Kat Harlton
Photo: provided via artist / PR Team
Tony Stevens recently received a Canadian Country Music Association Award (CCMA) nomination for Songwriter of the Year for his hit single “Whiskey In Colorado” (Willing Records / Universal Music Canada). An incredible honor for the budding songwriter so early in his career.
“Whiskey in Colorado” is currently #8 on the Canadian country charts, has accumulated over two million streams, and led Tony to be named Rogers Media’s ‘One to Watch’ and iHeartRadio’s ‘Future Star’. The song is a heartfelt ballad that showcases Tony’s talents as a lyricist, and explores the emotional toll of being away from loved ones while on the road as an artist and has really put him on the map as the next rising star in Canadian country music.
Surrey, BC-based singer-songwriter, Tony Stevens, passion for music has always been a driving force in his life. His unique fusion of country, rock and R&B, and lyrics drawn from real-life experiences, resonates deeply with his growing fan base.
His debut single “Tomorrow Today” propelled him into the coveted top 50 on the charts for the first time, followed by the summer anthem “Thirst Aid Kit “ and his latest single “Days Like This”.
I had the opportunity to chat with Tony about his musical journey, the inspiration behind his latest single, being nominated for a CCMA Award and more.
Kat: Can you share with us a bit about yourself and your musical journey so far?
Tony: I always liked singing as a kid. I would remember all the lyrics and melodies my dad would play on his stereo. When I graduated high-school (by the skin of my teeth) I joined a band as the lead singer. Things were moving along when I came to a fork in the road, I decided to pursue contracting and family life instead. A brush with death ultimately solidified my love of all things music and my wife and I decided to direct more time towards the pursuit of music.
Kat: Can you talk about the inspiration behind your latest single “Days Like This”?
Tony: It comes from a phrase my father-in-law said while we were out on a lake trolling for fish. He, on many occasions like that, has tossed me a beer, smiled, and said, ‘You only get so many days like this’. The lyrics of this song relate to that moment he said it to me and realization as I grow how finite the ‘Days like this’ really are in life and to soak them all in.
Kat: What do you hope fans connect with from the track?
Tony: I hope they can reflect on the ‘Days like this” they have had and really live them out while they are happening.
Kat: How does it feel to be nominated for such a prestigious award like Songwriter of the Year by the CCMAs?
Tony: Lyrics and melodies have always captured me and been a major part of my enjoyment of music. Writing the melodies and lyrics that have captured other people and have the song be a part of some moment in their life is the greatest reward for any songwriter. Being nominated for songwriter of the year alongside Canada’s best is an absolutely incredible honour and is one of those ‘Days like this” moments that I’m trying to soak in.
Kat: What do you find is the most challenging part of your creative process?
Tony: When I started writing as a teenager I had a lot of time on my hands, as life goes on and it gets fuller with family and responsibility, finding the time to be purposely creative is the most challenging. Being creative is food for my soul so making sure I can schedule the time to write is always a priority.
Kat: What has been a career highlight for you so far?
Tony: Having a top 10 Canadian radio hit and being nominated for CCMA Songwriter of the Year is a massive highlight so far in my musical career. Along with signing my first ever record deal with Willing Records, meeting and working with incredible people is definitely high on the list.
Kat: What have you learned along the way? Do you have any lessons that you would like to share with other aspiring artists?
Tony: I did things in a very strange way in that I took about 10 years off of music, so I wouldn’t necessarily suggest that. But, when I decided to pursue music again I put everything into it. It’s never too late to follow your passions and to chase what you truly feel like you are put on this earth to do.
Kat: What else can fans expect from you for the balance of 2024?
Tony: We will be releasing more music before the end of the year and some other exciting announcements are around the corner. Stay tuned.
Connect With Tony
Instagram: @tonystevensmusic
Twitter: @TonyStevensMus
Facebook: @TonyStevens
Website: https://www.tonystevensmusic.com/