Stephen Hunley
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Stephen Hunley

Nashville, Tennessee, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2012 | INDIE

Nashville, Tennessee, United States | INDIE
Established on Jan, 2012
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"Up and Coming: Stephen Hunley"

Up and Coming: Stephen Hunley
Alan Carmichael
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Courtesy of Knoxville.com

Knoxville singer-songwriter Stephen Hunley recently launched his first CD, “Wait and See,” at a lively release party in Market Square’s Square Room. Stephen comes from a musical family. His uncle Con Hunley experienced fame as a country singer and is still performing. Other family members and in-laws, such as father Steve and aunt Ruth and her husband Burton Akers, help Stephen’s career along and some perform on the CD. Stephen, 28, a Gibbs High School and UT graduate, has been fine-tuning his act at local music spots and getting ready to take his promising act on the road.

When did you first start singing and performing?

When I was growing up, even singing “Happy Birthday” at family gatherings was a big deal. All my family members would sing, and it sounded like a gospel choir. I took music lessons and chorus in high school. Solo, I started playing, performing and writing when I was 20 or 21 and a junior in college. I had gone to Cumberland College and played baseball, then moved back home. There was a void with no baseball, so I started writing and tinkering with the guitar.

Describe your musical style. The CD has country, rock and even a Latin-flavored tune.

From my writing, you can’t throw me into a category. I don’t write for commercial appeal, but my style is not so out there that people can’t get it. People say to me all the time, ‘I can’t tell your style.’ My music is up for interpretation. You can call it what you want; it won’t hurt my feelings [laughs]. Growing up I loved the Beatles, the Eagles, Otis Redding, and I had a big blues influence. My writing is a display of my emotions. I write about intense, personal experiences that affected me.

What are those intense, personal feelings?

Some of those songs on my CD are from lost loves. Love’s a funny game. I am working on a song now, “Without a Sound,” that’s about a girl I was dating in middle school. She was my first love, and I dated her in high school and college. She moved away to Las Vegas and then moved back and we dated again. The songs in the CD are based on her.

Are you single?

[Laughs] Well, I’m not married. I have a girl friend. We started dating a couple of months ago. She’s not like anyone I’ve met. We’ll see where that goes.

What’s been the reaction to your CD?

The response has been really good. There’s something in it for everyone. The CD has had an impact on people. Burton Akers produced it, and it was very professionally done. It wouldn’t be what it is without the guys in the band. I had a blast at the CD release party. I like to see the reaction of the crowd when I perform. I think I am connecting, and it’s a neat feeling.

What are the next steps professionally?

As the CD gets more out there, it will tell us more. We will shop it around to people and hopefully pick up a record label and a booking agency. We plan on starting to play before 200, 300 or 400 people on a club circuit. We need to get out and start playing other places besides in Knoxville, and I am ready to venture out and see how my new stuff plays. But online has changed everything. We have new, creative ways to expose our music to people. It’s You Tube and what’s after You Tube.

What does Stephen Hunley do outside music?

I love to play golf, but I don’t ever get to anymore. I am working out four to five days a week. I also coach my nephews in baseball. I am a big kid myself. One of my nephews, Chase Clemmer, is 13, and he lost his dad. My dad and I are thankful that we can help the kids. My other nephew is 6, and he is an all-star at Fountain City. His name is Nick Correll. You are going to be reading about him in the newspaper one day. Remember, I told you first.

What is your musical ambition?

I live one day at a time. I don’t get too far ahead of myself. I have goals, but I am letting it lead me. Wherever it leads me, I’ll be OK. It’s great to have a chance to perform my music and connect with an audience and do it for a living. I am not out to make millions. Initially, it’s an outlet, and I enjoy doing it. If I never get a record deal, I am still going to play. Don’t get me wrong. I would love to have a record contract and 100 dates lined up. That would be a good thing. At the end of the day, if I have a little piece of the pie I’ll be happy.
- Knoxville.com - Alan Carmichael


"Featured Artist: Stephen Hunley"

He just released his debut album “Wait and See” and has made a solid name for himself in the East Tennessee music scene, but for Knoxville native Singer-Songwriter Stephen Hunley it’s just another day to give back to the ones he loves. Stephen Hunley, 28, is the nephew of Country Music Artist Con Hunley and is a University of Tennessee graduate. With the spotlight on Stephen and a few upcoming shows that could really set him apart from the rest, HometownSevier.com decided to sit down with Stephen for the very first “Featured Artist” and really focus in on who he is, his music, and where he intends to go with his amazing talents.

