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More Knoxville Magazine - June/July 2009

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Knoxville singer-songwriter Stephen Hunley recently launched his first CD, "Wait and See," at a lively release party in Market Square's Square Room. Stephen comes from a musical family. His uncle Con Hunley experienced fame as a country singer and is still performing. Other family members and in-laws, such as father Steve and aunt Ruth and her husband Burton Akers, help Stephen's career along and some perform on the CD. Stephen, 28, a Gibbs High School and UT graduate, has been fine-tuning his act at local music spots and getting ready to take his promising act on the road.

When did you first start singing and performing?

When I was growing up, even singing "Happy Birthday" at family gatherings was a big deal. All my family members would sing, and it sounded like a gospel choir. I took music lessons and chorus in high school. Solo, I started playing, performing and writing when I was 20 or 21 and a junior in college. I had gone to Cumberland College and played baseball, then moved back home. There was a void with no baseball, so I started writing and tinkering with the guitar.

Describe your musical style. The CD has country, rock and even a Latin-flavored tune.

From my writing, you can't throw me into a category. I don't write for commercial appeal, but my style is not so out there that people can't get it. People say to me all the time, 'I can't tell your style.' My music is up for interpretation. You can call it what you want; it won't hurt my feelings [laughs]. Growing up I loved the Beatles, the Eagles, Otis Redding, and I had a big blues influence. My writing is a display of my emotions. I write about intense, personal experiences that affected me.

What are those intense, personal feelings?

Some of those songs on my CD are from lost loves. Love's a funny game. I am working on a song now, "Without a Sound," that's about a girl I was dating in middle school. She was my first love, and I dated her in high school and college. She moved away to Las Vegas and then moved back and we dated again. The songs in the CD are based on her.

Are you single?

[Laughs] Well, I'm not married. I have a girl friend. We started dating a couple of months ago. She's not like anyone I've met. We'll see where that goes.

What's been the reaction to your CD?

The response has been really good. There's something in it for everyone. The CD has had an impact on people. Burton Akers produced it, and it was very professionally done. It wouldn't be what it is without the guys in the band. I had a blast at the CD release party. I like to see the reaction of the crowd when I perform. I think I am connecting, and it's a neat feeling.

What are the next steps professionally?

As the CD gets more out there, it will tell us more. We will shop it around to people and hopefully pick up a record label and a booking agency. We plan on starting to play before 200, 300 or 400 people on a club circuit. We need to get out and start playing other places besides in Knoxville, and I am ready to venture out and see how my new stuff plays. But online has changed everything. We have new, creative ways to expose our music to people. It's You Tube and what's after You Tube.

What does Stephen Hunley do outside music?

I love to play golf, but I don't ever get to anymore. I am working out four to five days a week. I also coach my nephews in baseball. I am a big kid myself. One of my nephews, Chase Clemmer, is 13, and he lost his dad. My dad and I are thankful that we can help the kids. My other nephew is 6, and he is an all-star at Fountain City. His name is Nick Correll. You are going to be reading about him in the newspaper one day. Remember, I told you first.

What is your musical ambition?

I live one day at a time. I don't get too far ahead of myself. I have goals, but I am letting it lead me. Wherever it leads me, I'll be OK. It's great to have a chance to perform my music and connect with an audience and do it for a living. I am not out to make millions. Initially, it's an outlet, and I enjoy doing it. If I never get a record deal, I am still going to play. Don't get me wrong. I would love to have a record contract and 100 dates lined up. That would be a good thing. At the end of the day, if I have a little piece of the pie I'll be happy.