Photo Courtesy: Big Picture Media
By Kelly Norman
Chances are you might not have heard of Steven Roth; but there’s a good chance that if you give his music a listen, it’ll stick with you. The Los Angeles-based piano-wielding singer, songwriter, and impresario released his independent solo debut in 2013, Let It In, and it has taken off on the West Coast ever since.
He has had the honor of opening numerous shows for The Who, playing with them at The Staples Center in Los Angeles and at Madison Square Garden. He has supported both Robert Plant and Dave Grohl and headlined a showcase hosted by The Counting Crows’ frontman Adam Duritz. He has also opened for Audioslave and Elvis Costello.
In addition, he’s steadily built a following through diligent touring, (especially on the West Coast) and 2015 saw him hit the studio in Los Angeles to record his 2015 EP. Roth likens his sound to the late 60s rock wave of raw emotion and organic experimentation, with an added sharp edge of his own.
Luckily, I got to pick his brain about his musical influences, how he started in the music business, where he sees himself in ten years, and more:
At what age did you start getting interested in music and why?
Steven Roth: I grew up singing and being interested in music for as long as I can remember, but I started to seriously pursue a career in it when I was a sophomore in college.
Starting out, who were some of your biggest influences?
Definitely Lennon, McCartney, Paul Simon, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, the Grateful Dead and Bob Marley to name a few.
What would you say is your favorite part about touring and your least favorite?
My favorite part about touring would be being in a new place all the time. It’s always exciting, you get to experience new people, new restaurants, new cultures. The funny thing is, is that being in a new place all the time can also be my least favorite part about touring! Just because being far from home for too long kind of sucks.
What’s your favorite city to perform in?
Nashville – it’s obviously a great music town. The vibe is awesome there. It’s a lot of fun.
How would you describe your sound?
Alternative soul-pop. There are also elements of rock and it can be a little funky.
Your music video for “Let It In” was pretty dark and violent. Where did you get the inspiration for the song and the concept for the video?
The song was based on a girl I was dating at the time. It was the classic back and forth scenario, where you break up and then get back together, and fight and make up. The concept for the video was brought to me by the director. We both wanted it to be dark and revenge-driven and he thought something Quentin Tarantino-esque would be perfect. Yes, it was violent, but I think people can handle it.
As a songwriter, do you get a lot of inspiration from relationships?
I get inspiration from everywhere, not just romance. Just really anything and everything that I can draw inspiration from on a given day.
What artists/bands inspire you now musically?
I’m really loving Fitz and the Tantrums, My Morning Jacket, Mia Dyson and Greensky Bluegrass.
What are you currently working on?
Right now I’m working on my EP – putting finishing touches on that as well as doing several shows in L.A.
Last but not least, where do you see yourself in ten years?
I see myself continuing to be able to support myself doing what I love – making records and making people smile and dance. Also, touring in more places and doing bigger shows!
For more information regarding Steven Roth, please visit his website or on Facebook.
