Steve Grand burst onto the American music scene with his YouTube sensation, “All American Boy,” a country/western song about a gay man and his unrequited love for his best friend who is straight. The video went viral garnering 2.75 million hits. It landed the up-and-coming singer-songwriter on “Good Morning America” and CNN. Buzzfeed proclaimed it as one of “The 24 Most Brilliant Music Videos from 2013.” Grand has been smiling ever since.
Grand is humbled by the praise, but loving the attention his music is getting. He described his experience writing the iconic song. Grand said, “I grew up Catholic in a small town. Gay people just weren’t visible in my world. So, falling for straight guys is definitely something I’ve experienced. The song isn’t just about being gay. It’s about the universal experience of wanting someone you can’t have. I think that’s an experience we can all relate to, whether you’re gay or straight.”
“I don’t really think of myself as a country singer. I think of myself as a storyteller.”
When asked what it’s like to be called one of the first openly gay male country stars, Grand laughed and said, “I don’t really think of myself as a country singer. I think of myself as a storyteller. If people identify with the story my music is telling, I’m happy. I never really considered ‘All American Boy’ a country song, though. I like all genres of music.”
The singer plays a variety of musical instruments, piano, guitar and flute. He has even sung in a several rock bands. Grand said, “When I was a little kid I was playing jazz clubs, doing cover songs, two nights a week.”
When Grand came out of the closet to his friends, he was in the eighth grade. He said, “I was writing music and I kept a journal. It was my outlet. I had to work through a lot of conflicting emotions.”
He added, “I didn’t tell my parents. They read an IM (instant message) I sent some friends. My parents were shocked and not welcoming at all. Their hearts were in the right place, but their lack of acceptance was a great source of pain and confusion for me for a long time. But because they loved me so much, they did a lot of soul searching. It has taken a while, but I’m so proud of how far we have all come. My family and I have all gained so much strength, compassion and understanding. They’re my number one fans, cheering me on every step of the way.”
Grand feels like all of his fans are his family and nicknamed his followers the GrandFam. Grand said, “It’s such an amazing journey. People come up to me on the street and thank me for telling the story of ‘All American Boy.’ It’s touched a lot of different people.”
The tall, dark and handsome singer has a new album, eponymously titled “All American Boy,” thanks to the successfully funded Kickstarter campaign that raised over $300,000, more than three times the original goal. It was the most–funded music project in Kickstarter history, and the most-funded music project by a musician not affiliated with a label. The first full length album will be available soon; yet another reason for Grand’s big, infectious smile. Grand said, “I can’t thank my fans enough. I want to thank everyone who has supported me.”
He added, “I never expected to raise so much. My fans never stop amazing me.”
Grand is touring the country playing Pride events all summer. He’s enjoyed touring, especially to Los Angeles and San Francisco. When he comes to Pittsburgh, it will be his first visit to the Steel City, but, judging from fan reaction, it won’t be his last.
Grand smiled and said, “Playing Prides have been incredible. It’s been a dream come true. There’s been something special and unique about each one. I look forward to meeting my fans there in Pittsburgh.”
Steve Grand will headline Pittsburgh PrideFest on Sunday, June 15. The event takes place from 1-6:30 PM on Liberty Avenue in downtown Pittsburgh between 6th & 10th Street. Admission is free.