Leaving our toes tapping along to their bluesy rock-infused rhythm, Stevans return after their album release Renaissance with the new track ‘The Storm’. Founded by member Yvan Franel, the band have shared the stage with the likes of Deep Purple, Kaiser Chiefs, and Coldplay. ‘The Storm’ is a track that speaks about rising above adversity even if you have a few wounds. Definitely an ear-catching track with its attention-commanding rock hooks, we look forward to seeing what the band have planned for 2022. In the meantime, enjoy this exclusive Q&A with  Yvan Franel below.

Stream/Download: ‘The Storm’

Looking back, what were some of your earliest entries into music appreciation? And music production?

The first time I heard guitar bands such as Guns ‘N Roses and Nirvana. Soon after, I became more focused on the production when I started including electro sounds in my music. Bands like Daft Punk had a real influence. Recently, I became obsessed with the fine mixture of organic and electronic sounds. Our new single ‘The Storm’ is a good example of it I guess…

Take us through your songwriting process. Are there any particular steps you take when putting music together?

I always start with piano/voice or guitar/voice. Singing random words, melodies… Suddenly a note opens to another one or a new chord on my instrument, and slowly but surely I get a verse, then a chorus…etc. The next step is studio, arrangement, production, and then, we’re done. 😉

What gets your creative juices flowing?

I still don’t know… I’d say the moments I am more free and relaxed in my mind, are the most creative. It happens sometimes when I don’t play music for weeks, and suddenly I will write 2-3 songs in a week. It’s very bizarre, I actually don’t control anything. 😉

As a musician, it becomes apparent that there is a huge difference between the art and the business. Is there anything about the music scene that you would personally change?

I actually do everything (almost) on my own. I can be the artist from 9 am till 11 am, then the producer from 1 pm till 3 pm, then the manager for the rest of the day, doing contacts and a lot of administrative work… Independent artists have no other choice. I think we are living in an interesting time for indie artists, I wouldn’t change a thing so far

Studio work and music creation or performing and interacting with a live audience, which do you prefer?

I love them both, but of course, let’s be honest, the final goal is to play and share your own music with the largest audience possible, on stage!

What is the most memorable response you have had to your music?

Resilience.

What’s on your current playlist?

As you might hear on the influences of my new single, I am really into soul/soul pop… I love the new album from Durand Jones and the Indications.

Breakdown the news for us: what can we expect from you in the near future?

Go back to China and tour with the Chinese disco Queen (they call her the Chinese Madonna, her name is Rose Zhang Qiang). She bought the right to sing 19 songs I wrote, and wanted us on stage with her!

Famous last words?

God saves indie artists. 😉

‘The Storm’ features on the Spotify playlist INDIE_GROUND.fm

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