met. We’ll see where that goes.
What’s been the reaction to your CD?
The response has been really good. There’s something in it for everyone. The CD has had an impact on people. Burton Akers produced it, and it was very professionally done. It wouldn’t be what it is without the guys in the band. I had a blast at the CD release party. I like to see the reaction of the crowd when I perform. I think I am connecting, and it’s a neat feeling.
What are the next steps professionally?
As the CD gets more out there, it will tell us more. We will shop it around to people and hopefully pick up a record label and a booking agency. We plan on starting to play before 200, 300 or 400 people on a club circuit. We need to get out and start playing other places besides in Knoxville, and I am ready to venture out and see how my new stuff plays. But online has changed everything. We have new, creative ways to expose our music to people. It’s You Tube and what’s after You Tube.
What does Stephen Hunley do outside music?
I love to play golf, but I don’t ever get to anymore. I am working out four to five days a week. I also coach my nephews in baseball. I am a big kid myself. One of my nephews, Chase Clemmer, is 13, and he lost his dad. My dad and I are thankful that we can help the kids. My other nephew is 6, and he is an all-star at Fountain City. His name is Nick Correll. You are going to be reading about him in the newspaper one day. Remember, I told you first.
What is your musical ambition?
I live one day at a time. I don’t get too far ahead of myself. I have goals, but I am letting it lead me. Wherever it leads me, I’ll be OK. It’s great to have a chance to perform my music and connect with an audience and do it for a living. I am not out to make millions. Initially, it’s an outlet, and I enjoy doing it. If I never get a record deal, I am still going to play. Don’t get me wrong. I would love to have a record contract and 100 dates lined up. That would be a good thing. At the end of the day, if I have a little piece of the pie I’ll be happy.
Full Story Here http://www.knoxville.com/news/2009/jun/17/up-and-coming/
Newest musical Hunley tops lively Knox evening
May 27th
Newest musical Hunley tops lively Knox evening
Posted on April 10th, 2009 by Cynthia Moxley
Courtesy of http://bluestreak.moxleycarmichael.com/
Thursday was one of those wonderful Knoxville nights when you couldn’t decide among the many fun activities taking place simultaneously. The first Sundown in the City of the season packed Market Square, of course, and the VIP party schmoozed upstairs on the balcony of the Knoxville Chamber overlooking the throng.
Popular basket baller Dane Bradshaw was speaking to the self-proclaimed young professionals of Nucleus Knoxville at Crescent Bend. Newsman Russell Biven was being roasted by the Knoxville Advertising Federation at the Crown & Goose. Meanwhile, way out in west Knox County, the Knoxville Symphony League was toasting spring at the opening night party for the 2009 Symphony Show House.
I hit several of these events myself, but of all the offerings, I think the best was a concert at Sapphire by a talented new Knoxville artist named Stephen Hunley. Hunley is the nephew of Knoxville’s beloved Con Hunley so he comes by his musical talent honestly. His new CD, “Wait and See,” will be celebrated at a release party May 16 at the Square Room on Market Square. The young Hunley wrote or co-wrote all the songs and the music is an appealing mash-up of rock, jazz and country sounds. Frankly, I can’t take it off my sound system. As a bonus, the CD’s artwork is by Knoxville artist Mike Berry.
