Steve Strongman Interview 2017

JUNO Award-winning Canadian bluesman Strongman, who is set to release his new album No Time Like Now on March 10, 2017. The 10-track collection is a shout-out to a lifelong love of blues from rough-hewn electric to hushed heartfelt ballads.

The album’s title track and lead single is an anthem to making the most of the moment, a sentiment that flows throughout the rest of the album. From the skittering swamp rock of “Money in the Bank” to the rollicking, gospel tinged “Love Love Love” to the nakedly reflective ballad “The Day They Carry Me Away,” the album finds Strongman delivering the goods in every way. steve strongman

1) What’s new in the world of Strongman?

I’ve just returned from Los Angeles where I went to represent Gibson guitars at The NAMM Show — a fantastic experience. I’m thrilled for the upcoming release of “No Time Like Now (out March 10), and the single has just come out, so it’s a very exciting time. I’m looking forward to hitting the road and getting this record out into the world.

2) How was the recording and writing process done for the No Time Like Now album?

I approached my producer Rob Szabo about making another record, but I wanted it to be different than anything I had previously recorded. I think every artist needs to keep pushing themselves creatively, and that’s what we’ve done with this record. Before we started the recording process, we had lots of material. Instead of spending lots of time and money in a big-budget studio, we opted to spend time on sound and feel, so we recorded bass and drums in bigger studios, then rented awesome gear and recorded guitars and vocals at my house. Technology has come so far with regards to “home” recording. Taking time is the most important thing with regard to recording.

3) Do you consider album artwork as important now that music is mostly downloaded?

I do consider it as important, but I may be in the minority. I still like to hold a physical product in my hand. I think the resurgence of vinyl is a tell-tale sign that lots of people still value artwork as well.

4) How did you create your guitar tone? Do you continue to tweak it or is “old faithful” the way to go?

The basics of my guitar tone stay the same in a broad sense: I use Gibson guitars and amps with tubes, and you have to turn them up. On this record, we used old low wattage tube amps wound out, and more than one. I believe a guitar player’s tone is in his hands, and in my opinion the greatest guitarists have a sound that’s unique to them, no matter what they are playing. Tone is a moving target, though, and every guitar player I know is always tweaking. I also think the song dictates what kind of tone you need to have, so it changes often.

5) How many shows do you play per year on average, and how crazy does the schedule get?

It changes depending on my recording cycle. Some years I will have 130 shows, then others will be lighter because I’m writing or at home in the studio. Every year is different, but yes the schedule can get pretty crazy. I don’t know many musicians who don’t have a hectic schedule. For me, live performance is the corner stone of what I do, so you need to get out there and take the music to the people.

6) Could you describe some of your earliest influences in life and in music?

I have three brothers, two of them older, so they have always been huge influences. They introduced me to classic rock bands, and opened my eyes to different music. When I was 10 years old I told my Mom I wanted to play guitar, so she got me some lessons and that was it for me…she has always been a huge influence. Musically, I met Mel Brown when I was young, and he was a world-class guitarist that happened to live in my hometown of Kitchener, Ontario, so he raised the bar for all local guitar players growing up. He was a huge influence. I have quite a range of guitarists that have influenced me — impossible to cite all of them. Johnny Winter, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmy Page, Danny Gatton, Joe Pass to name a few.

7) Are you a fan of Spotify and similar streaming services? What are your thoughts on this?

I don’t know if “fan” is the word, but this is the way people consume music. You can’t deny the convenience of the service. It would be nice if artists were able to make more money, but I’d like to think real music fans will seek out artists or come and see them live, so the service will help get your name out there… I think people have to understand how an artist makes a living though, and that should always be on their mind.

8) In your opinion, which album would be essential to have if someone were stranded on a deserted island?

That’s a tough one, because it changes constantly. If I had to pick one for today?

The 1977 Best of ZZ Top. That record is fantastic.

Web: stevestrongman.com
Twitter: @strongmanmusic
Facebook: /SteveStrongmanMusic
Instagram: @SteveStrongmanMusic