Written by Lucinda Coyne
Singer/songwriter Steve Pichan may have inadvertently given us the theme song for the upcoming presidential election – and current campaign within the Democratic Party – with “The Line (Voter’s Lament)” from his terrific album, Am I Here Already? Like much of the record, “The Line (Voter’s Lament)” is written and sung with a thoughtful, provocative edge, definitely in the spirit of late ’60s-early ’70s folk. Oddly enough, this is the 55-year-old artist’s debut even though his mastery of words and sharp vocal craft more than suggest a recording veteran at the helm.
Lucinda Coyne: Your song, “The Line (Voter’s Lament),” really captures the confusion that
people are undergoing right now with their political choices, something which will probably get worse as we near the election. What is the story behind it, though?
Steve Pichan: Living in the Detroit area, we have lived through the scandal of Detroit’s
mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick. For me, he epitomizes the art of political spin and lies. His story certainly has influenced my refrain. The verses, however, are inspired by the current presidential campaign. This is not a partisan song. It is intended to shine a light on the problem of dishonesty. Certainly, all political persuasions have a vested interested in being told the plain and simple truth. Voters are screaming, “Tell me no lie, tell me the truth.”
Coyne: How long have you been writing lyrics, and what inspires your words – current events or personal experiences? Or both?
Pichan: I started writing songs with lyrics more than 40 years ago. A good storyline inspires my lyrics, hence, they can come from both.
Coyne: What artists have guided you creatively throughout the years?
Pichan: Steely Dan, Neil Young, Steve Winwood, John Hiatt, Jars of Clay, Lyle Lovett.
Coyne: What songs on Am I Here Already? are you most proud of and why?
Pichan: I particularly like “Mile” and “Iron Man.” Both are deep and meaningful stories with a musical style (rock ballad) that I enjoy most. “Mile” is about the tragic loss of a seven year old girl, and her father’s struggle to deal with the difficult emotions. He strives to seek comfort in the hope of being reunited with her. “Iron Man” is a song that speaks to the spirit of Americans when faced with a national tragedy which, in this case, tells the story of an ironworker who is moved by the events of 9/11 and decides to head immediately for New York. When he arrived, he was able to offer his professional skills to the task of disassembling steel structure.
Coyne: Am I Here Already? seems to be your debut album, but it has the craftsmanship of a longtime veteran. What made you finally decide to put out a CD?
Pichan: I have written songs and played guitar since the age of 10. I also performed professionally for many years while performing many originals. My recording experience, however, was limited to a handful of sessions. I was determined to build a studio which has taken many years to perfect, and I was aided in the process by recording engineer, Jim Kissling of Tempermill Studios in Detroit. Jim now helps out on final mixes and ultimate mastering. The development of my studio and recording process has finally enabled me to record my songs at a professional level that I now have confidence in. The release of the CD happens to coincide with my 55th birthday, hence, the title.
Coyne: Where you raised and how did your environment shape you as an artist?
Pichan: I was raised in a small town farming community that was very picturesque. I suppose that the area influenced me somewhat. My interest in politics and religion is really what has shaped me most.
