CMT Next Superstar Finalist Steven Clawson
~ by Lisa Sahani, Editor, The Creative Drum
* Voting is taking place today through June 10th *
Let's help bring this brother the win!
To vote for Steven Clawson to become CMT's Next Superstar text the word "steven" to 32709 and / or go to the website at http://www.cmt.com/show/cmt_next_superstar/series.jhtml & vote for Steven! You can vote 10 times per method per day until next Friday, June 10th at 10:00 am.
~ And now for Lisa's interview with Steven Clawson ~
Lisa: Thank you for joining us in this issue of WNT Steven. First and foremost, how did you get your start playing music?
Steven: Thanks for having me Lisa! Even from a very young age, I remember always being around music. Both of my parents are great
singers. My dad is a minister of music, and my mom sang in the choir. My earliest musical memories came from singing in the church. So, my connection with music was made at a very young age. It took hold and has taken me down a crazy beautiful road.
Lisa: We know you have made it the final round of the CMTs next Superstar competition and Congratulations on that !!! Overall can you describe the whole experience from being on the show?
Steven: It’s been a wild ride, lol. You know, I’m not a reality tv watcher, but this door opened up at the right moment, and I walked through it. I’m glad I did. I’ve made some amazing friends and I’ve gotten to experience some once in a lifetime opportunities. At times it was physically and emotionally exhausting, but I would do it all over again in a heartbeat!
Lisa: Well I should let the readers know we are family and I am very proud of you. How supportive has the family been throughout the competition?
Steven: First of all, without the support of my family, I wouldn’t be where I am. The hardest part of the show was being away from my wife, who is and was pregnant. At one point, I was gone for 6 weeks straight. She encouraged me to do the show, and was so supportive the whole time. It was hard on both of us, but it was harder on her, and she was so strong!
Lisa: What is the date of the finale on CMT ?
Steven: The date of the Finale is Friday, June 10.
Lisa: I know your Great Grandma was full blooded Cherokee. How do you relate your Native American Culture to your music?
Steven: To me, music is about energy and connections. You have to have an open mind, heart, and soul in order to truly connect. I’ve always felt a strong connection to this beautiful world we’ve been allowed to live in. I truly believe a lot of that comes from my Native American blood. I feel it when I play live, and I certainly feel it in my songwriting. You get to a point where it’s not even you writing the song. The words and music start to flow and you just try to ride the wave and stay out of the way.
Lisa: Where are you playing live these days?
Steven: I’m mostly playing in Nashville these days until the baby is born. I’ve had a few out of town gigs, but they’ve mainly been excuses to hit the beach! J After the show is done, things might get a little more hectic. I’m hoping to play all over. What better way to see the country than to be able to see it making music!
Lisa: Upcoming dates?
Steven: People can check out my tour schedule if they go to www.stevenclawsonmusic.com .
o Lisa: If you could hook up and tour with one group or singer who would it be and why?
Steven: Wow, great question. I could name so many. You know, I’ve always wanted to be in Fleetwood Mac. I love the idea of being in a group with male and female singer/songwriters. James Taylor would be up there, too.
Lisa: What do you see your future like in Music?
Steven: I have no idea. What I do hope is that I can look back on whatever happens in the future and smile knowing I made great music, was true to myself, was kind to others, and loved a lot! Thanks Lisa and Whisper nThunder for inviting me to be a part of your world.
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Steven Clawson Bio: For this South Georgia native, blues, rock n’ roll and country are on the same beat. That beat, mixed with a little Cajun roots brings a sound that Steven and his fans like to call “Southern Soul”.
Steven’s love of music and performing began at an early age, with much encouragement from his family. ”Both my parents were vocal majors in college, so I was constantly around singing as a child. My Dad is a southern Baptist minister, so I was "encouraged"….well forced….to sing in the church choir. But, I think the biggest thing was probably when I picked up my dad's old guitar and started making music on my own for the first time. I loved it so much that after high school I left my hometown of Thomasville, GA, and headed to Nashville to study the music business at Belmont University.”
After earning a music business degree from Belmont University in Nashville, TN, Steven spent the next few years touring and promoting two independently released albums, Southern Soul and Restless. He currently resides in Nashville with his wife Christina and is still pursuing a career in music.
Steven is currently wrapping up filming of CMT Next Superstar.
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