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Photo: Jazen Saga

An eclectic mix of sounds and overlapping eras, Stevedreez is reviving the disco era with a signature tender, intergalactic sonic groove.

Splitting his upbringing between Japan and Virginia, it’s evident singer, songwriter, and guitarist Stevedreez is integrating influences beyond American modern media and the confinement of time. Upon first listen, you could be told his music comes from 1973 or 2073 and both would check out.

His latest EP DIAL TONE features five soultronic tracks, including previously released singles “CRYSTAL BALL” and “GOOD LOVE.” Hypnotic and sonically alluring, this project will single-handedly transport you to a time of futuristic funk and old-fashioned love affairs. 

Hot on the heels of his project release, we caught up with Stevedreez to discuss the influences that have built him into the innovative artist he stands as today.

Ones To Watch: What’s incredible about your music is the inability to tell what year it comes from. Which era would you say you’re the most influenced by?

Stevedreez: I take a lot from the '70s and '80s, but I also grew up in the '90s. I like '90s movies and feel very influenced by them, but music-wise, I’m definitely into '70s and '80s vibes.

And how old would you say your soul is?

I get the old soul thing a lot. I have a ton of old records on my wall and grew up listening to my dad’s old classic rock music, like Rolling Stones and stuff. My soul probably isn’t as old as my dad, but somewhere around there.

With such an eccentric sound, who are some of the acts that informed you as an artist?

It’s hard to say, I’ve liked so much stuff! My dad’s classic rock built a foundation around me playing guitar for sure. His favorite artists are The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, like most middle-aged white dads. My mom was into R&B so I grew up with a mixture of both. She would always play this Toni Braxton CD in the car, or Sade. Both of them like country as well, but I branched out on my own when I started making music. I was doing lo-fi study beats so I’m not really sure how I got here, haha.

Songs our parents played while we were in the backseat of the car are always the most sacred. Do you ever imagine people experiencing your music for the first time in the same way?

I always associate my music with being listened to in the car, that’s just the best way to consume music I think. Not even paying that deep attention, just letting it soundtrack your ride. Being with your family, friends, girlfriend, or boyfriend. If there’s an album I really want to listen to from start to finish, then I’ll wait until I have a drive.

Agreed. What’s your perspective on the disco era, because you’re reviving it with your music.

I know my dad probably doesn’t like it, haha. I got into disco a few years back, it’s just quality dance music. I like house music too, which basically also comes from disco. It’s always a good time when dance music is on, I like to go to clubs and just groove to it.

Even though your music is so made to dance to, it’s hard to picture you at a club! You seem so reserved.

Yeah, if I’m at a party, I’m very chill. Usually just somewhere with my drink, definitely not the life of the party. 

Do you have to step into an emboldened version of yourself when it’s time to perform or shoot music videos?

Yeah, but I’m getting better at it. I’ve done tons of videos at this point, not as many shows because I’m still getting comfortable. But with videos, it’s like, I know I want it to look good so I make sure of that. With my shows too, even if I’m nervous I try to make the performance as best as I can. It’s worse to sound bad than to be nervous.

I’m sure it helps to have an instrument you can hide behind! Tell me about your guitar roots.

Definitely, I’ve been playing guitar since elementary school. Maybe since third or fourth grade. When making a song, music always comes first to me, I’ll work on the lyrics later. When I’m on stage, there’s a couple of songs I play where I’m not playing guitar and those always feel weird. I like to have my instrument to help me feel more at home. At the end of the day, I’ve always seen myself more as a guitarist than anything else. I made dance songs that don’t have guitar in them and they blew up a little bit, so I’ve had to adjust to being both. 

Are there any guitarists that you like to emulate?

All the classics for sure, like Jimi Hendrix and George Harrison. My friend always calls me Slowhand, like the Eric Clapton kind of thing. I don’t shred, I just play really vibey stuff. 

You make so many tender love songs, I couldn’t imagine you shredding. What’s the formula for the perfect love song?

It’s been done so many times. I’m really into the cheesy songs that are saying what’s already been said, like Mac Demarco is really good at that, he’s mastered the trope of a love song. But I think the best love song of all time is "Be My Baby" by The Ronettes. The Beach Boys’ love songs are really good, too.

And lastly, now that the EP is out, what’s next in this new era for you?

After this project, I’m hoping to do more shows and take all this music I’ve been making live, so we’re working on making a tour happen. I have so much music I’ve made that’s ready to go, I’m just focusing on this five-song project right now. After that, I’ll be dropping a lot of singles and hitting up cities I’m long overdue for. All in its timing.

Stevedreez' DIAL TONE is available now.