~ Lisa Sahani, Editor The Creative Drum ~

LS: Welcome back to Whisper n Thunder Steven! First off, we want to congratulate you on your runner-up status with CMT Next Super Star. It is a big accomplishment in the music world and in realty television. We also want to congratulate you on being a father for the first time. Tell us how it feels being a new daddy and TV Star all in one summer.

Steven: Thanks Lisa! It’s been quite an adventure. I had a great time on CMT Next Superstar, but I’m having an even greater time being a father. My wife was pregnant during the entire filming of the show, and Sophia Rose was born a month after the finale was filmed. Once she was born, I kind of forgot that I had even been on the show. Even now when I come across clips of myself on CMT Next Superstar I kind of go “Oh yeah, I forgot that happened this year, too.”

LS: Has the show helped you career in anyway?

Steven: The show gave me a lot of exposure, and allowed me to play some of my original music on a national stage. I’ve started getting a good deal more people at my live shows, and my social media footprint has definitely shot up!

LS: Can you share with our readers the one or two of the biggest lessons you have learned from being on a reality television series?

Steven: I learned that reality TV isn’t reality at all (although I’m sure most of your readers knew that already.)  Our show was better than others when it came to artificially crafting a story line, but there were still a few things that were manipulated. I can’t watch any kind of reality TV these days without thinking “yep, they had to do that entrance 3 or 4 times to get all those different camera shots.”  LOL

LS: How has the experience of being a new father affected your take on the world and your music?

Steven: It’s put the world in perspective. The small things don’t bother me as much, and yet at the same time, I feel like I notice and appreciate the small things more. Being a father has definitely started to creep into my songwriting. It’s also got me thinking about doing a lullabye album in the future.

LS: How has your growth in the last year changed within your music?

Steven: Watching myself on TV was an interesting experience. It made me realize that there were certain things musically and stage presence wise that I didn’t like. Also, with becoming a father, I feel an even deeper connection to the music and the sounds of the world.

LS: I was honored and humbled as your cousin to be involved in the Cherokee naming ceremony of the new addition in the family. How did that experience bring you closer to your Native American roots?

Steven: I was humbled and honored to have you do it. It was a very connective and emotional experience. My wife and I were both very moved during the ceremony. You get a sense of where you came from and of who you are when you participate in such beautiful and ancient Native American traditions.

LS: What are your plans for the future of your music career?

Steven: My plans are to keep playing and writing and to keep getting better at both.

LS: I know you have put out a new CD since the show. Where can our readers listen to and buy it?

Steven: Right now, the only place to get the cd is at my live shows. I’m working on getting it online. I’ve got some new songs and older material currently available on iTunes. I’ve been including the new cd with any merchandise orders I send out. Keep checking www.stevenclawsonmusic.com for more info.

LS: We wish you great success in wherever your paths take you and will check in with you from time to time on your success. Thank you for being a part of Whisper n Thunder.

 Photo Courtesy of the Artist   All Rights Reserved

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