So…you’re opening for Joe Nichols this Sunday, August 9, 2009 at Cotton Eyed Joe! That’s a big deal! How did that come about?

Mike Hammond at WIVK heard some of my stuff; liked it; and asked if I would like to open for someone at Cotton Eyed Joe! I said yes…without hesitation of course. Well maybe a little hesitation because I was a little shocked. Super excited about the show though!

Your brand new album “Wait and See” was released earlier this summer…what’s everyone saying about it?

The response has been really positive. People really seem to enjoy what they are hearing. It’s a very eclectic album and people seem to be very receptive to that idea.

I’m glad you used the word “eclectic” because the album covers a lot of styles and genres. What’s the story behind that?

Funny you should ask. People ask me all the time, ‘What’s your style?’, ‘Who do you sound like’, ‘Is it country? Pop? Rock?’ I tell them it’s a little bit of everything. It’s really hard to put this album [Wait and See] in a category or a genre. I’ve been influenced by so many different kinds of music and artists that it’s hard to say what or who my main influence is. I guess I’ve always been influenced by a song first and an artist second, which I’m thankful for because I’ve been exposed to so many different kinds of music.

A lot of the songs on “Wait and See” seem to be written about love and loss? Did you write them about someone in particular?

Yeah…the old cliché happened to me too! I got my heart broken. Nothing new there I guess, other than the fact that I got it broken more than once by the same girl. [laughs] But the way it impacted me helped me understand the idea of loss. And when I say loss, I don’t mean death. I just mean the disconnect between two souls. It hurt at the time, but I’m thankful for it because my true love and passion for music came to life as my relationship with her soured. I wrote my first song about her so I am grateful she gave me that.

At the end of your song “Home” on “Wait and See” there’s a vintage banjo Outro…explain?

I guess this song is more about loss in terms of death. My grandfather, Papaw Hunley, [Wm. K. Hunley] was diagnosed with cancer in December of 2004. We lost him at the beginning of January 2005. It was a really difficult time for my family and me. We lost a wonderfully, sweet, gentle and kind man. It was tough to see him go like that. But that [outro] was an old recording of my papaw playing the banjo and we just put it on the album to honor him. We miss him very much.

Lyrically speaking, your song style on “Wait and See” has many elements of storytelling. Is this something you did intentionally?

I don’t know. I can’t really explain my songwriting method. I don’t have a true method I guess. I just write what I’m feeling in the moment. Sometimes it’s not just what I feel in my own shoes…sometimes I try to walk in someone else’s shoes and try to imagine what they’re feeling. And I guess some of my writing is just observation. Addiction is something that has been prevalent in my family. “In An Instant” is a song that uses a lot of imagery and metaphor to show the effects of someone’s battle
against substance abuse. I hope anyone struggling with addiction can first acknowledge it and then get the help they need. This is an issue that is close to my heart.

Just for the record…I caught one of your shows at Sapphire in Downtown Knoxville last week and you did an acoustic version of “These Arms of Mine” by Otis Redding and I was absolutely blown away by the emotion in your vocals. I think your vocal style is amazing! I would recommend any music lover to just listen to the raw emotion in your singing…It’s truly a gift.

Thank you very much!

Knoxville Artist Mike Berry painted the cover artwork on your album. What was the inspiration behind that?

My mom has an interiors and gifts shop (Kimberly’s Interiors and Gifts) in Knoxville and she had some of his artwork in her store for sale. I fell in love with his use of color and shape. I went to Mike with a concept for “Wait and See” and told him to just be himself and paint whatever ideas came to his mind. And he did just that…masterfully I might add.

How has Sevier County and its musical history inspired you?

Growing up my uncle, Con Hunley, used to play a New Year’s Eve Show at the Grand Hotel and Convention Center. The whole family would come to the show and at midnight we would all get up on stage and sing a few songs. It was really cool! Also my aunt Ruth, Uncle Tim, Kenny, and Burton played at Dollywood and some of the theaters in Sevier County so I spent quite a bit of time up there around music. I’m so thankful for being able to grow up in such a music-rich part of the country. I’m very proud to say I am from East Tennessee.

So your Uncle is Country Music Artist Con Hunley…what words of encouragement has he given you?

He told me to, ‘be myself and to do what comes natural. Don’t try to be something your not and whatever you decide to do, do it passionately, and mean it whole-heartedly and usually your dreams will come to fruition.’ Some pretty good advice for all of us if you ask me! [laughs] Most importantly I learned so much by watching and listening to him over the years. To me, he is the greatest country music vocalist of all time…and I’m not just saying that because he is family. I really believe that. He’s been a big influence and I’ve been lucky to have him in my life.

