Q&A with Stephen Sanchez on “Until I Found You -Piano Version” and more
Photo of Stephen Sanchez by Brian Higbee/Universal Music Group
If the multiverse is real, I hope “Until I Found You” is blasting in each and every universe.
Stephen Sanchez’s hit single, “Until I Found You” is an emotional declaration of love accompanied by a melody reminiscent of the sounds from the 50s and 60s. With over 10 million streams worldwide on Spotify, this song has captivated the hearts of many listeners.
Following the success of the original version, Stephen unveiled “Until I Found You - Piano Version” back in March. This reimagined piano version is a more intimate, stripped-down rendition that highlights his raw delivery and emotionally charged lyrics.
A writer here at Humankind Zine, Angel Tortolero Coletti and I had the opportunity to interview Stephen about “Until I Found You - Piano Version” and his music journey so far.
HKZ: Tell us the story behind “Until I Found You.” How did this song come about and what was the songwriting process like?
I wrote it for someone who was very important to me as a promise to never let them go again. I had just bought a Rickenbacker and a Tyler Reverb amp that day. Right away I started messing around with different 60s songs that I loved over the years. Eventually, I started thinking about what it’d be like to write one of my own if I were them. It was then that ‘Until I Found You’ was born, sitting in my bedroom, thinking about a girl.
HKZ: The original version of “Until I Found You” has those upbeat, classic doo-wop style melodies accompanied by airy guitar and tambourine. In the piano version, the song is softer and arguably feels more intimate compared to the original. What did the process look like when you were crafting “Until I Found You - Piano Version?”
SS: I think we just wanted to make sure that the piano version felt exactly like it did when I was playing it at the piano by myself. Maintaining that personal intimacy was key in having the piano version feel right.
Official cover art for the single, Until I Found You
HKZ: Your debut EP, What Was, Not Now was produced by Ian Fitchuk, who has worked with artists, like James Bay and Kacey Musgraves. What was the greatest lesson you learned while working with him?
SS: You don’t have to be the best artist in the world to make great music.
HKZ: The ability to emulate the sounds of the 50s and 60s is not something everyone can do. However, you make it look easy. Did you face any challenges when crafting your sound?
SS: I didn’t really think about it too much. I listen to 50s and 60s music daily, so it felt really natural with this song. I will say that I don’t think I’ll be able to make another song like “Until I Found You” in this lifetime.
HKZ: Aside from the 50s and 60s, is there another genre or type of music that you’d like to experiment with in the future?
SS: Maybe, 1940s style?
HKZ: If you could work with another artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
SS: I just want to sit in a room with Chris Martin and write love songs.
HKZ: TikTok played some part in where you are today. Nowadays, there’s a lot of music being manufactured for the sole reason of wanting to go viral on social media. How do you manage to stay true to your unique sound? Do you ever feel pressured to follow the crowd?
SS: I can’t say that I’ve ever felt pressured in any way by TikTok or trying to go viral. I’m really stubborn and sensitive towards my music and anything involving the creative process, as most artists are. I just want to make great music about the people I love for the people I love, that’s the most important thing in all this.
HKZ: If you had to choose one album to take with you to a desert island, which one would it be and why?
SS: Easy. Country Sleep album by Night Beds. It’s too powerful. Winston Yellen is a force to be reckoned with, such raw vocals and lyrics. Too good.
HKZ: You’ve accomplished so much, so early in your career at just 19 years old. If you were to go back in time to see your younger self, what is one piece of advice you’d give him?
SS: I’d probably just hug him and tell him to feel everything, good and bad. It’s all important.
HKZ: What can we expect from you in the future?
SS: A whole lot of tears for sure. Maybe, a passionate new love? On stage gyrating? The possibilities are endless, but it’ll be fun no matter what it is.