Artist Glimpse: Mississauga's Chase Stevens
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There is a distinct craft to capturing life's fleeting moments in narrative-driven song, and few independent artists embody that quite like Mississauga’s own Chase Stevens. Merging the deep lyrical imagery of 1970s troubadours with contemporary country sensibilities, Chase has carved out a unique space he proudly calls "Troubadour Country". Ahead of his upcoming third album, TIME, we sat down with Chase to talk about his evolution, the stories behind his songs, and the timeless magic of a great melody.
Rob Aguiar: You often describe your musical style as "Troubadour Country," blending the narrative depth of 1970s writers like Jim Croce and Cat Stevens with modern country. How did those early acoustic heroes shape the way you construct a story in a song today?
Chase Stevens: I've always been drawn to songs with emotional lyrics that tell a great story. When I think of songs I wish I had written, I think of "Time In a Bottle," "Vincent," "Father and Son," and "Cat’s In The Cradle." To me, those songs are absolutely flawless. John Lennon’s “Imagine” is in that category too, an amazing message in a beautifully simple tune. I got into Country music when Keith Urban came onto the scene. He was recording songs that reminded me of those 1970s singer-songwriters: beautifully crafted tunes with great lyrics like “You’ll Think of Me,” “Tonight I Wanna Cry,” or “Days Go By.” When writing, I focus heavily on making sure the lyrics say exactly what I want and every line adds value.
RA: Your independent releases have built an incredible track record on the charts, including multiple number-ones on the Canadian Indie Country Countdown. When you're writing or heading into the studio, what is your internal compass for knowing a track has that special kind of magic?
CS: That is a great question, I don’t know if an artist really knows until a song is released into the world. That is always the true test. I am very fortunate I am able to record with some of the best session musicians in Nashville, people who have played on tons of #1 hit records so I always know that when I go into the studio, I will walk out with an incredible sounding full band recording. Every phase of the writing and recording process has moments of euphoria but I don’t truly know if the finished song will resonate with people until it is released.
RA: Your recent single "Songs In An Old Diner" leans hard into vivid nostalgia with its imagery of red vinyl swivel stools and old-school jukeboxes. What was the inspiration behind that particular track, and how does it set the stage for your upcoming album TIME?
CS: I grew up in Downsview, and there’s an old vintage-style diner near my high school. I wanted to shoot a video there, so I checked it out. It was like a time machine—it looked identical, and the same couple was still running it. They don’t allow photography or videos, but I walked away knowing I had to write a song about it. I had the tune and some lyrics when I brought in Linda M to help finish them. One of my favorite lines she wrote is, “Life was simple, like sweet iced tea.”
There’s been an underlying theme about time in my recent songwriting, so Time felt like the right title. Another song on the album, “As Good As It Gets,” is about accepting life’s ups and downs and leaving a trail of memories. The next song I’m recording is called “I Remember,” which I wrote about my mom who passed away when I was a kid. It might be the most open and honest song I’ve ever written, and definitely the most emotionally difficult to sing.
RA: Let’s talk about another massive recent track, "Holes In The Night". What was the creative spark behind this particular song, and what has it been like seeing it resonate globally, including reaching number one in Australia?
CS: I had a couple of lines I had written but never found a home for, one of them was “Now I’m blowing smoke rings, in the shape of broken hearts”. I don’t write a lot of broken heart songs but knew that is what that line needed. One night I was playing guitar and the song just began to flow. I love how that tune came together. I was in Africa when I got the message that it was #1 on a chart in Australia, that meant so much to me to see the song do so well down there.
RA: You’ve spent years performing live, co-hosting songwriter series like Above the 44th, and connecting face-to-face with fans across Ontario. What do you love most about the live exchange compared to sitting in the studio?
CS: The two are so completely different, kind of like Yin and Yang. Performing live you feel the energy from the audience and feed off that. It is also the place where you can gauge how a song resonates with people. In the studio, it is like working under a microscope, every flaw is captured and highlighted. There are so many moving parts and decisions that have to be made but that is where some really magical things happen.
RA: Looking ahead past the release of your album TIME, what are three personal or professional goals you have set for yourself as you continue to evolve on your artistic journey?
CS: First and foremost, I am putting a band together and will start doing some full band shows this Fall. I also want to do more co-writing. I don’t do nearly enough of that so that is something I am looking forward too. And on a personal level, trying to check off as many boxes as possible on my list of things to see and do.
With a string of chart-topping anthems, international accolades, and a knack for turning everyday memories into masterclasses of modern troubadour storytelling, Chase Stevens is proving that authentic country music is built to last. As he gears up for the release of his highly anticipated third album, TIME, the momentum is undeniable—and this is one journey you won't want to miss. Keep your ears open and your dial tuned, because Chase Stevens is just getting started!