When can the people of Sevier County expect to see Stephen Hunley?

Well…if they want to drive to Knoxville they can see me at least a couple times a month. I play several small clubs in and around Knoxville. But honestly, I really don’t know when I will play in Sevier County. Hopefully soon though! So…club owners…[laughs] if you want to book me…hit me up on Myspace! [laughs] Seriously though. Check out www.stephenhunley.com, www.myspace.com/stephenhunleymusic, or check out my Facebook fan page to see where I will be playing next.

Outside of music, what makes Stephen Hunley tick?

I love to play golf. It is such a humbling game. I think that’s why I love it so much. It forces you to play the shot you have and not get too far ahead of yourself. I’ve learned a lot of life lessons out on the golf course. I have definitely become a more patient person. I also love traveling. I love the beach. I love spending time with my family, especially my nephews. I’m a kid at heart so I still play baseball and football and basketball with my two buddies. Nick is 6 and Chase is 13. They are great kids and I’m lucky to have them around…they keep me young.

If you were taking a cross-country drive and you had 3 of your best friends in the car with you, what would be the Soundtrack to your adventure?

Wow! I don’t know. It would have to be a mix tape! [laughs] We would definitely have to have OTIS REDDING, ELTON JOHN, THE BEATLES, AL GREEN, STEVIE WONDER, THE EAGLES, STEELY DAN, JAMES TAYLOR, TOM PETTY, OASIS, TRAIN, and THIRD EYE BLIND on board. Plus whatever my friends would want to hear as well. I guess I have to take into consideration what they want to hear.

What’s next for you?

What’s next for any of us? Who really knows? I’m hoping for a lot more shows, a #1 hit maybe? [laughs] But I just live it a day at a time. I guess we’ll just have to “Wait and See.” [laughs]

This is your time to plug your album…where can we go buy it?

Everyone can buy the album online at stephenhunley.com or they can go to the Disc Exchange on Chapman Hwy in Knoxville. Or if you come see a live show you can buy it there…I might even sign it for you! Wait… that might devalue it. [laughs]

In my last ditch effort to describe you as a person, any parting words of enlightenment?

I’m awesome, amazing, charming, talented, oh and ladies… unbelievably good looking. [laughs] Rim shot! [acts like he’s playing the drums with his hands] Just kidding. Seriously, I’m really down to earth. I am who I am. What you see is what you get for the most part. I love life and I try to live everyday like it might be my last day here. I love people, except for people who annoy me. [laughs] I love music. It is what drives me and I hope it can add some joy or comfort to other people’s lives along the way.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT STEPHEN HUNLEY OR TO BUY HIS DEBUT ALBUM “WAIT AND SEE” GO TO:

www.StephenHunley.com
www.Myspace.com/stephenhunleymusic

- Hometown Sevier.com - Denver Stevens


"Newest Musical Hunley Tops Lively Knox Evening"

Newest musical Hunley tops lively Knox evening
Posted on April 10th, 2009 by Cynthia Moxley
Courtesy of http://bluestreak.moxleycarmichael.com/

Thursday was one of those wonderful Knoxville nights when you couldn’t decide among the many fun activities taking place simultaneously. The first Sundown in the City of the season packed Market Square, of course, and the VIP party schmoozed upstairs on the balcony of the Knoxville Chamber overlooking the throng.

Popular basket baller Dane Bradshaw was speaking to the self-proclaimed young professionals of Nucleus Knoxville at Crescent Bend. Newsman Russell Biven was being roasted by the Knoxville Advertising Federation at the Crown & Goose. Meanwhile, way out in west Knox County, the Knoxville Symphony League was toasting spring at the opening night party for the 2009 Symphony Show House.

I hit several of these events myself, but of all the offerings, I think the best was a concert at Sapphire by a talented new Knoxville artist named Stephen Hunley. Hunley is the nephew of Knoxville’s beloved Con Hunley so he comes by his musical talent honestly. His new CD, “Wait and See,” will be celebrated at a release party May 16 at the Square Room on Market Square. The young Hunley wrote or co-wrote all the songs and the music is an appealing mash-up of rock, jazz and country sounds. Frankly, I can’t take it off my sound system. As a bonus, the CD’s artwork is by Knoxville artist Mike Berry.
- Cynthia Moxley - Blue Steak


"Stephen Hunley "The Other Side of Never""

