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10 Questions with ... Stephen Puth
July 8, 2019
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. I've had the same goal since summer of 2016 - to make memorable music. I used to only write for artists but now that I have my own project, I have another outlet to release music and more importantly, the ability to express my story. I never planned to be an artist but I'm glad this all fell into place and can't wait to start performing more
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1. Now that we are half-way through the year, how has 2019 been treating you? What are some goals that you have for yourself this year? How close are you to reaching them?
I've had the same goal since summer of 2016 - to make memorable music. I used to only write for artists but now that I have my own project, I have another outlet to release music and more importantly, the ability to express my story. I never planned to be an artist but I'm glad this all fell into place and can't wait to start performing more.
2. Growing up, how important was music in your life? Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to be a musician? Was it an easy or difficult choice to make?
Music was a daily task. Every day I practiced piano-specifically classical music. I also taught myself guitar and fell in love with it. Music was always an escape from reality. When I was 21, I started learning production and realized that music is what I love.
3. Was there ever a time when you thought about doing something else? If you weren't a musician today, what else could you see yourself doing? Would you be as fulfilled in life?
Surprisingly, I spent a brief amount of time working at an Exchange Traded Fund desk in New York. I loved the people I worked for but quickly realized it wasn't my passion. There's no doubt in my mind that music was the best career decision for me, it allows me to be my creative self.
4. What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all?
Finding 'my sound' has been the biggest surprise, it will always evolve to what best suits my feelings, but ultimately, I want to aim for authenticity both lyrically and melodically. As I continue to grow as an artist, a more authentic self will emerge.
5. Let's talk about your newest track, "Look Away" that you co-wrote with your brother, Charlie Puth. What was it like working on this song with him since it's the first song that you have ever written together? Were you surprised at the process at all? Where did the inspiration for it come from?
The process was slightly unconventional but then again no process to songwriting should ever be defined. Charlie came to me with an idea and asked me to play what is now the opening acoustic guitar melody. He produced around that riff and built out an idea for a track. On my birthday, I walked into his studio and he had composed a more fleshed out version.
From there, the song really began to take form. I think the biggest surprise was how quickly it came together. The inspiration of the song is both an action and feeling we've all felt before on the outs of a relationship.
6. How does this compare to other songs that you have previously released?
The lyrics in "Look Away" are completely different from anything I've ever put out. They're vulnerable and based on real life feelings I've had. And I'm pretty sure anyone who listens to this song will have felt those same feelings too. When you start overthinking that someone doesn't love you the same way just because they glanced at you somewhat differently on one random afternoon.
7. Do you have plans to release more new music soon and a full collection of songs later this year?
Absolutely! I think "Look Away" is a new wave of my music and defines what's to come.
8. How do you think you have grown as a musician since you first started singing and writing songs?
I've always been a huge supporter of the 10,000 hour rule. In other words, you have to put in your time in to improve at anything. Sometimes, I listen to old demos when I first started to remind myself that I'm improving.
9. What has it been like keeping up with your social media accounts and all of the different platforms? Is it hard to stay up to date on it all? What would you say is your favorite way to connect with your fans now? What has social media done for your career so far?
It's been fun getting to know my fans and building out my platform. I think Instagram stories is definitely one of my favorite ways to let my followers know what I'm up to. Social media is a great tool to utilize as a new artist, especially as I continue to put out new music.
10. At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music?
I hope my music can help people feel good. Whether the song is happy or sad, I just want people to make a personal connection with the music so they can find meaning in it.
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