Latest News from … Steve Dunfee

- 27 Apr 2024 -

In this latest interview, Elizabeth catches up with Steve Dunfee, 2019 JMA Artist of the Year, about his recently released full-length album, “Songs from the Road”

Image: Steve Dunfee from Mountain City, TN, USA

First of all, Steve, tell us a bit about your musical background. What was the role of music in the early years of your life?

My musical journey began in the halls of fourth grade, where the bass lines of the baritone first captured my imagination. Three years later, the trumpet and flugelhorn beckoned, adding their bright melodies to my growing repertoire. But it wasn’t just brass that interested me; the piano and the family organ also became part of my world. Music was a constant presence in our home provided by my mother’s love for her stereo. Music was the very essence of my early years as far back as I can remember.

What musician do you admire most and why?

John Denver is my all-time favorite. John was so incredibly gifted and versatile. He crossed over from folk, to country, to pop. He wrote songs that were real, and that has always appealed to me.

When did you start work on your new album? How was the process?

I began writing new songs for “Songs From The Road” in early 2023, and continued writing as my wife and I traveled the western USA for 6-months visiting 27 National Parks and other interesting sites. We towed our camper behind us and stayed in campgrounds along the way. Having a lot of down time in the evenings gave me the opportunity to write songs along the way, many related to our travel experiences.

What was the best experience you had during the creative process of making the album and why?

Singing the new songs I was writing for campground neighbors as we traveled around the country was extremely insightful. It gave me the sense of purpose in music I had somehow lost sight of. I had a new stage and a new audience in every new location. The first song of the album, “The Road’” embodies this rekindled passion.

Can you sum up the album lyrically and musically?

“Songs From The Road” is literally an authentic acoustic representation of our life and journey through a season. My goal was to produce a collection of some of the songs I performed live for new fans made along the way, and to record the tracks as close as possible to how I performed these songs. Thus, the stripped down acoustic sound with just a couple of subtle nuances added.

For you what comes first, the lyrics or the music?

Normally for me, I write the lyrics first and then I work on finding a melody that flows with them.

How does the album develop on your previous work?

I’d like to think that I dug a little deeper into the life experience, and hopefully the lyrics and melodies in this new album transcend that. I have always attempted to do this, but I feel like I improved upon that baseline.

Who have you collaborated with on this album? Musically/lyrically/artwork/ production-wise?

The only collaboration on this album was with my wife Nancy, and that was on the album cover artwork. Her helpful ideas for designing the perfect cover was very instrumental in the final outcome.

What’s been the reaction from listeners so far?

I am extremely encouraged by the early reaction by listeners, and it has been completely positive. I find it very interesting when fans say they love the album and they mention which song or songs they enjoy the most. So far, it seems the most loved songs are One Rose Girl, One Night in Coeur d’Alene, One Way Home, Treasured Memories, and The Road.

Which song do you enjoy playing live the most and why?

I think I enjoy performing One Way Home the most because it shares Jesus’ promise of eternal life through him, it is a testament to faith and resurrection. I don’t believe there is any greater message I can share in my music.

What’s next for Steve Dunfee in 2024?

More of the same! The musical journey continues where I left off last fall. We are embarking on another 6-month adventure shortly, and I am excited to see what new places, people, and experiences will inspire me to write new musical stories.