When your uncle, Con Hunley, is called “one of the greatest singers… ever” by Vince Gill, your destiny as a part of the music industry is basically preordained. Such is the case with Con’s nephew, Stephen. His latest, “The Other Side Of Never” manages to thread a cohesive effort while utilizing wildly different styles. From the poppy horns on the title track that bring Chicago’s “Saturday In The Park” immediately to mind to the 70s funk of “Call Me Baby, ” the 45 minutes span decades of different genres without ever feeling disjointed. The glue that binds it is Hunley’s contemporary leanings . With relatable lyrics peppered with energetic electric guitar and jazzy keys throughout, the album never loses its modern feel. Ironically, Hunley and producer Burton Akers recorded on analog for a “real human feel-limiting manipulation and digital correction.” Some of the all original 12 songs are thematically heavy. The highlight, “Pictures In Her Mind,” is a haunting ode to someone struggling with addiction. However, Hunley’s silky vocal delivery belies the heavy-handed subject matter. The numerous influences are just present enough to lend an organic feel throughout rather than tracks sounding like imitations. “What fuels me as a songwriter and artist is the power to connect with every song. It’s a beautiful thing that I can write a song from my perspective and the listener can relate to it in a completely different way. With the pop crossover movement still very much a part of the country music landscape, this radio ready collection has a little something for everyone. - Michael Rampa


"Stephen Hunley - The Other Side of Never"

More and more, it’s getting harder to fit albums or even single songs into a slot such as country, pop, rock, folk, blues and so on. (That’s probably why ‘Americana’ got invented.) That’s not a bad thing. Why should an album or a song – or a singer – get pigeonholed into a particular genre? As jazz giant Duke Ellington said, “If it sounds good, it is good.”

However, radio programmers are intent on shoehorning songs into slots to fit their stations’ formats such as Adult Contemporary (AC), Contemporary Hit Radio (CHR), Hot AC, or some other combination of initials. And that’s where programmers might skip Stephen Hunley’s new project, ‘The Other Side of Never.’ If they DO skip it, it’s their loss… and their listeners’.

Hunley’s new project might be hard to categorize but one thing is undeniable: It is superb.

Hunley is emerging as a master songwriter (all twelve tracks here are solo self-penned) who could hold his own with any of Music City’s grizzled veterans in a Nashville Songwriter’s Round. But he is more than that, with a voice and melodies that meld strains of contemporary jazz, soul and folk that add a unique touch to the evocative lyrics on each cut.

If that wasn’t enough, the recording is technically close to perfect with a warm analog vibe that evokes thoughts on ‘vinyl’ even when listening to an electronic version. Kudos to producer Burton Akers, along with the legendary Billy Sherrill who supervised the album’s tracking and (with Van Atkins) the mixing.

Standout tracks: the unforgettably catchy “Elizabeth;” (His wife name) — the poignant “Oklahoma;” the full-throttle brass-powered “Call Me Baby.” But there isn’t a dud in the pack.

“The Other Side of Never” deserves a GRAMMY nomination (or two) and maybe that will nudge radio programmers to add one of these cuts to their rotation. But even if they don’t, this is still one of the year’s best projects in any genre. - Preshias Harris


"Revisiting Stephen Hunley's The Other Side of Never"

Sometime surprises come from unlikely places. Stephen Hunley is a veritable unknown from Knoxville, TN, who released one of 2014’s most engaging releases. The Other Side of Never is an amalgamation of blue-eyed soul, jazz, blues, gospel and naturally singer-songwriter fare. Armed with a burly and diverse vocal range, he coasts over each of these songs with effortlessness, charisma and aplomb.

The album opens awkwardly with the string-backed ballad “Oklahoma.” Seen as an entity all itself, “Oklahoma” is a delight but an an opening statement it is somewhat awkward. Of the dozen songs on The Other Side of Never, few if any, sound like “Oklahoma.” On the contrary, the title track is a frolicking bounce replete with breezy horns and serves as a better introduction to the sound that frames much of The Other Side of Never. “Come Back Home” is a soul-infused power ballad with a gospel touch while “Elizabeth” is playful and fun and builds on the efforts of the acoustic and winsome “Love You in the Dark” but goes much deeper. Few are better than the organ-drenched hymn “Something’s Wrong,” a 21st century take on Elvis’ famed “In the Ghetto.”

