Note: This interview was conducted before the end of 2022.
How would you describe your music to anyone who may have never heard it?
Steve: I would describe my music as pop rock with a little funk flavour woven in from time to time.
What is the significance to the band's name of Off The Grid? S: Our home base and rehearsal site is literally "off the grid" in a rural area in Southern Maryland. There are no street lights or stop lights for miles around in either direction.
What’s the significance of your musical moniker, Steve? S: I was once asked my name, and I was thinking a little ahead. I was about to say, "I'm Steve, and I play lead guitar. But it came out that I was Steve Leads!" After saying it out loud, I thought it sounded pretty cool. So I've stuck with Steve Leads ever since. What are your musical influences? S: I grew up listening to all types of music, that included James Brown, Temptations, and many other R&B artists. But I also listened to pop, rock, southern rock, blues, funk, etc. The Allman Bros., ZZ Top, Marshall Tucker, Eric Clapton, Robin Trower, Jimi Hendrix, Funkadelic, and tons of others. Basically, I just loved listening to all music as long as it was something that moved me.
What are my musical inspirations? S: Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Funkadelic, and Lenny Kravitz.
If given the chance, what musicians would you like to collaborate with? Rather this is to either write or song or be featured on a track. S: That would be Lenny Kravitz and Gary Clark Jr. So Steve, do you mind telling me what the brand new song about? S: "Be Dat" is a single that I recently released. It's basically about a relationship between a man and a woman, whereas the man doesn't quite trust his girl. The man is basically letting his girl know that he can do without her if necessary because she hangs out a lot and spends a lot of his money.
What’s something you hope people take from "Be Dat"?
S: Don't allow yourself to be under anyone's control, and don't allow anyone to use you. I also hope the beat moves them!
Which songs on the album were the most fun to write, and which were the most challenging to write?
S: "I Need a Break" from my album titled, Off the Grid, was both the most fun and challenging song to write.
Do you have any favourite songs on the new album you'd like to share?
S: Yes! "I Believe," "Call," and "Paradise."
What’s the new album about?
S: It is a compilation of songs that represent the genres that moulded me into the artist I am today. Some of the songs actually represent some of my past experiences.
Do you have any favourite songs to perform live? S: One song I love to perform live is "I Believe," which is on my first album, Off the Grid. It's a simple but driving rock song that we improvise on when performing live. I also love to perform "Life," which is an upbeat, happy song that is a single I released earlier this year. This song always makes me feel good after I perform it. One more song I love to perform is "Lonely," which is a blues song that I wrote during the COVID-19 pandemic. This song takes me back to my blues roots. It slows things down and tells a story about missing the woman that left you. If you could perform a show this very second anywhere in the world, where would it be? Is there any particular city that comes to mind? S: Yes. Sao Paulo, Brazil.
What do you currently have planned for the remainder of the year?
S: We are planning our 2023 schedule of performances as well as the release of a new single in the first quarter of 2023 named "I Wanna See You." Thanks for taking the time, Steve! Is there anything else you may want to add before you go? S: Yes! You can stream, download, and follow my music on my social media pages. [Can be found below]. All original music is available on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Music, Tidal, and most digital media platforms. Search: Steve Leads. Thanks!
Check out more from Steve Leads and The Off The Grid Band: Website | Facebook | ReverbNation