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Belgian rock artist Shtevil has just released his latest single; ‘Stink’, alongside a stunning Monty Python-inspired promo video. Shtevil joins us to talk about the single, and as well as giving a shout-out to the incredible artist behind the video, Shtevil also talks us through his own personal musical memories and the Dio-inspired reason behind his nickname.
What is the backstory to Shtevil? How long have you been performing, and what’s the meaning behind the name “Shtevil”?
I’ve played in rock & metal bands since I was 15 and ended up being a professional musician and songwriter for other artists. After writing a lot of pop tunes I wanted to do something that I missed in my life and write some classic rock/blues rock-based songs. I had gotten to know Wouter (Bass) & Eric (Drums) as these top session musicians and asked them to play on my record after making a click on stage doing some corporate gigs. We’ve been a well-oiled machine ever since. I call Wouter & Eric “The Million Men” cause they sound so big with just the two of them.
As for the name, it’s what my best friend called me back in the day. We were listening to a lot of classic rock back then and every time the song “Voodoo” from Black Sabbath came on (the “Live Evil” version) Dio would sing “There’s EVIL there” and he turned it into “There’s SHTEVIL there!” Because my name is Steven it stuck with me ever since…
What should people expect when they check Shtevil out? How would you describe your sound?
Song and big chorus-driven Rock that’s not shy to get some modern influences without losing that old school rock vibe.
‘Stink’ is the new single, it features the killer line “Think before you stink outta your mouth.” – is it about people, literally, talking shit?
Haha yes, it is. Everyone knows those kinds of people that just want to impose their opinion on others, even if that means putting down other people. That goes for people in higher places or just someone posting a bad comment just because they can. I think that line kinda sums it up.
The promo video that accompanies it is really cool, who came up with it, and is there a Monty Python influence there?
I had come with the general idea of all kinds of objects being stuffed in a head and dirty goo coming out of the mouth. I teamed up with Vincent Hocquet who is an amazing visual & tattoo-artist. We had worked together before on these crazy zoetrope vinyl slip-mats. So I knew I loved his style. We’re both big Monty Python fans and knowing his tattoo shop is called “The Fisher King”, that kinda answers the question right there, hehe!
Here’s a link to his page: https://www.thefisherkingstore.com
‘Stink’ is lifted from the recent EP ‘Thank You’, with the pandemic and subsequent lockdown, was the EP done do-it-yourself style? Did anyone play on the tracks with you?
I co-wrote some songs on the record with friends of mine before the pandemic. The main musical idea for Stink I wrote with Jorge Van de Sande from the band Rhea (killer band), “Drive It Like You Stole It” was written with Milo Meskens (a widely talented singer-songwriter), “It’s All Been Done Before” was written with Tim Toegaert (check his band Parlor, killer 90’s style rock) and “Anyone Still listening “ came out of a bass-line our bass player Wouter Berlaen did on a soundcheck in Holland. I recorded it with my iPhone and actually used it on the recording.
As for the recording. I’ve got the mighty Million Men who laid down bass & drums and Thomas Vincke did percussion and some crazy cowbells. All the rest I did in my home studio. I also mixed the album and drew the artwork. I had a clear vision and sound in my head so it was a no-brainer that I had to do this myself.
What goes through your head in the run-up to releasing new music? Are you excited? Nervous? – Both?!
Yeah sure! Songs are made to convey a certain emotion and you hope people will feel that once it’s out. You hope they take that song and play it at all kinds of moments in their life to amplify that moment. At a party, or listen to it to get pumped to do something or get through something. They give the song a new meaning and hopefully a long life.
In terms of a similar audience: who would be the ideal act for Shtevil to open for?
There are some bands I can think of. Jack White, Gary Clark Jr., Rival Sons, Aerosmith, Lenny Kravitz,…
How did you feel performing your first ever gig? And how was it?!
Hahaha, my first real gig was horrendous!! Up until then, I had been practicing Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, and Jimi Hendrix songs in my bedroom and in my mind, I was the best thing since sliced bread and acted very cocky… I got together with a drummer and bass player who actually wasn’t a bass player. We rehearsed once and played some subpar covers on that first gig and everything went completely south. I got off of my cloud pretty fast after that, haha…
What are your first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
My first musical memories were my dad playing disco songs, Beatles, Elvis, and especially the song “The Way To Your Heart” by Soulsister. At family parties, I would take a ballpoint pen and playback that song for the whole family. Later in life, I went to art school and a friend put me onto Led Zeppelin and it blew my mind. I was bound to be a musician. First I wanted to be a drummer like Bonzo, but then I saw The Song Remains The Same on VHS. When the song “Whole Lotta Love” starts there’s a smoke-bomb and Jimmy Page strutting in front of it wailing his Les Paul. I was sold, guitar it had to be.
Personally, who has been the biggest influence on you becoming a musician? Would it be a family member? A teacher? A fellow musician?
I think Pieter Minne who got me into Led Zep is the guy I have to thank. He also looked like Joe Perry from Aerosmith which I thought was very cool.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
After the first lockdown things cleared up a bit and I went to see “Kommil Foo” with my wife. It felt so good seeing live music again, hope we get to do that again soon.
What current social issue are you particularly passionate about?
Well, it’s a simple but big one. That’s why I decided to drop the single “Stink”. We’re in this thing together, for now, let’s try and not put anyone down for whatever reason. Be kind to those around you, even if you don’t agree with their ideas. It’s the only way forward.
What album do you have in your collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
People that know me know I just like all kinds of music. Don’t think they’d be surprised I told them I listen to some obscure metal like Sour Vein or Goatsnake on one side or Kanye West and George Michael on the other side of the spectrum. If it makes you feel good then it’s good music.
Although 2020 was a year to forget, there was some great music released; what would be your album of 2020?
I don’t think I’ll forget 2020 anytime soon. Got married and released my second album. But out of the albums released that year… The artist “Bahamas” with his album “Sad Hunk”. He’s an amazing singer-songwriter from Canada. Great sense of humour and very smart lyrics that hit me right in the feels every time. Love the soulful production that still has that dirty edge.
Who would you class as an underrated songwriter?
Phil Lynott from Thin Lizzy. Everyone knows him as the energetic frontman of Thin Lizzy belting out rock songs. But if you dig deeper into the catalog you’ll see he has this amazing poetic side to him. If it’s songs like “Got To Give It Up” which stabs you right in the heart knowing how he ended up. Or his love-letter to his heritage with “Black Rose”. Even songs like “Jailbreak”, “Southbound”, “Hollywood”, “The Sun Goes Down” where he’s a master at painting a scene, it’s like you can walk right into his songs.
What are your plans for 2021 should COVID ever disappear?!
We’ve got some dates in September opening up for the great Zach Person. So I’m keeping my fingers crossed so we can finally go out and play these new songs live!
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
I’m posting things when something new is up. But if you have a question or want to connect you can hit me up on Instagram and Facebook. I’ve got a TikTok but I’m not much of a dancer so that one is a little less active, hehe!
(Live photo: Xander Desmet)
Rock on Steven