Full Name
Jonathan William Decious
Stephanie Lynn Steeves aka: Steevie
Age
JD: 31
SS: 29
Hometown || Currently Live
JD: Monticello, KY
SS: Blairsville, PA
Currently: Nashville, TN
What made you want to start singing/writing?
JD: “I used to play bass in a rock band that typically toured 8 months out of the year. One of those years, the drummer and myself decided to start a country band during our 4 months off and said to each other, “Well, I guess we’ll need to write some songs”. I’d never really written songs before but it came pretty naturally for me, like it was some hidden talent that I never knew I had. I’ve been writing ever since.”
SS: I found out early on that I could sing and mimic my favorite people on the radio or in movies! I was very unaware that I had a special gift or talent. I thought singing was as natural as walking for people! Once I started realizing my fiends and family couldn't belt out Judy Garland songs, I started feeling like I had a responsibility to give my gift some wings! Singing, performing and writing are the most natural and comfortable things that I do! I'm addicted to making people smile, laugh, and be entertained.
Do you play any instruments? Did you teach yourself?
JD: “I play bass and guitar and, yes, I taught myself."
SS: guitar and percussion! I love playing tambourine! Self taught!
Who are your biggest musical inspirations?
JD: “The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, The Beach Boys, Fleetwood Mac, Garth Brooks”
SS: Judy Garland, Julie Andrews, Heart, Fleetwood Mac, Linda Ronstadt, The Gershwin brothers, Carole King, Mariah Carey, Alanis Morrisette...
Where do you get inspiration to write?
JD: “My inspiration for songs come from almost anything, really…from the everyday mundane to the far-out philosophical."
SS: I take all of my real life experiences and sing about them to a suitable melody.
Do you have a favorite song that you’ve written or co-written?
JD: “My favorite song I’ve ever co-written (w/ Dillon Napier) is called, “Odelay”, because it’s the song that caught Steevie’s attention and convinced her to wanna sing with me.
SS: Yes! One of the first songs I ever wrote on my own called "Halo". It was very therapeutic and it played a huge part in meeting Jon!
What moment in your career is your favorite thus far?
JD: “Opening up for Willie Nelson at the Master Musician’s Festival is one that comes to mind."
SS: When we played for my hometown in PA! It was amazing to see family, old friends, teachers and even my old band mates come to support the musical journey! It brought me to tears!
Finish this sentence, If I could write a song for or with anyone I would choose….?
JD: Kris Kristofferson
SS: Stevie Nicks
If I could sing a song with anyone I would choose….?
JD: Stevie Nicks
SS: Sia
Where do you see yourself in a year?
JD: Writing and singing songs, if I’m lucky.
SS: On a stage somewhere smiling and belting out tunes to people that like what they hear!
5 years?
JD: Writing and singing songs, if I’m lucky.
SS: I would like to retire my waitress apron in the next 5 years! Full time music giver is the plan!!!!
If I wasn’t a singer/songwriter I would be…?
JD: I’d be wishing I was a singer/songwriter.
SS: Actress/ comedian
I’m afraid of…?
JD: “Being a miserable failure…Haha! Too depressing? Ok, I’m afraid of drowning while on fire.”
SS: Using a gun.
I never get tired of…?
JD: “I never get tired of warm, sunny days and the smell of a tobacco barn in the fall.”
SS: Ice cream, potato chips, and coffee.
What is one thing people may not know about you?
JD: People probably don’t know how much joy i get mowing grass, cutting down trees, and building fires. (That’s 3 things!)
SS: I practice being a ventriloquist almost everyday because I secretly always wanted to be one and it's really hard to do... I like the challenge!
We are almost four months into the new year, what does 2015 look like for you? New music? Festivals? Etc.
JD: We’re booking as many shows as we can and looking forward to recording new music.
SS: shows, shows and more shows!
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