Owen Stanley is one half of Stanely and Quiggle, an indie-folk duo from Big Rapids, Michigan. Drawing inspiration from artists like The Lumineers, The Milk Carton Kids, Wilco, and Andrew Bird, their sound is refreshing, yet timeless. Their debut album is set to come out this month.
Be sure to check out the full interview below. You can find more information about Stanley and learn more about Stanley & Quiggle on their website: https://www.stanleyandquiggle.com
You can also find his music on our Songwriter's Seat here: Songwriter's Seat Playlist
What inspired you to start making music?
Being raised by musician parents is definitely the sole reason I even picked up my first instrument. My dad taught me a little bit of piano when I was a wee lad, and my mom’s incredible voice is the reason I wanted to start singing.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
I feel like it changes depending on what I’m listening to that week. Lately I have been very inspired by artists like Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Gregory Alan Isakov, and Ray Lamontagne.
What was the first song you ever wrote, and what inspired it?
The first song I ever wrote was a rap song titled, “McQueen.” I was 12 years old, and I had taken a really cool picture with a red car. Naturally, I wrote some sick bars about said car.
What’s your songwriting process like?
Rarely ever is a song of mine born from the same process as the others. Sometimes it comes very naturally, and the words just spill out of me. Other times it feels like a relentless battle with my own identity.
Can you share the story behind one of your favorite songs you’ve written?
Summers Arms. I was having a really hard winter, and it felt like it was never going to end. Everything just felt cold and gray, because that’s exactly what it was. The whole idea of the song is that as hard as winter can be to get through sometimes, it all starts to melt away in the warm embrace of summer.
What’s your favorite song right now from another artist?
Humble Me, by Norah Jones.
How do you balance your personal life with your music career?
I stay up very late every single night to make time for music.
What’s been the most challenging part of being an indie artist?
Right now, it feels like this corner of music is so saturated. It is almost impossible at times to stick out from the millions of other artists that are trying to do the same thing you are.
What’s a significant milestone in your music career so far?
This month Jamie and I will be releasing our first ever full-length album. We have spent the last year working super hard to make sure this album sounds exactly how we want it to, and we are incredibly happy with it.
If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be?
The Milk Carton Kids. A smaller acoustic/folk duo that Jamie and I have drawn a lot of inspiration from as a fellow duo.
What does success mean to you as an artist?
Being able to maintain a secure, meaningful life with my passion being my main source of income. Whatever that may be at the time.
