Today we’d like to introduce you to Steph Cash.
Hi Steph, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I am a singer/songwriter originally from Virginia. I spent much of my time in the Blue Ridge Mountains part of VA, where my father is from. He also plays country music, so it was one of those things I would likely do one way or the other. I grew up in Williamsburg, VA, and then moved to Richmond, VA, where I attended VCU and got a degree in Marketing. I then went to work as a police officer in 2014 and moved to Austin, TX, in 2019.
Throughout the years, I’ve always fiddled around with music, but in 2021 I decided to give it a real shot in Texas. I started writing new songs and covering country songs, playing solo whenever possible. Shortly after, I met my fiddle player, Carlos VanWees, and we started doing duo shows. Not long after that, I had a full band behind me.
I wrote 12 very personal songs and went to work. We released our first album, “Where I’ve Been,” at the end of January 2023. We’ve been pretty busy since we became a full band, and I’ve gotten pretty lucky with some of the people I’ve met and the opportunities I’ve had so far. I honestly didn’t expect it to amount to much more other than a fun hobby and a healthy way to deal with trauma, etc. It’s turned into this whole other thing, and I love it every minute. The guys in the band have become some of my absolute best friends, and we always have a great time. So yeah, that’s where we are. I don’t know what will happen next, but I’m eager to find out and grateful for where I’ve been so far.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
The second I decided to take it seriously, it got harder and easier. Harder because it’s not just me anymore. I’m balancing schedules and making the booking, I’m writing, etc. Overall it’s been smooth so far. I’ve just met some great folks so far. I’ve just been taking my time building relationships and being kind to people, and I think that’s what makes it feels smooth. Well, that and my very patient and loving wife. I’m genuinely grateful for everyone that’s given us and my music a chance, and I’m just trying to connect with folks. That’s what it’s all about.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I think I’m the proudest of the two songs on the record about trauma, specifically military/first responders.
- “RWB” is about seeing things that people are necessarily meant to see as human beings through experiences in the military or first responders world and some of the struggles that come with that. Though, it’s for anyone that’s been through something they have a hard time with.
- “Seth’s Song” is another one I’m proud of. This one was written for a good friend of mine, a Marine. We’ve had so many talks about friends that he’s lost to suicide post-deployment and how that number is growing to be higher than those lost in battle. We don’t talk about that stuff enough, and it’s important.
I’m proud of these two because several people come to me at shows after playing those songs and tell me they relate to them. It triggered a response in a positive, very real way. I think that’s my main goal as an artist.
Can you talk to us about the role of luck?
Oh man, a lot of it. I think we’ve gotten super lucky with some of the opportunities we’ve had as a band. It’s one of those things where sometimes someone asks me about a show or an interview, and I’m like, “Wait, do you have the right number?” That’s how I felt when KOKEFM had Carlos, and I played some acoustic songs live on the air. It was my first time doing anything like that, and it felt wild.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stephcashband.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephcashmusic
- Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/Stephcashmusic
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6VrOZ1z4QDNEjspFvoheH6?si=HNyui3slReypAGfSB9HCGw
