French artists Jim (singer-songwriter), Sam (guitar), Samuel (bass) and Antoine(drums) make up BlueSteppers; a young band that is transforming the way we understand rock and blues. With a nod toward genre masters like Led Zeppelin, The Raconteurs, Wilco, White Denim and others, BlueSteppers assimilates great influences and makes them their own. 'Wild Man a'comin'' evokes a legendary encounter between pioneering guitarist Robert Johnson and a devilish muse he encountered at the crossroads. Recently, independent reporter Alexis Adams caught up with this dynamic band to learn more about them and their future plans.

ALEXIS: When When did you first discover your love of music?
JIM: When I was about ten years old my stepfather purchased 'The Best of John Lee Hooker'. It was amazing; the voice, the spirit, the blues. I think this was the start.

ALEXIS: Your song ‘Wild Man A'Comin'' is receiving a strong listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard it played?
JIM: We were really excited, especially for a French band. We thought it was a joke at first.

ALEXIS: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
JIM: This is a song about Robert Johnson, about all the superstitions surrounding the character and his bargain with the devil. So we took some different views about this meeting.

ALEXIS: Would you say that the mood of your other songs is in the same vein as ‘Wild Man a'comin’’?
JIM: Definitively not. I feel this song is our first real composition. The rest of the songs are just notions and ideas by comparison.

ALEXIS: How would you characterize yourselves as musicians?
JIM: We don’t really know. We’re stepping through all kind of moods, but we have a lot of wistful songs.

ALEXIS: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
JIM: Sam (guitarist) and I both have fathers who are musicians. For Samuel (bassist) and Antoine (drummer), it came naturally from their own.

ALEXIS: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
JIM: The most rewarding aspect would be the praises and cheers of our listeners. The most challenging thing is to express yourself and keep your mind clear about what you do.

ALEXIS: Who are your role models in music?
JIM: Our role models are mostly American and British artists. We love Jonathan Wilson, White Denim, Wilco, Led Zeppelin, Temples and a lot more.

ALEXIS: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
JIM: We would say that it wouldn’t be a live performance. Actually we’ve recorded a couple of songs last week and we’re really excited about them.

ALEXIS: Do you have a music video for your hit single? If so, what can you tell us about it?
JIM: No, we haven’t done a music video yet because we recorded our first EP only two years ago. It was just for fun.

ALEXIS: I look forward to hearing it! Thank you for your time. Wishing you and the band continued success.

http://www.blue-steppers.com

© 2024 Greycastle News Corporation