Stephen Christopher Sanchez (born November 3, 2002[3]) is an American singer-songwriter. Based in Nashville, Sanchez released his debut extended play What Was, Not Now in October 2021. On September 1, 2021, Sanchez released the single "Until I Found You", which peaked at No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 8 on the Australian ARIA Chart and No. 14 on the UK Singles Chart. The song was nominated for Billboard Music Awards and MTV Video Music Awards for Push Performance of the Year and Top Rock Song, respectively, in 2023. He has also received nominations for iHeartRadio Music Awards and People’s Choice Awards for New Artist of the Year.
Career
In June 2020, Sanchez posted a cover of Cage the Elephant's "Cigarette Daydreams" on TikTok; he built an audience through a steady stream of content attracting over 122 thousand followers on TikTok.[4]
After he shared a snippet of "Lady by the Sea", singer-songwriter Jeremy Zucker offered to produce the official version, which was released in July 2020; as a result Sanchez signed a deal with Republic Records. He worked with producer Ian Fitchuk on his debut EP What Was, Not Now, released in October 2021.[4] On November 4, 2022, he released a single with Ashe, titled "Missing You".[5] On January 25, 2023, he released a single titled "Evangeline" which preceded his headline tour.
Sanchez appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to promote the song and his headline tour. Sanchez performed his song "Evangeline" on the show. [6] On April 28, 2023, Sanchez released his next single, titled "Only Girl".
Sanchez's debut album Angel Face was released on September 22, 2023.[8] A deluxe version of the album, Angel Face (Club Deluxe) was announced to be released on April 26, 2024.[9]
Sanchez sung "Baby Blue Bathing Suit" for the soundtrack of the Disney+ documentary The Beach Boys.
Sanchez is also featured on Lin-Manuel Miranda's 2024 "The Warriors" Concept Album, playing the part of Cal, a member of The Bizzies. He sings vocals in the songs 'Cardigans', 'We Got You' and 'We Got You (Reprised)'. [10]
As of 2023, Sanchez was in the process of moving to New York City.[11]
Style
Sanchez's style on Angel Face is very reminiscent of music from the 1950s and 1960s, which is an era of music he has cited heavily influenced him from a young age. His song "Evangeline", released in 2023, contains a sample from Bobby Goldsboro's "Honey", released in 1968.
His earlier EPs, What Was, Now Now and Easy On My Eyes, are more singer-songwriter, with a heavier emphasis on acoustic instruments than the 50s/60s rock of Angel Face.