WHILE DISCUSSING THE RECENT RELEASE OF ‘TIS THE SEASON” (A CHRISTMAS ALBUM OF 8 ORIGINALS AND 3 CLASSICS), REHYA STEVENS SHARES MORE ABOUT WHO SHE IS, WHAT INSPIRES HER WORK, AND PLANS FOR NEW MUSIC IN 2022. READ OUR LOVELY CHAT RIGHT HERE.

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What is your name? 
Rehya Stevens 

What is your genre of music?
I’m  a mish-mash of a lot of things; Pop, Soul, Dance, Gospel, Jazz and occasionally, folk. I just released a Christmas album called ‘Tis the Season – of 8 originals and 3 classics, that incorporates almost all of those genres. That’s part of the fun of making holiday music – you’re not boxed in. It’s all welcome to the festive table.

Give us a little bio about you for those new to your music.
I’m an artist, singer-songwriter by nature and a happy studio rat who loves production. I make music from the heart, whether it’s for my own self expression, or for other artists. I’ve released 3 LP’s –  two are Christmas albums (Celebrate and ‘Tis the Season), and one is a non-seasonal album called Vintage Love. I released a 6-song debut EP years ago, called Rehya Stevens that’s still floating around out there. I’ve been fortunate to have placed many songs in movies, tv shows and ads, and I thoroughly enjoy the connections with my listeners/friends who I’ve met at live shows and releases over the years. We keep in touch through Friends of Rehya at www.rehyastevens.com. You get 3 free tracks when you sign up and fun, interactive updates about music, life and much more. It’s a fun space to be in.

What made you go into music?
From the time I was a toddler, my parents say I was ‘studying’ music. I’d sit in my rocking chair, and listen to the same records over and over and over again. I’ve always found music to be endlessly entertaining and therapeutic. I believe that great songs are great healers, so I’m compelled to contribute to the vast musical conversation for mankind – as lofty as that may sound. I love the way music heals us, moves us, teaches us – like no other medium. I think it’s the language my soul understands the best, so it’s the most natural way to communicate the yearnings and struggles in my own life. It’s also a fabulous escape from all the ‘life’ stuff!

Who are your influences?
I have many! Stevie Wonder, Sade, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton, Mariah Carey, Shania Twain, Amy Grant, George Michael, Bing Crosby, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Carole King, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Michael Buble, Dua Lipa, Kacey Musgraves, Leonard Cohen, Gwen Stefani, John Prine … any so many more. Did I mention I’m a mish-mash?

You released your Christmas album ‘Tis The Season this year. Tell us more about why you chose to release a Christmas album.
Through the dreariness of the past few years, I was compelled to make music with a universal, welcoming message. Nothing does that quite like Christmas music. Everyone wants to feel welcome. Everyone wants to be loved. Everyone needs a joyful reprieve from the relentless pace of day to day life. We’ve been so divided politically, and so isolated by the pandemic. All I know is,  in the wake of such a harrowing time, the more of this seasonal music I made, the better I felt. It was a welcome escape from reality,  and comforting to hold a positive vision for the future – that we might commune one day with more joy, compassion and gratitude for each other. I hope these songs provide a reminder of the common ground we share, and that they bring smiles to many, many faces.

Describe each track in two words?
‘Tis the Season: High octane
Wonderland of Winter: Enchanting, panoramic
The Old Red Sleigh: Buoyant, fantastical
Marry me for Christmas: Romantic, melting
Christmas in my Heart: Gentle, elegant
Christmas is Coming Soon: Charming, engaging
Santa, Won’t You Hurry?: Passionate, festive
Please Come Home: Raw, soulful
Santa Baby: Coquettish, extravagant
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town: Infectiously joyful 
All Through the Night/The Holly & the Ivy: Soul soothing

Who did you work with for the writing and production?
On the writing front, here’s the scoop:

Tom Keane and I wrote “Wonderland of Winter” and “Santa Won’t You Hurry.” 
Jon Kubis and I wrote “‘Tis the Season,”
Gene Black and I wrote “Please Come Home” and
NOMAD and I arranged and produced “All Through the Night/The Holly & the Ivy.” 
I wrote “The Old Red Sleigh,” “Marry Me for Christmas,” “Christmas in My Heart” and “Christmas is Coming Soon.” 

At the helm of production,
Tom Keane produced “The Old Red Sleigh,” “Christmas is Coming Soon,” “Wonderland of Winter,” “Santa Won’t You Hurry” and “Christmas in my Heart” (which he co-produced with Jon Kubis).|Jon Kubis produced “‘Tis the Season,” “Marry Me for Christmas,”  “Christmas in my Heart,” “Please Come Home” and “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town.”|
Gardner Cole produced “Santa Baby” and NOMAD and I produced “All Through the Night/The Holly & the Ivy.”
I recorded and produced the lead vocals for all the songs on the album. I recorded and arranged the background vocals for “‘Tis the Season,” “Marry Me for Christmas,” “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” “Santa Baby” and “Please Come Home” in my home studio as well.

Will we see an EP, Album or Single in 2022  and if so what can we expect from it?
There will definitely be at least one single from an artist I wrote a song for recently, and if all goes as planned, I’ll release a new album in late summer of 2022.

Do you have any collaborations in the works for 2022?
I do! Well, plans are loosely lined up. In December it’s, ‘hey, let’s make plans in the new year’ – then January comes, and everyone is more realistically prioritising  their new projects – so things usually take shape in February. I have a few producers and artists in mind who I’d love to work with early in the year. If all goes well, that will inform the rest of 2022. I don’t want to name names just yet, but I will as soon as we’re rolling.

Will we see any live shows and if so where can we find the ticket links.
I hope to have more news on the performing front come spring of 2022. Until then, I’ll be in the studio until we’re out of the ‘covid woods’ – hopefully we won’t be in them indefinitely.

What else can we expect at the end of 2021/ Early 2022?
I’m still fresh on the heels of releasing ‘Tis the Season, but I’m excited to make another album, and write for other artists. I would love to have a new album out by late summer of 2022, and release a few singles with other artists before then. We’ll see how the work flows, but that’s my current plan

Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
I’d love to be living in the country with a bunch of animals, and have a beautiful studio – perhaps in a she-shed (I’m obsessed with she-sheds). I’d love to be living closer to my family, and be able to employ my niece and nephew to hold down my little homestead while I’m on tour. To have a successful holiday Broadway musical would be a dream come true. I’d  love to be writing songs for future classic movies and working with some of the composers I admire so much. Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman are just a few. 

What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Oh! Do I just get one? Ok, I’ll go with, “Say what you mean, mean what you say, or say nothing at all.”

When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget? 

  1. Flip flops for trekking back to the car after hours in high heels
  2. In-ear monitors if they’re not already provided
  3. Bare minerals original mineral veil powder
  4. My phone and charger
  5. Lipstick & lipliner 

Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Website
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter

Comments (1):

  1. Donald Harris

    December 27, 2021 at 8:24 pm

    Rehya is a wonderful artist and writer! I can hardly wait for her next project.

    Reply

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