 by Holly Marie Tong
 Influenced by a broad
array of musical greats ranging from John Cougar
Mellencamp, to Rolling Stones, to Eric Church and
Jason Aldean, singer/songwriter Steve Rivers is
the rare type of performer that unquestionably
can maintain a large and diverse fan base. Aside
from his commercial country with a rock edge
sound, Steve writes honest and real lyrics that
further secures and validates him as one of
Nashville’s most notable up and coming
artists.
Hailing from Canada, Steve first came to
Nashville in 2008, and says it has been a great
humbling and learning experience, both personally
and professionally. He is thankful for the
opportunities that he has had to play great
venues, alongside co-writing with great writers,
and recording in some of Nashville’s best
studios. It is indeed true that Nashville’s
top hit makers have taken sure notice of him, and
as a result, he has co-written with Frank Myers,
Danny Wells, Stan Webb, and many more. Regularly
performing between Nashville and Canada, Steve is
constantly given the chance to showcase his
abilities in a wide variety of venues, which in
turn helps him connect with a great deal of
entertained audiences everywhere he goes.
 What is the best thing
music has ever taught him? “Perseverance and
entrepreneurship,” says Steve.
“I’m an independent artist trying to
build a long and successful career in a very
competitive and corporate industry. Competition
is a great thing, because not only does it raise
the bar for me to write better songs, it also
forces me to think seriously about how to make a
living from doing music professionally. I’m
in this for the long haul, so I have to make the
right moves artistically and economically to stay
on my feet.”
Excitedly, Steve’s career is definitely on
the rise as he is not only going on a summer tour
in Canada this spring (US tour dates coming
soon), but he is also currently working on a new
album entitled “Uncomplicated,” slated
for release in March. When I asked him what fans
can expect from this new album, he replied:
“Fans can expect a more mature Steve Rivers
on this album compared to my last debut record in
08. I feel I’ve grown a lot as an artist and
a songwriter during the last four years, and I
hope the songs will reflect that. I’ve had a
lot of fun making this record with the musicians,
producers and songwriters. We worked very hard to
get it right. There’s something for everyone
on this album, so I know people are going to
enjoy it!”
I would have to agree with Steve about the
“something for everyone” statement
because “versatility” is a strong skill
I have noticed in him as a writer. Whether
you’re male, female, older or younger, he
writes music that has and will continue to appeal
to you, and everyone else. As expected, I was
thoroughly impressed with his title cut, and soon
to be release, “Uncomplicated.” With
emotion filled lyrics, a great hook, and an
overall “feel good” sound, stamped by
influences of both country and rock, I have no
doubt that this song will be addictive to
listeners.
As a writer myself and a shameless music critic
(that’s what 7 years in Music City does to a
person), I simply do not get overly excited about
everything I hear, but Steve Rivers is one that
completely has my endorsement and forever
support. He effectively gets his message across
in an “uncomplicated” manner and that
is precisely what will make him a prominent
figure that stands out in a competitive and
always changing industry.
“Moving here has helped me in advance in my
career in ways I just couldn’t do anywhere
else. I’ve been blessed by the opportunities
God has given me.” Steven closes with
saying, “Please request my new single
“Uncomplicated” on your local country
radio stations! It’s also available for
purchase on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Baby. Please
spread the word and thanks for your
support!”www.SteveRiversMusic.com
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