Stephen Sanchez On Creating a Timeless Sound in a Modern World
In a recent press conference, Stephen Sanchez pulled back the curtain on the vintage-inspired world of The Troubadour Sanchez, offering insights into the influences behind his retro sound and his grounded approach to rising fame.
This past April, Sanchez released Angel Face Club Deluxe, an album that chronicles the fictional character "The Troubadour Sanchez," following his story from 1958 to 1964. Sanchez revealed that the album's tracks were not necessarily written in chronological order; instead, he arranged them into a timeline after the songs were written and recorded. It turns out that some of the tracks from the deluxe version of the album were written before some on the original album. He stated that “all great writing is rewriting” and that the process of putting this album together was long and collaborative.
Sanchez mentioned that while writing this album, he worked with Ben Schneider, the lead singer and writer for the band Lord Huron, noting that working with him created a significant shift in the writing process. He explained that the songs they worked on together were the ones that shaped the album into a love story, adding depth to the lighter love songs Sanchez had already written. When asked about the choice to set the album’s story in such a specific era, as well as to create his tour and performance aesthetic to match those years, Sanchez simply said he "liked to play dress-up," expressing his deep appreciation for the music and culture of the 1950s and 60s—a period he wishes he could have lived in and created music during.
Photo by Caity Krone
As Sanchez prepares to embark on a tour across the US and Canada at the end of this month, he expressed a strong desire to stay grounded despite his rising fame. He shared that the best advice he’s ever received is, “when someone puts you on a pedestal, take yourself off and put them on it instead." Sanchez stated that his goal has always been to create music that he loves and “sell out shows.” He loves to be around people and wants to make music that means something to them. Sanchez mentioned that he thinks he would stop making music if he ever reached a place where the intentions behind creating his music became anything more than just the joy of making and playing it. He said that he views his success as a gift, one that allows him to continue creating music that he is passionate about and that resonates with him.
Sanchez's love for the music and culture of the 1950s and 60s extends beyond just his music. He revealed that he would love to host a radio show or podcast dedicated to the era, where he’d discuss old music, movies, and significant cultural moments from that time. He also floated the idea of interviewing older couples about their lives and love stories, adding a personal touch to his nostalgic exploration.
His latest release, a single titled "Baby Blue Bathing Suit," was featured on the soundtrack for the Beach Boys documentary on Disney+, further continuing his commitment to the vintage aesthetic. Staying true to his passion for the past, Sanchez has hinted that "The Troubadour Sanchez" will return, signaling that he’s far from finished telling this character's story. Fans can expect more music set in the rich, fictional world he’s created through his art.