Backed by a lifelong passion for the art-form, musician and songwriter Stephen Valenzuela leads with crisp rhythms, and fiercely gripping vocals, across his brand new Americana-kissed album The Lucky One. The gift of time the pandemic provided instilled a sense of reflection, a quality that stands tall throughout the lyrics, musicianship, performances and final production of The Lucky One. Currently based in Arlington, Texas, Valenzuela releases The Lucky One – a two-year undertaking, the hard-earned result of making music as wholly independent. Stephen’s unwavering ability to paint storylines with accessible, emotive poetry, and to craft memorable, engaging melodies, delivered with absolute presence and heart, makes for a timeless collection that quickly and faultlessly connects.
On “God Don’t Answer Me,” the trio delivers a pitch-perfect country crooner worthy of the loneliest honky-tonks near Valenzuela’s hometown of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.
Who are some of your musical influences?
I grew up a rocker, so early influences would be Slash, Jerry Cantrel. As I got older I really started to hone in on writing styles and fell in love with Emerson Hart, Adam Duritz. Now I really enjoy Chris Stapleton, Cody Jinks, and Cody Johnson.
Explain the title of your album.
The Title is The Lucky One, and it’s also a song on the album. Basically, it just kind of encompasses how I feel about my life. I think at a certain point you always look back on what you’ve done or not done and see how that all plays a part in where you end up. And I feel really lucky to be where I am, with the people that I get to surround myself with.
Tell us about the first song you wrote.
If I remember correctly, it was some horrible song called “Ghost Riders.” Thankfully, I do not remember any part of it. The only reason I know the title is because I am still very good friends with my buddy who wrote it with me. We’ve gotten much better at writing.
Do you have any songwriting tips you can share?
Always have a way to get an idea down, whether on paper or your phone. I used to think that if I couldn’t remember the words then it probably wasn’t good enough. Thankfully I’ve stopped doing that and now I put ideas into my phone.
Who would you love to collaborate with?
Emerson Hart. He’s just a master at what he does.