Clara (radio host): Hello there! I’m Clara Smith, and I’m here with Sally Stevenson live in the studio. Hello Sally, how are you?
Sally: Hi! I’m doing great, thanks.
Clara: Good. Alright, so let’s talk about your new single, Drop Me A Line. We get a ton of requests for that one, it’s hugely popular. How does that make you feel?
Sally: It’s amazing! I never predicted that anything like this would happen. I don’t make music to be popular, I make music because it’s what I enjoy. The fact that people are hearing and liking what I do is just incredible.
Clara: Yeah, I can imagine. It’s one of my favourites, too, by the way.
Sally: Oh, thank you!
Clara: No problem. So, what inspired you to write that song? I get this really happy, I’m-in-love vibe from it.
Sally: That’s basically it. The whole album is like that. I’m a California girl, so I grew up around beaches and surfing and all that. I wrote most of the album a bit over a year ago, during what I think was one of the best periods of my life, other than now, of course. The song...is about when I first met my boyfriend. It’s about the rush and excitement of first love, pretty much.
Clara: Cool. I love how happy and sunny it is. There’s too much depressing music these days, isn’t there?
Sally: There definitely is. That’s also part of the reason why I wrote it, to add a little sunshine to today’s music. I’m tired of everyone being sad. The world needs more happiness.
Clara: Very true! You could start a revolution.
Sally: I suppose that I could!
Clara: Okay, now back on topic. Your album, Underneath the Waves, is selling really well for a new artist. How do you feel about that?
Sally: Again, I think it’s incredible that people are noticing me! I still have trouble believing it, even now.
Clara: I can imagine! So, I’ve heard that the album has a story. Can you tell us about that?
Sally: It does, sort of. But it’s not some kind of crazy concept album or anything. Well, I guess it’s a concept album of sorts. The whole idea is...well, summer love. Two people meet, fall in love and get that rush that you get when you first fall in love. But by the end of summer, it all ends and falls apart, if you know what I mean.
Clara: Yeah, yeah, I get it. Anyways, you have a song for us, don’t you?
Sally: Yes, I do! This was my first single off Underneath the Waves, and definitely one of my favourites off the album. So, um, this song is called One Night Only.
(Sally performs One Night Only on acoustic guitar)
Clara: That was great!
Sally: Oh, thank you.
Clara: So anyways, if you’ve just tuned in, I’m here with the amazingly talented Sally Stevenson. Now, Sally, I don’t want to get too personal here, but you mentioned something earlier about a boyfriend. I’m sure people want details.
Sally: Uh, sorry, guys. That’s personal.
Clara: That’s fine. I understand. So, next question. Are there any artists these days that really inspire you as an artist?
Sally: Well, first of all I’m a huge fan of The Bards. Their music is just legendary, and I’d love to be as great as them someday. Also, I really love Cristina Lake’s music. She’s a great talent, and she’s a big fan of my music, too, which I find absolutely mind-blowing.
Clara: I see. What about new artists that you think have a promising career ahead?
Sally: Well, that’s an interesting question because I’m considered a new artist myself. Do you know Michelle Green? She’s actually only about as new as I am, but she’s only fifteen or so. I’m not usually a fan of teenage artists, but I listened to her music and couldn’t believe it. She’s got a voice well beyond her years. And also, if you want to get into artists that are brand-new, there’s a band called GIFTSTAR that just signed to the same label as me, Shooting Star. Their music is really different, but it’s really good. I think they’ve got a bright future ahead of them.
Clara: What about Brittany Knox?
Sally: Well...I know that I should support her, since she’s on my label, too. And I know that she’s really good at what she does...but honestly, I’m not really into that kind of thing.
Clara: That’s perfectly fine. Alright, so let’s talk about touring. How’s that going for you?
Sally: It’s an experience like no other. I used to imagine about what it would be like to be a touring musician, and it’s definitely not as glamorous as I expected. I mean, I’m living in a small van with my touring band. It’s such a small, cramped space. And I’m the only girl, too, so things can get awkward.
Clara: I can imagine. So, do things ever get a bit...wild?
Sally: Well, the guys usually prank each other and do all of that. I have to say that I’m not really into that. I’m not a wild partier. I prefer to just curl up with a crossword puzzle and ignore everyone.
Clara: Understandable. So, you’re playing here tonight, right?
Sally: I am! It’s an all-ages show at the Paramount Theatre, and it starts at 8:00. I think there are still some tickets left. So, uh...be there!
Clara: Great! Now, why don’t you give us a little preview? You have one more song for us, right?
Sally: I do! Here’s my latest single, it’s called Drop Me A Line. Enjoy.
(Sally performs Drop Me A Line on acoustic guitar)
Clara: Wow, that was really good! In case you just tuned in, that was Sally Stevenson live in the studio with her hit single Drop Me A Line. Alright, our time is running out now, but I’ve got just a couple more questions. What’s next for you?
Sally: After my tour finishes up, I’m taking a well-deserved break. Then, after that...maybe starting to work on a new album? I don’t know. You’ll see.
Clara: Great! Okay, last thing. Do you have any advice for up-and-coming musicians?
Sally: Yeah... Do what you feel like. Don’t listen to other people who try and tell you what to do. Just be true to yourself. Also, this is a bit of a cliché, but keep trying if you don’t succeed at first. Don’t ever give up.
Clara: Good advice! I’m afraid to say that our time is up. It’s been lovely to speak to you, Sally. Good luck!
Sally: Thank you! It’s been great to speak to you, too. Goodbye everyone!
