Kat Harlton
Edmonton’s Steven Sware recently released his latest single Back to You. Poised to become a recording artist and pop music stylist of note in the very near future, Sware is a veteran of nearly a decade on the local music scene, beginning at age 15, grinding his way through various bands and solo incarnations, setting the foundation for the artist he has now become.
We had the opportunity to chat with Steven about his latest single, what he hopes fans connect with on the track, and what’s next.
Kat: Can you talk about the inspiration behind your latest single “Back To You”?
Steven: The inspiration for “Back To You” is my girlfriend Morgan. We met last spring May 9, 2020, to be exact. This song was a surprise gift for our one-year-anniversary. I began performing driveway concerts near the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and Morgan booked the very first show! Since then, we have been attached from the hip and even moved into an apartment together. Because I was performing all over Alberta, Morgan tagged along taking professional photos at all the shows. It was so much fun being able to travel with my best friend and the love of my life. It also has taken us quite a bit of work together to overcome the hurt from past relationships and the pain they’ve left us with. But, through great communication and understanding it feels like our relationship is stronger day by day and it feels great to come back to her every day!
Kat: What do you hope fans take from the track?
Steven: I hope fans can see some sort of light and happiness in what seems like a dark year. There is still love, happiness, and a future although it feels like everything is ending around the world.
Kat: What do you find is the most challenging part of your creative process?
Steven: For me, writing lyrics has been the most challenging part of my creative process. I overthink EVERYTHING and when writing a song that represents me and a part of my life, I often shut down my own ideas as they come to fruition. But I am not afraid of co-writing, and I actually love bringing in a very close friend of mine, Adam Ambrose to help write lyrics. As well as my two producers/co-writers Brandon Unis and Brad Simons. Because it was a team effort, I felt like we were able to write a first draft of the lyrics and fine tune every word to have a purpose.
Kat: What has been a career highlight for you so far? What have you learned along the way?
Steven: In my career I have had so many ups and downs. For the past 10 years it has truly been a roller-coaster. From highs such as opening for Marianas Trench in 2017 in an arena show, opening for a sold-out show for Prozzak, opening for platinum selling artist Virginia To Vegas on multiple occasions and winning grants, awards etc. The one thing that I have had a tough time learning is to work with people who are ecstatic to work with you and want to see you succeed. The worst thing that I have done in the past has been surrounding myself with people who are only looking after themselves and only want to work with you so they can further their own careers or make a quick profit rather than truly being invested.
Kat: What’s next for you?
Steven: For the first time in what seems like forever I am finally looking forward to the future and beginning to plan. I am excited to get back out and perform driveway concerts. In the summer of 2020, I ended up playing over 125 shows across Alberta. I love performing for people in person and I have found this to be the best way to do it during the pandemic. I am planning on releasing a stripped-down version of “Back To You” along with a music video for it in mid-June. I also have more singles coming throughout 2021 and an EP.
For more on Steven visit: stevenswaremusic.com