Joey Stuckey is a man on a mission and man who’s tough to find in one place for very long. A seriously busy touring schedule and a lot of successful hot irons in the fire, this producer, musician and inspirational speaker shares a few moments with us.
Hi Joey, tell us about your most recent travels!
Thanks for giving me a minute to reflect on all I’ve done this year!
Most recently I was in NYC at the AES conference. I had the chance to see lots of old friends and make plenty of new ones. I also had a chance to speak with AVID about accessibility for the blind with their flagship software for music production Protools and to work with the AES Diversity and inclusion committee, for which I am the secretary.
While I was in town, I got a chance to take in a few Broadway plays with my wife, Jennifer, and also perform at two very cool venues, Caffeine Underground and Dinosaur BBQ.
I am home for a few weeks getting my Christmas EP “A Santa That Plays Guitar” ready for release on 10/31–yeah I know I have a weird sense of humor—for both web and terrestrial radio and to give my mid-term exams for my music technology class I teach at Middle Georgia State University and then I am off to LA for a few shows and a Red Carpet event hosted by 95.5 to fight domestic violence.
How do you find the time to do so many things and do them all so well?
Well, it isn’t easy, but I try to prioritize my schedule and I try not to waste time on things that don’t move my goals forward. There are lots of things I would love to do, but I can’t do everything, though I do keep a busy schedule.
I have an active imagination and I only have two speeds, full speed ahead and off
What do you see as your greatest musical asset?
That is a great question.
I think of three things here.
First, I have my own pro recording studio— Shadow Sound Studio (www.shadowsoundstudio.com). This is how I make most of my living as a producer for other artists. And it means that I can record my own music whenever I find it to be time to get something new together.
Second, I love music with all my heart and soul and I do it because it is how my spirit works. It is second nature, just like breathing for me, I think that gives me an advantage because I never have to force myself to do music or work to try and be creative.
Finally, I have worked hard to surround myself with empowering people! From my friends and family, many of whom are bigger fans of my music than I am, to my bandmates and my business team. You really can’t be successful if you don’t carefully choose people to work with you that are supportive!
Favorite song of 2019 so far? Yours? And Not Yours?
Man that is a hard one!
For my own music, I am proud of this year’s album “In The Shadow Of The Sun”. “Ain’t it Good To Be in Love” is a great track and one that gets a lot of positive feedback, but I also really enjoy “You’re So Wrong” and “Troubles Come In Threes.”
For other artists, I have to say I like “Senorita” by Shawn Mendes and “Wow” by Zarah Larson. Yeah I know these are big time pop songs, but I love them. And while the music might not be new this year, I am also glad to see the rock band Tool join the rest of the universe by putting their catalog into the digital landscape.
What has been your greatest achievement so far in music?
I don’t know. I have so many things left to do I honestly don’t think much about what I have done but what I haven’t. I am not sure this is the best way to think, but it is truthfully how I feel.
I do have the great honor to be the official music ambassador for my hometown of Macon GA. And I have had the privilege to work with some outstanding musicians and human beings, like Alan Parsons, Derek St. Holmes, Al Chez and so many more.
I think if I had to choose one thing to be truly proud of it is that I am still alive and working hard to follow my passion. As a blind brain tumor survivor, the path hasn’t always been easy, in fact far from it, but as long as I can get on my feet, get the guitar in my hands, my voice to resonate and my ears to hear, it is a good day!
2020 Plans and further down the road?
SO many plans. I am right this minute thinking hard about the next album that I am going to release. I have so many friends from Mark Hornsby, to my new dear friend Ron Saint Germain and Ross Hogarth all of whom are ready to make some music with me, I just have to decide what direction to go next. I have a lot of live recordings from all the touring we have done this year with the trio from shows in NYC, NJ, DC, SC, GA and more that I think I should be able to get a good EP out of it at least. I also have a jazz record we recorded last year over a weekend. I am really excited about this record and how hard we all worked. I have a few things to overdub and tighten up and then just need to mix and master, but I am constantly writing all the time and as most writers will tell you, the new stuff is what you are most excited about. I also have some odds and ends laying around that need attention and to find a place to be released and I have an entire album of songs I wrote with my dear friend Charlie Hoskyns, who sadly passed away in 2017.
But besides musical endeavors in the form of new music for the masses, I am also working hard to increase my speaking opportunities and concerts, like our show at the Whisky Ago go in LA on January 3rd 2020 and I also am undertaking a massive new studio construction! So lots to do.
How can our readers support your music on line and IRL?
And come to a live show! Go to www.joeystuckey.com to check out my touring schedule.
Social Media Links
TWITTER: https://twitter.com/Jstuckeymusic
IG: https://www.instagram.com/jstuckeymusic/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/JoeyStuckeyMusic/
BANDSINTOWN: http://www.bandsintown.com/joey-stuckey
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4H5sd7R9Or0DSHbiWobGll?si=xWNjaR5jTlSywK1bCOpywA
End of Interview