I told Steve that I had seen him in concert about 4 years ago in Ogden, Utah, which is where I lived at the time. He came into town and performed at the Weber County Fair. It is a small fair which is held in August every year. When I lived In Utah, I was picked to perform every year. I had just happened to be performing the same night that Steve and his band was there. (Not on the same stage. I was on a stage much smaller) I was on the front row at the concert. He and his brother both posed for me and let me take pictures at the concert. I told him I thought they were great at performing live. He has always been one of my favorite songwriters. Steve" Oh yes, I remember that performance Ogden is a very beautiful place. I always enjoy performing in Utah. There are very nice fans there."

I think your song you just did (Two Tear Drops) is a great song. I love what you did with the lyrics and the twists you made with the words. Steve: "Personally I feel that is one of my best songs I have done. I plan on doing a lot more writing in the future. Writing is an art that takes a long time to perfect. I myself, still learn new things every time I write a new song. There is always more to learn in the art of song writing, no matter how good you think you are."

What are your plans for the future? " I am very grateful to be where I am at in my career. I have been up and down through the years. Right now, I am up and enjoying every minute of it. I realize that this is how the business goes. You can't be on the top all the time. I plan on writing new songs and keep doing what I am doing. You have to keep working to stay ahead of the competition, but you also have to take time to be yourself and have a private life too."

What is your favorite part of your career? "Performing on stage. I love to sing and perform, I love to visit new places and I love to meet my fans."

What is the biggest drawback? Being on the road and away from my family. Touring really takes it toll. You get really tired of hotels and riding on the bus. I love it when I get to stay home for a while and just kick back."

What is your advice for newcomers in the Business? "Remember that a music career is like any other business. It takes total dedication and belief in yourself. You have to really have the desire to want to succeed to stand a chance. Remember that you have your up and down periods. If you have a down period, just keep at it and don't give up. You will come around and get back to the top." "Most important, is to remember who put you where you are and don't ever forget. Make contacts and help others who you can. If someone had not helped me, I would never be where I am, Without my fans, I would never be where I am." "You can never be at the top of the charts all the time. There are so many talented artists out there, all competing for the same spot on the radio. You have to stay on your toes and always be better than the last song you recorded. Don't get frustrated if you drop on the charts. Just be consistent at what you do."

I asked him about being a songwriter "Not everyone has the talent to be on stage & not everyone has the talent to write. There is no shame in being a good songwriter. Without good songs, the artists could not keep putting out music people love. Even if you can write your own music, always be open to other people. What you write, may not be the perfect song for you."

Others that I talked to had similar views as Garth & Steve. Many of them expressed how hard it is to stay on top of the competition. New people I talked to expressed that getting their music heard on the radio and finding distributing was the hardest hurdle to overcome. You can be at the top of the charts, but if people can't find your music to buy your CD's, you don't make money.

Written By: Tamra Smith "Hot Topic Music News"
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