Adley Stump’s got a new album coming out on May 19th, with the lead single off of it a powerful song called “Stay At Home Soldier.” Check out the video for this song, then check out the interview below we conducted with her about her new music, her experience at the ACM Awards, her time on The Voice, and more!
1. Your new single “Stay at Home Soldier” is the lead single off your upcoming album Like This. What is the story behind this song?
My co-writers and I sat down to write and we just began talking about our friends in the military, and that we believed sometimes it was even harder on the family than the soldier, sometimes it is harder to be the one that stays behind that it is to be the one that leaves. This song is much bigger than “fans of Adley” and it deserves to be. And not just talking the talk, but attempting to walk the walk, and learn what this means for our generation.
So as I tour these military bases, and attempt to learn what our military goes through and what isn’t really being discussed, I saw that kids my age and younger have no idea how to enter this conversation. Millennials are naturally activists for change, but no one my age is getting involved in the VA, taking responsibility, or knowing how to be there for our military men & women. My generation and younger generations are growing up with a very controversial message from the mainstream media. And as songwriters, we attempt to be problem solvers. We try to create music to be there for people in situations we haven’t always been in. And creating this song is an attempt to answer that question and enter that conversation.
How do you say thank you to someone who puts their life on the line every day so that you can have a latte?
2. You attended the 50th Anniversary ACM Awards in Dallas, in part to talk to radio stations about your upcoming project on “Radio Row.” How was the feedback from the radio folks?
I had been to the ACMs the last few years, but this was my first time participating as an artist on red carpet radio. It was incredible. To be in the lineup with so many artists I admire felt amazing. And the response we gathered from radio was overwhelmingly more than I hoped for. A true dream come true.
3. What was it like being at an awards show of that magnitude in AT&T Stadium? What was the highlight of the night to you?
The highlight of the night was, and always is, feeling the electricity that comes with the community of country music. There is nothing like celebrating those who deserve to be celebrated and honoring a year of incredible moves for our genre.
4. Like the rest of America, we were first introduced to you (and became fans) when you made it onto Team Blake on The Voice in season 2. What was that whole experience like?
That experience was something that is always hard to put into words! I was in college when I auditioned so for me it was a true launching pad for everything I am so blessed to call my life right now. I learned from the best of the best right off the bat… who gets to say that?
5. Where were you when you first heard yourself on the radio, and what was your reaction like?
I was actually in my hometown of Tulsa, OK a year and a half after I had moved to Tulsa. It was 106.9 KHITS that was spinning my cover of Hallelujah. It was the most surreal feeling.
6. What is the #1 goal you hope to achieve in your music career?
To still be creating and innovating 20 years from now and loving every day as much as I do right now. For me, it’s about the journey, not a dangling dream that’s far off in the future. For me, it’s quality of life every day that I get to wake up and do what I want. But sure, let’s throw in a few awards here and there and call it a day 😉
7. What is the #1 item on your Bucket List?
To give an acceptance speech in front of a crowd of my peers who have gone before me and molded and shaped country music.
8. Outside of your music career, what is something that you are passionate about?
Anyone who knows me knows I love learning business. Creating value and finding a way to monetize it in a way that is helpful for people. Hence the creation of How They Sell Music. I think being an artist in 2015 and forward looks a lot like being an entrepreneur. And the fusion of these two passions is where I attempt to live every day and I couldn’t be happier. If I have to pick another hobby, I would say I enjoy a good glass of Merlot
9. What has been the biggest “wow” moment of your career?
Singing in front of Kelly Clarkson during The Voice. Most definitely.
10. What advice would you to an aspiring artist trying to make a career out of music?
You never had a superstar that was “just a little bit good, but at EVERYTHING.” Focus on your strengths, know what they are, and go all chips in.