The back half of the disc roars with the brassy “Speakeasy,” and never stops from there. "I'm Not Who You Think I Am" is defiant and damn near perfect while "Pictures in Her Mind" is poignant and deeply affecting. From front to back, The Other Side of Never is a true delight. It is rare that an artist with so little fanfare can craft such an affecting album but that is exactly what Hunley has done. Citing a love of Otis Redding and Elton John, Hunley channels each of those on this absolutely absorbing and deft miracle of an album. - Gregory Robson


"Stephen Hunley impresses on ‘The Other Side of Never’ debut"

‘The Other Side of Never’
Stephen Hunley (Etavine)
3.5 stars out of 5

Up-and-coming singer/songwriter Stephen Hunley makes quite a first impression on rock-solid debut platter “The Other Side of Never.” The Tennessee native mixes elements of pop, rock, blues, jazz and soul on the dynamic 12-track release to create a tasty sonic stew.

“What fuels me as a songwriter and artist is the power to connect with every song,” Hunley explains. “An individual’s interpretation and connection to a lyric or melody is important to me. It’s a beautiful thing that I can write a song about a subject from my perspective, and the listener can relate to it in a completely different way.”

“The Other Side of Never” gets off to a terrific start with keepers “Oklahoma” and the title track, and Hunley later impresses with “Come Back Home,” “Something’s Wrong,” “I’m Not Who You Think I am,” “Do the Right Thing” and “Pictures in Her Mind.” If this album is any indication, the future is quite bright for this talented young artist. (Jeffrey Sisk) - Pittsburgh In Tune


"Stephen Hunley's Debut Album The Other Side of Never"

Stephen Hunley released his first national album, "The Other Side of Never," October 7th, 2014. The Knoxville, TN native’s stylistic vocals and sophisticated fusion of blues, rock, jazz, and soul with a contemporary edge is quickly seeping into the hearts of critics and music lovers.

“We only use twelve notes in the Western world of music, so you can only be so “original,”” Hunley says. “I hope people hear something recognizable, but with original flair.” We do. Stephen Hunley is refreshing and a needed artist. He is unlike other contemporary singer- songwriters. Some performers he’s compared to are Marc Broussard and Jason Mraz. He reminds me a little of John Mayer on "Continuum", but more elegant. Hunley music is sophisticated, but approachable.

As you would add drops of water to scotch to open up the flavors, I feel the album really opens up as it goes along. The whole thing is beautiful in its honesty. That is one thing you will really connect with as you listen. As the third track begins, the album wakes up. I’m rapt and intrigued by his voice and the music. I see this playing in the background at the end of the day as you’re making dinner with friends but also dancing to keep the beat when you see him live. The third track is “Love You in the Dark,” one of my favorites and one Hunley describes as “easy on the ears.” Hunley is described as a natural poet leaning towards more abstract expression. He challenged himself to combine “some of Nashville’s more logical” songwriting techniques. It’s still plenty complex, but maybe also the water that unlocks the flavor profile.

I also really enjoyed “Speakeasy,”” I’m Not Who You Think I Am,” and “Call Me Baby.” They are juicy blues numbers that harken that appropriate in public sensuality that blues does. While he has his “fun” numbers, in “Pictures in Her Mind” he also turns his writing skills to communicate the pain of witnessing addiction and how it affects everyone involved. If you love blues, jazz, and rock or you’re looking for something new and refreshing, check out Stephen Hunley’s The Other Side of Never, available on iTunes and his website. - HalfStack Magazine - Cora


"The Weekly Release Report"

The nephew of powerful country vocalist Con Hunley, Stephen Hunley’s debut album the Other Side of Never presents an equally talented artist, albeit one who falls on the AC/Pop side of the musical spectrum. Still Hunley, who worked with heavyweights like Van Atkins and Billy Sherrill in addition to A-list studio musicians for the project, is one of the most-talented vocalists we’ve come across for the first time in 2014. He has a gentle lilt to his voice that recalls UK pop sensation Will Young and he certainly fills a space occupied by nobody in the USA. The songs all have interesting stories, from folksy opener “Oklahoma” to “Something’s Wrong,” a social song about the perils of addiction, a song that pairs well with “Do The Right Thing” and “Pictures In Her Mind,” a song which talks about depression, something that often pairs with addiction to bring down the best and the brightest of us all. This is a record that’s different than all the rest. Here’s hoping the album (which does have happy moments on it like “Papa Don’t Know” and “Speakeasy” and the romantic “Love You In The Dark”) finds an audience. Stephen Hunley is too talented to not get his moment in the sun. - Roughstock - Matt Bjorke


Discography

Wait And See (debut album)
Track Listing:
1. In An Instant
2. By My Own Admission
3. Something I Can Hold On To
4.Country Boy
5. Good While It Lasted
6. Devil In Disguise
7. Do The Right Thing
8. Outside Looking In
9. Every Time I Hear Her Name
10. Running Away
11. Home
12. One In A Million
13. Wait and See

Photos