As I'm sure everyone who has listened to the album would agree, “Angel Face" is a masterclass in storytelling. When asked about the deliberate placement of tracks like "The Other Side" on the deluxe edition rather than the main body of work, Sanchez explained his intent to lay out the foundation of the story first. Notably, he admitted that the lyrics to "The Other Side" were originally "inappropriate," leading to significant rewrites before the song found its place on the deluxe version. This insight was particularly interesting as it highlighted his unwavering commitment to crafting a narrative that resonates with listeners while maintaining his artistic integrity. Sanchez's music, and this album in particular, is deeply inspired by classic romance and love stories, drawing from both personal experiences and cinematic influences. He cited the film "Lost in Translation" as a recent inspiration, appreciating its exploration of love as an escape from reality. This blend of personal experience and fictional storytelling has allowed Sanchez to create songs that feel both intimate and universal.

Another outlet posed a hypothetical scenario involving a fan embroiled in a forbidden romance. Sanchez's advice was straightforward: avoid the drama. He emphasized the importance of pursuing relationships that are healthy and mutual, rather than chasing unattainable or problematic love stories. "Find somebody who hands you the pen to write your story," he advised, encouraging fans to seek partnerships that are collaborative rather than forced. Continuing on the theme of personal experiences, Sanchez shared his experiences performing internationally, particularly in Japan, where he noticed a distinct cultural shift in audience engagement. He described Japanese audiences as more reserved initially but highly participatory once given permission, contrasting this with the more upfront and brash energy of American crowds (though he conveyed this comparison with a much kinder tone). This cultural difference, Sanchez noted, made performing in Japan a uniquely enjoyable experience.

Reflecting on his current tour, Sanchez spoke about the evolution of his stage performances. Last year, his shows were themed around the idea of haunting venues as ghosts, while this year, he's taken audiences back to the 1950s, immersing them in the world of "Angel Face." The tour has been a mix of nostalgia, drama, and fun, with one particularly memorable moment being when he talked about dancing with fans on stage during "Put Your Head on My Shoulder" in Toronto. Sanchez is known for his covers of classic songs like "Pretty Woman" and "Unchained Melody," which he incorporates into his shows with a modern rock-and-roll twist. These covers, he explained, are a way to timestamp his performances, pulling audiences deeper into the world he creates on stage while paying homage to his musical heroes.

When it was my turn to ask a question, I inquired about the lyrics in his song “Doesn’t Do Me Any Good,” particularly the lines, “They said a man rich with love, could go crazy, spendin' all his gold, bettin' on a maybe. Just like that river, baby. Don't let it be misunderstood.” Intrigued by the deeply personal nature of these lyrics, I asked about the motivation and sentiment behind them. Sanchez described the song as a mix between a love song and a "kind diss track," born out of frustration and unrequited affection. The lyrics, he said, reflect the tension between wanting to move on and being unable to let go—a sentiment many listeners can relate to. I couldn't resist joking that this was his submission to be part of the Kendrick/Drake diss track feud, to which he quickly and emphatically refuted.

I have participated in several press conferences with 1824 over the last year, and this one with Stephen Sanchez was easily one of my favorites. He offered amazing insights into the mind of an artist who is as thoughtful as he is talented. From his reflections on humility to his creative process and memorable experiences, Sanchez continues to captivate audiences with his authenticity and passion. As he embarks on the next chapter of his career, fans can look forward to more stories, more music, and more unforgettable moments.