Seekr EXCLUSIVE

Tony Stevens joins Sam on the Canadian Country Countdown for a wide-ranging conversation that blends career milestones, personal stories, and insight into his evolving approach to music. Fresh off a big night at the BC Country Music Awards, Stevens reflects on winning both Album of the Year and Male Artist of the Year. While the recognition is meaningful, he emphasizes that what he enjoys most about award shows is the chance to reconnect with the tight-knit country music community. Being back in British Columbia—his home province—made the experience even more special, giving him the opportunity to catch up with familiar faces while also supporting emerging artists. Still, he admits with a laugh that taking home trophies definitely “adds a little sparkle” to the evening. Those awards have already found a place in his home, currently displayed by the fireplace. The conversation also turns to some of Stevens’ earliest “pinch-me” moments in his career. Hearing his own music on the radio for the first time while driving with his wife stands out as a defining memory, one that made the dream feel real. A later experience hearing his song played in a restaurant brought a mix of pride and embarrassment—especially when his team made sure everyone nearby knew whose voice was on the speakers. Stevens also revisits a fun moment tied to his song “Whiskey in Colorado.” At the time of its release, he hadn’t actually had whiskey in Colorado, but he eventually corrected that during a layover in Denver, intentionally seeking out a spot in the airport to make the experience official. That story leads into a glimpse at his life on the road, where he shares his habit of collecting small mementos like boarding passes and receipts, describing himself as a “nostalgia hoarder” who finds meaning in keeping those memories. A major focus of the interview is his new single, “Nothing On Me.” The track marks a departure for Stevens, as it’s the first outside song he has recorded rather than one he wrote himself. Despite that, he felt an immediate connection, describing how it captured the addictive feeling of new love and stuck with him long after first hearing it. He hopes listeners will connect with its upbeat energy and see it as a perfect summer soundtrack. Stevens also dives into his songwriting process, explaining that many of his ideas come from real-life experiences and tend to surface naturally in quiet, reflective moments. Whether sparked by late-night thoughts or collaborative writing sessions, he values authenticity and emotional honesty above all else. Looking back on his journey—from open mics and wedding performances to award-winning artist—Stevens shares a simple but powerful message: don’t hesitate to pursue what’s in your heart. His career, he says, is proof that taking a chance can lead to opportunities far beyond what you might imagine.

This candid conversation with Ryan Tedder—frontman of OneRepublic and one of the most prolific hitmakers in modern music—pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to create a global hit in today’s hyper-saturated music landscape. From the thrill of writing songs to the pressures of viral culture, Tedder delivers a rare, unfiltered look at the evolving art (and business) of music. At the heart of the discussion is Tedder’s deep love for songwriting, which he describes as “solving a puzzle.” Even after decades in the industry and hundreds—if not over a thousand—songs written, the process still excites him. The magic lies in the unpredictability: walking into a room with nothing and emerging just hours later with a song that could circle the globe in weeks. That sense of creative discovery, paired with his lifelong obsession with travel and human emotion, continues to fuel his passion. For Tedder, songwriting isn’t just a craft—it’s a way to connect with people worldwide and “win the lottery every day.” But the conversation quickly dives into a more complex—and controversial—topic: the widening gap between a good song and a hit song. According to Tedder, the difference has never been greater. In an era where over 125,000 new songs are released daily, great music alone is no longer enough to break through. Social media platforms like TikTok have fundamentally shifted how songs gain popularity, often prioritizing viral moments over musical quality. A catchy snippet tied to a compelling visual can turn an otherwise unknown track into a global phenomenon—regardless of the song’s depth or artistry. This shift has changed how many artists approach songwriting, with some now designing tracks specifically for short-form video success. Tedder doesn’t hold back, calling this mindset “soul destroying” and the opposite of why he got into music. He contrasts today’s landscape with the pre-social media era, when hits were built on two pillars: exceptional songwriting and powerful live performances. Now, the barrier to entry has dropped dramatically—success can hinge on little more than having Wi-Fi. The interview also explores Tedder’s mindset around releasing new music, including OneRepublic’s latest track, “Need Your Love.” Despite his experience and track record, he admits that putting out new songs is still nerve-wracking—especially when it’s his own work. While he feels confident in recognizing a strong song, the real challenge today isn’t creating great music—it’s making sure people even hear it. In a crowded, algorithm-driven ecosystem, visibility is often the biggest hurdle. Tedder also reveals how he’s adapting without compromising his artistic values. Instead of chasing gimmicks, his team has shifted its digital strategy, creating thousands of short-form clips to spread awareness while staying authentic. It’s a balancing act between embracing new platforms and resisting the pressure to go viral at any cost. Ultimately, the conversation paints a powerful picture of an industry in flux—and an artist determined to stay true to his craft while evolving with the times.