Meet Steve Lee, a self-proclaimed “weird guy” who’s rockin’ out with fans of all ages. The Nashville-based singer/songwriter/guitarist released “What Did You Do Today, Stephen Scott Lee?” a wildly imaginative indie-pop album that takes listeners through a day in the life of young Stephen. With fun and catchy melodies, Lee, who is Korean and white, sings about getting ready for school, dealing with a bully who takes his permission slip, riding a bus to the zoo, going to the doctor and getting ready for bed. Think Raffi tunes with a psychedelic edge.
Why did you decide to make a kids’ album?
I met a girl and wanted to impress her. I asked myself, “What are the easiest songs to write?” And then I thought about kids’ songs. I wrote some and the girl really liked them, but decided to go out with someone else. But that was OK because then I had a career. I guess that’s how all rock and roll stories start.
You’ve written songs about bullies. Were you one?
Yeah, I was pretty mean. If someone would pinch me, I would punch them in the face. I was also very conniving. I’d be the one who’d say to some kid, hey, that guy said this about you, and then say to the other kid, hey, that guy said this about you, and then sit back and watch them fight. Luckily, that phase didn’t last long.
What messages do you hope to send through your music?
First, love. That’s a pretty easy message to send. But it’s also about staying true to yourself. It’s OK to have a good time and be ridiculous and have pink hair. Being Korean and growing up in Arkansas, I looked so different from everyone that I had to be myself. I couldn’t conform, even if I wanted to.
What’s next?
I’m working on a new record. It’ll be a continuation of the first record, but there’ll more adult-themed songs in there. I’ve written an autobiographical song about being Asian called “Say Herro.” There’s one line that goes “How many bearded Asians do you know? I know two: me and Judge Ito.” I want it to be really hilarious, really rockin’ and paint a truer picture of who I am.
