Entertainment

BB Stevens Returns with a New Single: “Starlight in Me”

September 16, 2024

After years away from the spotlight, BB Stevens is back, ready to reignite his career with the release of his latest single, Starlight in Me. Slated for release on September 20th, 2024, on Stryker Records and distributed by Virgin Music Group, this new track marks an important milestone in Stevens’ career—a return to form after nearly two decades of personal challenges, including divorce, financial difficulties, and a series of tragic life events. For a musician who began his journey driven by love, it’s fitting that love, resilience, and creativity have fueled his reemergence in the music industry.

BB Stevens is no stranger to the highs and lows of the music business. He signed his first record deal with Decca Records at the young age of sixteen, and over the years, his talent as a producer and composer has left an indelible mark on the industry. Stevens has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including the legendary Madonna. Recently, he collaborated with Saving Abel’s vocalist Scotty Austin and award-winning producer Malcolm Springer on the summer 2023 release Lucifer’s Rain (The Bad One Is Back). This project showcased his ability to merge past experiences with a modern sound, drawing upon his decades of expertise in the industry.

BB Stevens Returns with a New Single Starlight in Me — Photo Courtesy: Hope Buzzelli

Since returning to recording in 2023, Stevens has been on an upward trajectory. He released Not My Monkeys, his debut EP, followed by the holiday hit Christmas All Year. Both releases received significant regional radio play, signaling that Stevens still had the ability to connect with audiences through his music. His upcoming single, Starlight in Me, draws on the sound of rock icons like Ian Hunter, with Stevens’ unique voice and style shining through. Produced by Sir Douglas Fabiano and mastered by Malcolm Springer, the single is expected to make waves in the rock scene.

One of the many creative forces behind Starlight in Me is New Jersey-based fine artist Hope Buzzelli. Despite her young age, Buzzelli has already exhibited her work in multiple museums and continues to push artistic boundaries. She not only designed the cover art for Stevens’ latest single but also directed the music video, demonstrating her versatility and skill across multiple mediums. Her work with Stevens shows a creative synergy that enhances the song’s emotional depth, further elevating the single.

A Life of Triumphs and Tribulations

BB Stevens’ career is a testament to both his talent and his resilience. Despite stepping back from the stage for years, Stevens’ passion for music never waned. His dedication to the craft can be seen in his daily routine, which includes hours of rehearsal and recording sessions at Sir Douglas Fabiano’s studio in Plainfield, NJ. He maintains a rigorous practice schedule, spending three to four hours each day honing his skills and writing new material, a testament to his belief in the power of hard work and discipline.

Beyond his work in music, Stevens is also a published novelist under the pseudonym Stevie B, with works including Pajamas on a Sun-Stained Beach, The Freaky Fungal Family Tree, and Alice. His creativity spans multiple disciplines, and it’s clear that his passion for storytelling plays a crucial role in both his literary and musical projects. Each new song or novel is a chapter in his ongoing journey, reflecting the lessons he has learned along the way.

Stevens’ past includes many vivid memories from his time in New York City, where he worked as a record producer in the early 1980s. Perhaps his most notable discovery was Madonna, whom he worked with in her early career. Stevens tracked and mixed 23 productions with Madonna before her rise to fame under Sire Records, though their professional relationship ended in a bitter legal battle over the rights to those recordings. Despite the legal struggles and the media frenzy that ensued, Stevens emerged victorious, though the experience left its mark on him.

Another vivid memory comes from 2001, when Stevens witnessed the tragic events of September 11 from his apartment window. Watching the World Trade Center towers collapse and seeing survivors covered in ash as they walked through the streets of Manhattan had a lasting impact on him, as did his witnessing of the miraculous landing of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in 2009. These moments, filled with both tragedy and triumph, have shaped his perspective on life and music.

BB Stevens Returns with a New Single Starlight in Me_3 — Photo Courtesy: Hope Buzzelli

A New Chapter in the BB Stevens Journey

As he prepares to release Starlight in Me, Stevens is not just looking back on his long career, but also looking ahead to a bright future. His ongoing residency at Hoboken’s Louise & Jerry’s Tavern is a testament to his love for performing and connecting with audiences in a personal, intimate setting. Fans and patrons of the venue know him not just for his music but also for his warm personality and the engaging performances that make every show a unique experience. Stevens even shares the screen with one of his favorite bartenders, Alexis “Lexi” Micucci, who co-stars in the Starlight in Me music video.

Though his life has been marked by challenges, Stevens has found solace in his own philosophy, which he calls Bowery Buddhism. This personal belief system, not affiliated with traditional Buddhism, encourages followers to embrace their inner “freak,” find their “freak family,” and celebrate the unique people they are. His mantra, “Be part of the Oneness – and the Oneness will be part of you,” reflects a deep sense of spirituality and self-awareness, values that influence his music and his connection with his fans, whom he lovingly calls his “BBheads.”

BB Stevens’ story is one of persistence, passion, and creativity. From signing his first record deal as a teenager to stepping away from the spotlight, and now returning stronger than ever, Stevens continues to evolve as an artist. With the release of Starlight in Me, he reaffirms his place in the music world, proving that while life may bring its share of trials, true passion never fades. His fans can look forward to an exciting new chapter, filled with more music, more performances, and more of the authenticity that has always defined BB Stevens.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, he now resides in Hoboken, New Jersey. He currently hosts the popular and highly entertaining “The BB Stevens Experience”, and gives much of the credit for the guitar sound you hear in the installments to Elixir Strings. Need to know more? Then you may, of course, surf on over to either their Facebook or Instagram.