You might have heard or seen Stephen Sanchez on your FYP. If you have no idea who I’m talking about, or you scrolled past his TikToks, KEEP READING. He’s totally worth a listen.
This explosive new artist, who’s originally from California, moved to Nashville to pursue his career in music. And he’s doing something seriously special.
Sanchez writes about the rollercoaster we call love. The depth of his songs might even make you rethink what love means to you.
His songs resemble ballads from the 1950s with a modern indie twist. Whether you’re streaming his songs via Spotify or watching him bring the house down live with his acoustic guitar, you’ll swoon for his sincerity and vulnerability.
My favorite Sanchez songs (and any artist’s songs, for that matter) are sad ones that sound happy. You know, the kinds that lure you into a dream with their melodies but pack a punch of reality in their lyrics. If you can appreciate these glorious oxymorons, read on.
“Hold Her While You Can” – from What Was, Not Now EP
Like a time machine, this song explores the complexities of a man in love throughout his lifetime. Sanchez is quite mature in his assessment of this love- he’ll “cherish every moment” as he reckons with the fact that this life and this love will end someday. The most upbeat on his EP, “Hold Her While You Can” will get you dancing in no time.
“Love Life” – from What Was, Not Now EP
A touching and delicate love letter to those suffering from suicidal thoughts, “Love Life” encourages listeners to do just that- love life. More akin to his live shows, this song features just acoustic guitar and vocals, creating a more personal feel. You’ll listen, and you might feel encouraged to know that other people are desperately searching for happiness, too.
“Until I Found You” – Single
Well, if you couldn’t tell that Sanchez lives in Nashville by his other songs, this one proves his 615 area code. Its southern charm and boyish hopefulness perfectly encapsulate Sanchez’s songwriting as a whole. With the bass waltzing with the 50s electric guitar, you’re sure to sway along.
“I Want You” – from What Was, Not Now EP
I remember the outstanding applause this song received when Steven performed it live in Nashville. The audience was stunned at its simple beauty, and of course, a chromatic chord progression to die for. Sanchez is just as passionate with this song live as he is on the record, but the stereo version adds piano, slide guitar, and a TON of reverb to draw you into the lilting, dreamy, heartbreak of a melody that seems to sting even more with each listen. I recommend blasting this one through headphones with a box of tissues nearby.