Music
Press
"Tracy Stefans has been a successful part of the local country music landscape in the greater Milwaukee area for a number of years. Coming to Nashville and recording this new solo album has raised the bar for him creatively and has gone a long way in developing self confidence in himself as a singer and helped him define who he is as an artist. For Tracy this record sets the tone for his musical future and gives him something real and rewarding to hang his country music carreer on."
Henry Paul
- Henry Paul (Blackhawk & The Outlaws)
I had the distinct pleasure of co-producing Tracy Stephan’s new album, along with my partner Henry Paul. From the very start of the project, Tracy displayed a professionalism that is found in only a handful of artists. Constantly pushing himself to the limit, he always seemed to maintain an incredibly heartfelt performance in every song he performed. In my estimation, he is an Artist’s Artist, continually showing constant concern for not only his listening public, but his friends and Family as well.
I know Tracy will accomplish everything he sets out to do with his music. His constitution would have it no other way. I am honored to have worked on Tracy’s album, and equally as proud to call him my friend. You will find Tracy at the top soon, and no doubt, I will be right there beside him.
Michael Bush
Henry Paul Productions/Jerry Reed/David Lee Murphy
- Michael Bush
Full on Country Music
Tracy Stefans has produced a full on straight ahead Country Album that reminds of the early releases from Joe Diffie with great Ballads and get you up on the dance floor rocking Country tunes. Tracy's debut release is sure to please all Country fans with his Album "Country Rock Star" which is what Tracy will be once word get out about this Radio friendly CD. The Album is highlighted with the title track of 'Country Rock Star' as well as 'My way is the highway'and 'Long way back to Carolina".Ther tracks to impress "Baby I can' and "Country at Heart" This Album is receiving a lot of Airplay on my Radio Program "Stone Cold Country" on Radio Station "Yarra Valley FM 99.1" in Melbourne AUSTRALIA.
- Rod Bradey Yarra Valley FM 99.1
-Somewhat reminiscent of the sound of "Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)" in that it has that
rapid-fire lyric delivery and uptempo drive. Pleasantly amusing, if not exactly earth shattering. - Robert K. Oermann
Discography
Country Rock Star - Released 2007
What I'll Do - Released 2005
Photos
Bio
"When I grow up, I wanna play guitar,
sing my songs and go real far!
I wanna be a COUNTRY ROCK STAR!"
Tracy Stefans is rockin' the Midwest with his debut solo CD aptly titled COUNTRY ROCK STAR.
After spending the last 10 years as Wisconsin's hard hittin', award winning GREAT GUNS front man, Tracy Stefans has embarked on his new adventure as a solo artist. Having won WISCONSIN COUNTRY GROUP OF THE YEAR honors from the Wisconsin Area Music Industry for 6 years, and being nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year 5 times, Tracy brings a wealth of experience to his record.
Great Guns was a regional favorite, frequently opening for National acts like Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Montgomery Gentry, Sugarland, Brooks and Dunn, Alan Jackson, Blackhawk,Terri Clark, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts at major festivals such as Milwaukee's Summerfest, Country Thunder, Country USA, WE Fest and other venues.
Tracy knows how to rock the stage, whip up an audience and get them excited!
Great Guns also became an excellent club band... getting the dance floor full, keeping the bartenders hopping and the club owners happy with their mix of hard rockin country covers and original songs.
After years of working with the band, getting very positive encouragement from music insiders and the national acts that he was opening for, Tracy ventured into the Nashville Scene to record his solo CD.
Armed with a handful of songs written by some of Nashville's best song writers (Billy Austin, Dillon Dixon, Kevin Savigar, Sherrie Austin and Dave Robbins just to name a few) and the desire to live out his dream, Tracy worked with friend Henry Paul (BLACKHAWK, THE OUTLAWS, THE HENRY PAUL BAND) to record "County Rock Star".
This 12 song CD, produced by Henry Paul and engineered by Michael Bush at Bayou Studios and Henry Paul Studios, features a great mix of contemporary country songs.
Tracy's unique voice and energy combined with the musical talent of BLACKHAWK's own Dave Robbins (Keyboard), Kirk Eberhard (Bass), Michael Bailey (Drums), and Jamie LaRitz (Lead, Mandolin, Banjo), and with help from Michael Bush (guitar, percussion) and Cowboy Crush's Renae Truex (Fiddle) makes for an exciting mix! The lush harmonies supplied by Michael Randall (Blackhawk, The Randall Brothers) and Matthew Randall (The Randall Brothers) give the songs a sound at once reminiscent of Blackhawk, Diamond Rio and Restless Heart that only twin brothers who have sang together forever can produce.
With songs ranging from the fast paced title song COUNTRY ROCK STAR (which explores a singers hopes dreams and influences), the rockin road song MY WAY IS THE HIGHWAY, and future summer time anthem PROMISED LAND to the heartfelt love songs IF I CANT HAVE YOUR HEART and ALWAYS HAVE ALWAYS WILL, this CD has a little bit of everything. COUNTRY AT HEART explores what it means to be "Country" while IT HAPPENS is a whimsical pun on words exploring Murphy's Law ("whatever can go wrong will go wrong"). The most "Old Country" sounding song of the record, has one of the most contemporary subjects: trying to understand why a relationship ended from the male's point of view and is aptly titled BLAH BLAH BLAH.
A full band romp called ITS A LONG WAY BACK TO CAROLINA and a stripped down un-plugged type version of Blackhawk's ALWAYS HAVE ALWAYS WILL with writer Dave Robins on grand piano and Tracy's vocals shows some of the diversity of this artist.
Currently touring and booking in the Midwest to support the new CD, Tracy loves to get up in front the audience and have a great time.
Check out Tracy Stefans MySpace page www.mypace.com/tracystefansmusic and www.tracystefans.com , and www.henrypaulproductions.com/
Links
