Well this was rather “unexpected”.
Yesterday, on the 4th of July, a new singer/songwriter started to go viral and his name is Steve Grand.
The song, “All American Boy”.
Instead of going through the industry bullshit of having to hide his sexuality to only one day later decide when the best time it is to “make the annoucement”, Steve Grand has decided that he is who he is and made the decision to be out from his very first single and foray into the world of music. And he’s done it in a way that is not only poetic, but it’s also very brave and heartfelt as you’ll see in the music video for “All American Boy”.
To better illustrate the story behind this music video, you can read Steve’s own words below about why he chose to launch himself in this way. It’s a captivating read to say the least.
We’re watching you Steve…
Like Steve Grand on Facebook and you can download “All American Boy” on Bandcamp right now.
July 2, 2013
I fought with who I was for most of my life. In every way a young person can fight with himself.
But starting today, I’m laying it out there. I’m done playing it safe.
I’m fortunate to have smart friends who believe in me, but I don’t have a manager or a label or any sort of funding other than the money I make playing piano downtown at The Joynt, and also, ironically to some, in the churches on Sunday morning.
As far as the ascetic achievements of the video… lets just say I was lucky to have a good friend introduce me to the best team I could have asked for… who held on to the roller coaster that was this project and dealt with all my intensity and craziness as the true professionals they are.
I wrote the song during a drunken piano jam session at a party. I recorded the vocals in my parents’ basement and worked with my friend Max Steger to record and mix the rest of the instruments.
I feel like most music industry people wouldn’t like the idea of me “pigeonholing” myself by telling this story as I have. But I don’t believe the world sees change until it sees honesty.
So I went in on my own.
I went all in. I’m nervous/excited/horrified/anxious about the effect that all of the choices I am making (and have made throughout my journey of discovering myself as a man and as an artist) will have on my future. But then I remind myself that I never really had a choice. This is the story I’ve been aching to tell my most of my life… the universal story of longing to be loved…it is what I hold dearest to me.
BUT my story would never have seen the light of day were it not for the people I have listed above, many of whom asked for nothing in return. I know my passion and intensity for this project were a lot to deal with (that might be the understatement of the year.. ;)) Thank you for doing your best to help me keep my sanity… just barely. And thank you for sticking with me; for your flexibility and patience and for helping to bring my vision to life. And to mom and dad… I know you guys don’t always understand just what the hell I am trying to do, but continue to love and support me nonetheless. It means everything to me…
-Steve