Stephen Sanchez
Biography
Stephen Christopher Sanchez, born on November 3, 2002, is an American singer-songwriter known for his music that often evokes the sounds of the 1950s and 1960s. Raised in El Dorado Hills, California, he was introduced to the music of classic artists like Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and The Platters by his grandfather, which heavily influenced his own musical style. Sanchez is largely self-taught, learning to play guitar, piano, and ukulele on his own.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
Sanchez's career began to take off in 2020 when he started posting cover songs on TikTok. His rendition of Cage the Elephant's "Cigarette Daydreams" went viral, quickly building him an online audience. This led to him sharing a snippet of his original song, "Lady by the Sea," which caught the attention of singer-songwriter Jeremy Zucker, who then produced the official version. This success resulted in a record deal with Republic Records.
His major breakthrough came with the single "Until I Found You," released in September 2021. The song became a global hit, charting on the Billboard Hot 100, the Australian ARIA Chart, and the UK Singles Chart. The success of the song was amplified by its popularity on TikTok and led to nominations for Billboard Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards.
Musical Style and Albums
Sanchez's music is characterized by its retro feel, drawing heavily from the pop, rock, folk, and soul of the mid-20th century. His style has been described as a modern take on classic genres, appealing to a generation with a fondness for nostalgia. His debut EP, "What Was, Not Now," was released in October 2021, followed by the "Easy On My Eyes" EP in 2022. His first full-length studio album, "Angel Face," was released in September 2023 and further showcased his 1950s and 1960s inspired sound. He has cited artists like Roy Orbison, Elvis Presley, and Lord Huron as significant influences on his work.
Notable Achievements
Throughout his burgeoning career, Sanchez has achieved significant milestones. He has performed on major television shows like "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and "Late Night with Seth Meyers." A particularly notable moment was performing "Until I Found You" with Sir Elton John at the Glastonbury Festival in 2023. His debut album "Angel Face" received a deluxe release, and he also contributed a song to the soundtrack of a Disney+ documentary about The Beach Boys.