20 Questions With Stephen Sanchez: The Troubadour on His Alter Ego, Advice From Elton John & More

Pop-rock crooner Stephen Sanchez may be best known for his 2022 breakout hit “Until I Found You,” a lovestruck ballad that earned him his first Hot 100 hit. The song also topped Billboard‘s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart earlier this year.

But on Friday (Sept. 22), he’s hoping to transcend any one song with the release of his narrative-driven debut album Angel Face. The full-length tells the rousing story of his alter ego, The Troubadour Sanchez, a fictional musician from the 50s who finds himself in a love triangle with Evangeline (fittingly, the title of Sanchez’ doting follow-up hit) and her boyfriend Hunter.

The tragic tale is both lyrically and sonically captivating, rooted in bluesy rock and ballads — and sounds from a different era entirely, proving that Sanchez too could be poised to stand the test of time.

Below, the rising artist answers 20 questions about his earliest inspirations, favorite musician alter-ego and befriending none other than Sir Elton John.

1. What’s the first piece of music you bought for yourself, and what was the medium?

I bought Lord Huron’s sophomore record, Strange Trails, at a Barnes and Noble in my hometown and I begged the girl I was dating at the time to buy it for me, as I didn’t have any money. She spent the $20 bucks that her parents gave her for food … for my vinyl.

2. What was the first concert you saw?

My parents forced me to go to Chris Tomlin’s Worship Night in America concert in Sacramento, CA. It was so beautiful I cried the whole time. I was about 13.

3. Who made you realize you could be an artist full-time?

Oh my gosh, probably my mum — we weren’t in the best financial spot growing up, but she bought me my first proper acoustic guitar. When I started playing shows, my dad would drive me to every show and help me set up. They both made me feel like I could do it before anyone.

4. Your debut album tells the story of your alter ego, The Troubadour Sanchez. What artists do you admire who also have alter egos?

Ben Schneider from Lord Huron. He has made outstanding conceptual records with amazing characters. I’ve been inspired by him and his stories since I was in middle school. I am unbelievably honored to have written a few songs with him for the new record. His influence is one of the reasons this record ends in tragedy.

5. You live in Nashville now; how does that city inform your artistry?

I’ve actually just moved to Brooklyn, I’m over the moon about it! I still love Nashville, though, and I can’t wait to return there to make more records.

6. What’s the last song you listened to?

I just listened to Laufey’s song “Must Be Love” from her new record, Bewitched. She sings a duet with me on a track called “No One Knows.” Ben Schneider and I co-wrote the song at Whispering Pines studio in Los Angeles. The song is from the perspective of two lovers having loved each other long enough to hate each other. It’s a sentiment the two characters, Evangeline and The Troubadour, dream of having together: that long lasting, deep love filled with temperamental moments along the way.

7. If you could see any artist in concert, dead or alive, who would it be?

That’s easy! Roy Orbison. 

8. What’s the best or your favorite concert that you saw this year, and why?

Definitely Elton John at Glastonbury. He hit the stage with “Pinball Wizard” while I was in the green room and I thought the ceiling above me was going to blow off. The boom of the crowd and Elton’s perfect voice is engrained in my memory like a familiar smell. He’s the consummate showman, the most brilliant performer. He kindly asked me to come out and perform a song of my own during his last live concert ever. I’m still lost in the dream come to reality.

9. What albums or artists did you listen to most this year?

A lot of Roy Orbison. I’m listening to the new Hozier and Laufey records, which are both absolute perfection. I usually listen to Lord Huron when traveling.

10. You have an incredible team of producers you work with; how did you create your creative circle?

We needed an incredible producer and engineer to help create the first EP — enter Ian Fitchuk and Konrad Synder, who both have the natural ability to create a beautiful, inspired and safe environment for creation. They are the best of the best. I love them like family. 

11. What song off Angel Face was particularly challenging to write?

The ninth track, “Doesn’t Do Me Any Good” was unbelievably challenging. The lyrics felt natural and easy to put together, but the construction of the melody and groove was a real challenge.

12. What song off the album are you most excited to play live?

I’m really excited to sing “Shake.” I think it’ll send the crowd into a state of pure, unfiltered madness. 

13. How are you preparing for tour?

Spending time with the woman I love before I go, eating good food, taking hot showers.

14. Has Elton shared any advice for delivering a compelling live show?

Elton is just such a generous friend … while we were in rehearsals for Glastonbury, he sat me down and told me to really take advantage of the stage. Don’t waste this moment. He also told me to have my band sing back up vocals on tour, and now they’re doing it.

15. What’s your karaoke go-to?

“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” by Frankie Valli. 

16. What’s one thing your most devoted fans don’t know about you?

 I want a humble farm with a cow and grapes to make wine.

17. What movie, or song, always makes you cry?

Some Like it Hot with Marilyn Monroe. She is performing “I’m Through With Love” while sitting on a piano. Tony Curtis is dressed as a woman and watching her, bewitched from the sidelines. She finishes the song, he rushes in, dries her eyes and kisses her lips saying, “None of that sugar, no guy is worth it.” It gets me every time. 

18. Which TV show do you recommend binge-watching?

Mind Hunter … best crime, serial killer show, if you like that stuff. 

19. What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?

Don’t sweat the small stuff. 

20. What remains at the top of your professional bucket list?

I would love to record a LIVE album at the historic venues we play on our tour this fall.