From an early age Civil knew he was different, or as he puts it, he was ”born singing with something to say.”
Growing up in a very musical neighborhood, Civil instinctively gravitated to those with whom he shared the same musical passions. He proudly says he learned his craft from the talent that surrounded him.
Civil began performing in rock bands while still in primary school. These early years were an exciting time of discovery.
“So many great bands were releasing material that was so well written and had so much depth of soul…I listened to and covered songs from artists ranging from Led Zeppelin and Supertramp to Jackson Browne and The Clash.” Influences were wide-ranging in those formative years and Civil spent a lot of time jamming with older musicians. “These jam sessions were some of the most creative experiences of my life…there were no thoughts of commercialism - only honest music.”
During the late 80s and early 90s Civil had his first taste of success with a band called May Run. As the lead singer and songwriter for the band, the loyal following May Run developed was a testament to Civil’s powerful songs and his undeniable magnetism as a performer.
In1990 the band released the CD “Days Into Years”. Two singles and two videos from this recording received national attention and airplay. The band toured and was successful in paying off a $60,000 project loan - quite an effort for a group of young men with few resources.
“For us it was serious business and we knew it…the music always came first, but we respected the business side as well.”
After May Run parted ways, Civil continued to play and write with a wide range of friends and fellow musicians. Then, unfortunately, personal circumstances led to a period of musical isolation.
“I was musically ready to begin again…to relive what it felt like in the early, innocent days…”
Civil began traveling around the globe and took his guitar with him. He spent time in places from the Tibetan Plateau and Beijing to Berlin and Kiev. “There was a kind of a wakeup call during these years when I knew I had to tell people about what I saw in the world…and how I interpret the politics and the relationships of people.” It was during this time that Civil began reading about what we do not see in the mainstream news by paying closer attention to what some people call the underground media. This made a serious impact on his songwriting.
With his tremendous work ethic, Civil began to work with producer Joel Grundahl on a project that evolved over time into ”Agoraphobia”. Recorded over a period of two years, these songs were arranged and recorded in Joel’s Viking Music Studio. “Joel spent a lot of time listening to how I wanted to portray these songs. He was a good listener and a good interpreter…and a vital partner in this project.” Once the songs were recorded Joel took them to New York City where they were mastered by Ted Jensen at Sterling Sound.
Civil is ramping up to support “Agoraphobia”, now available on iTunes and Puretracks. The finished project reflects who Civil Stevens is today…honest, hopeful, heavy.
“Good music is about balance and harmony…so is life. When you experience it in your heart you remember it forever.”
