We were lucky to catch up with Steven Chesne recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Steven, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Coming up as a composer and musician, I always had a love and fascination with what’s called “counterpoint” in music. This is where you have 2 or more melodies going on simultaneously, but they all work together, like pieces of a puzzle. As a kid I remember hearing the Beatles’ “I’ve got a Feeling” and being absolutely mesmerized when John Lennon’s Melody was laid on top of Paul’s melody, and they fit together so beautifully. I’ve never got this out of my head! So I’ve always experimented with this in my composing. I’m still moved by “Row, Row your Boat”!

A few years back, I had this idea: why not take prayers and invocations for peace from different religious traditions around the world (that often fight with one another), and create a song for each … but with a twist. Unbeknownst to the listener, each song would actually be a piece of a puzzle that would be revealed at the end, in the big Finale. Ten different religious traditions singing about peace, would be wound together in a web of sound, a mashup of 10 songs at once.

World-class vocalists performed these pieces incredibly. The work was called “Sapient” and the video for the big Finale (called “Nyansapo: the Wisdom Knot”) has been shared so much on Facebook that it’s been seen now by over 2 Million people. The CD is in it’s 3rd pressing.

The project feels like my own personal masterpiece, the culmination of years of composing and study.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I got the music bug early in life, and started writing songs as a kid. By my teens I wanted to learn serious fingerpicking/classical guitar styles, and to learn everything I possibly could about music theory, orchestration, etc. I sucked it up like a thirsty sponge.

I had love affairs with different musical traditions (Indian, Irish, Medieval European) but kept coming back to symphonic styles.

I started hanging around the studios and watching recording sessions. Eventually I got to write a couple short music cues for a show or two. Later, this led to composing scores for full episodes of shows. Writing for the media was a a fun and exciting time. Later, when I began producing my own work, I expanded into more experiential and contemplative music. This has evolved to a more Global or World music style, which in some ways harkens back to my old explorations from my college days. It feels all digested and synthesized into a natural flow now that I’m 63 years old.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

The very concept of fame is so surreal in current culture. The internet algorithms empower celebrities who are famous simply for being famous, or famous because of outrageous acts done simply to attain fame.

I so, so wish we would give more attention to creators of excellent work. To patronize their work, buy it, share it, go to their performances. Check out the work of artists you’ve never heard of. Go to hear local bands,

Also, hearing stuff on Spotify is great for discovery of music, but the artists don’t significantly benefit from the streams. Purchasing downloads or hard copies actually supports artists who you care about. It really has meaning and value.

Don’t be a follower. Seek out those hidden treasures. Be the one who shares an unknown gem!

Have you ever had to pivot?

I think the key to longevity is constant recreation of ourselves. It’s rare that someone can accurately be pigeon-holed for their entire lifetime. So you need many skills. And since the recording industry has bottomed out (since streaming took hold), we need multiple income streams.

I’ve been thrown into situations where I was called upon to compose symphonic styles, jazz styles, rock and pop, and even early 20th century-style cartoon music. I’ve taught guitar (I was a guitar major at USC before focusing on composition), taught theory and composing. I’ve produced recordings and sold music via mail-order.

We need to be shape shifters.

Being educated and well-trained is super important, but doesn’t itself lead to success. But experience may. You’ve got to just be immersed in the world of your art even if it’s for free – to be active, to make connections, and to learn from your mistakes.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chezworks.com