Light Up

‘It’s actually pretty difficult to be yourself’, she admits. Not only has Stevie Ann managed to remain true to herself, she reveals the extraordinary result in her long-awaited third album, ‘Light Up’, released in May 2010.

Light Up is a powerful, soulful album. There was a special reason that Stevie Ann chose to work with the famed American producer Mitchell Froom (who has worked with Sheryl Crow, Crowded House, and Randy Newman, among others). After the very first meeting with the now 23 year-old Stevie from the south of Holland, Froom knew that he was dealing with an artist to be reckoned with. ‘She blew me off my feet, my God what a talent!’

Stevie Ann is, without a doubt, one of Holland’s finest singer-songwriters. With ‘Light Up’ she has proven once again that she continues to grow and develop as an artist, while at the same time remaining true to, and therefore strengthening, her unique sound. Country, folk and pop influences can be heard, but they are dynamically shaped around Stevie’s phenomenal voice and vibe, which remain warm and welcoming. Light Up is sophisticated, yet grounding, full of volume and nuance. Stevie Ann not only wrote the music but the lyrics to all the songs, played guitar and was closely involved in the album’s production.

Gold

Stevie Ann has been capturing Dutch hearts since 2005, with astonishing results. She has won the prestigious Silver Harp and Essent Awards, and her many singles have enjoyed several high-ranking chart positions. Her debut album ‘Away From Here’ went gold in no time, and her second CD ‘Closer To The Heart’ brought forth two successful singles, a nationwide club tour and a sold out theater tour.

She’s been looking forward to this CD for a long time. ‘I find it really refreshing, every time that I listen to it. In other recording sessions in the past, I was so incredibly focused that it all had to be absolutely perfect, and I couldn’t let that go while I was listening to the CD. I simply couldn’t relax or enjoy the result of all that hard work. Now, with Light Up, it’s all so different. Recording with Mitchell Froom was amazing. It was a great experience to be able to work with him, and I learned so much from him. I was completely at ease in the studio,  and you can really hear that when you listen to the songs.’

Inspiration

‘While I was working on the songs, I listened a lot to artists like Jackson Browne, Fleetwood Mac, Carole King and John Mayer. They were great sources of inspiration. You can hear references to them all, if you listen carefully. These artists also influenced me lyrically.’
Learning to let go and saying goodbye are subjects that keep finding their way back to Stevie’s songs. ‘That’s part of me, part of my life. I’m a lot more confident now than I was when my debut album came out. I’ve said goodbye to the very young me. It’s not always easy to be yourself when you’re an artist. It’s always easier to imitate someone else. But I’ve never been one to take the easy way out. Light Up is utterly, completely, absolutely Stevie Ann. I’m so proud of the result!’

Band

Stevie Ann has added a keyboard player to her own band, especially for the Light Up tour. ‘In addition to bass, drums, and (steel pedal) guitar, this really gives my music just that little bit extra. We had an instant click from the first time we rehearsed together; the songs were on fire. I’m so curious to see what the audience’s reaction is going to be!’

Tour 2010

Not only does she have a new band member on board, she also has a fresh crop of tour dates and locations for 2010. Stevie Ann will be hitting the theaters once again for a brand new show. Don’t miss it! Check www.stevieann.com for more information. After the theater tour, several festivals, and an extensive club tour are slated for the fall. Check the site for more details!