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Perhaps most known for his hit “I Don’t Have to Be Me (‘Til Monday),” Steve Azar will drop by Orono on Oct. 11 on his ExxonMobil-sponsored tour. Other stops on his calendar include gigs with Carrie Underwood and Emerson Drive, a handful of festivals, and an impressive list of benefit shows.
Azar began writing songs at the age of 10, and recorded his first songs in a Nashville studio at age 14. On his upcoming release, “Indianola,” he has written or co-written every song, proving his unshakeable creativity.
The interesting thing about the album, due to come out in 2007 on Dang/Midas records, is that Azar dropped in-studio recordings with another producer to record his music in his own home studio. He believes that he puts more soul into his songs this way, and that a better product results.
The multitalented Azar plays slide, electric, and acoustic guitar as well as the mandolin on his upcoming record. However, being quite driven, he became overworked and ran into vocal problems in 2003. He had been exhausting his voice performing and promoting his 2002 album, “Waitin’ On Joe.” In 2004 he had surgery. He spent his time in recovery redefining his sound, which he believes was truly worthwhile.
“I’m at peace, musically. I already have some believers on my side. And that’s good, because I think this is the best record I have ever made,” Azar said.
Aside from helping out organizations through benefit shows, Azar and his wife started The St. Cecilia Foundation, a program that donates mainly to Catholic charities in and around Mississippi, with a focus on helping sick and abused children of any religion. Azar is involved in supervising and contributing to the soundtracks for hometown movie projects “Second Crossing: Mississippi’s Landmark Bridge” and “Delta Storms.” In addition, the state of Mississippi named March 13 “Steve Azar Day” to recognize his musical successes and his support of the area.
Azar proves that an interesting past and great motivation makes for good stories and inspired music. Azar’s shows attract a crowd due to his sincere desire to play music that he can stand behind and his soulful delivery. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at www.ticketweb.com, by calling (866) 666-8932, or at Bull Moose Music. Doors open at Ushuaia at 8 p.m.
Bangor Daily News