2/2/2005

MP3 Download: Do You Wanna (by Stereo Deluxx)

I am always amazed when a talented artist seems to fly under the radar without any notice. I wonder what the world could possibly be thinking, why are they not praising a valid artist with true musical accomplishments? Stacey Luxx is one of those artists, she had been building a slow and loyal following with her work in the rock band Stereo Deluxx, as well as the Christian worship band Goodbye Audio – but don’t let that fool you. She can rock harder and louder then most of the boys currently in the game. With the disappearance of her, as well as both of her bands, I decided to track her down and discover where the music went, and what she is currently doing.

Allalom Productions: I first heard you in concert, you were opening for Skillet during the ‘Invincible’ tour – shortly afterwards the label you were on folded – how did it effect your career?

Stacey Luxx: To make a long story...as short as possible, Stereo Deluxx showcased in New York for Edel Records, a main stream label, and got a deal that was going to expand our audience beyond the Christian scene.  Organic, our Christian label, decided not to sign us over and we lost the deal.  Shortly afterwards Organic/Pamplin dissolved.  For 3 years Lewis and I worked at a daycare in Decatur IL., Ed parked cars in Nashville , and Dave went back to Virginia.  It was kinda crazy going from signing autographs to changing diapers for a living.  Even though I was miserable, God was unfolding His plan.

AP: You were in two releases during 2003, followed by, almost, complete silence - so where have you been?

SL: Three years working at the daycare, I worked my way up from assistant cook to the infant room teacher to eventually taking the entire daycare over as the Head Director (I have a bachelor's degree in education from Greenville College which I always knew would come in handy as a backup plan to the gamble of a successful music career.)While running the daycare, Lewis and I (We got married in 2000), ran a small studio out of our house.  We recorded local bands and continued to write music on the side.

AP: I noticed that your two projects, Stereo Deluxx & Goodbye Audio, both came out on Holiday Records, is that your label? Is it still around? If so, how did that label come into being?

SL: Yes, the craziest God thing is that on our last tour with Stereo Deluxx, we became best friends with label mate Chris Shandrow of the Frantics.  We traveled all over the country, our label was based out of Nashville, TN., but of all places for Chris to call home was Bloomington IL. 40 min away from our home town of Decatur. With Organic dissolved and our bands...dissolved and label-less, we decided to form the  worship Band "Good-Bye Audio" (don't ask us what the name means, we just thought it sounded good!) We recorded the entire album "Run to You" in our small house. A total God thing.  Holiday Records is our label. 

AP: Let me start with Stereo Deluxx, so we don’t confuse the reader, are they still around?

SL: Nope, but we remain good friends.

AP: Stereo Deluxx’s sophomore album was remarkably harder then the debut – was this a personal decision or did it just evolve that way?

SL: The second album, Pretty Time Bomb, is actually just a demo we wrote and recorded at the Sound Kitchen in Nashville, TN. back in 2000.  We were writing songs that could be played on mainstream radio (that's why the lyrics are more about love relationships than God.)  As far as the harder sound, that is what we always wanted to sound like.  When we did our first album with the Christian label, we were "encouraged" to make our sound more "Christian radio friendly".  Let's face it, most CHR stations cater to 30 year old women and our label wanted us to sound positive and encouraging.   I think the 2nd project was harder for two other reasons:  Number one, we had just gotten off tour with Skillet and Pax 217.  They rubbed off on us.  And, number two,  I was mad at our Christian Record label and wrote some angry songs.

AP: It also retained high production values, and without the support of a larger label… I was surprised to see it was released as a completely free download instead of an actual album – something that is extremely uncommon in the industry – what was your reasoning behind it?

SL: We realized that after about 2 years, Organic was not going to sign us over.  The music wasn't being heard.  We felt it was a shame, so we made it free for download.

AP: Your music with Stereo Deluxx was often compared to that of Garbage or No Doubt – did it ever effect you being compared to such heavyweights?

SL: Nope, I love Gwen and Shirley.

AP: Last we heard from Goodbye Audio you guys were recording a follow-up to your critically acclaimed debut, where is it?

SL: Coming soon.  We are about 99% sure that we will finalize a deal with a major Christian label in the next few weeks.  If everything goes through, you will have much more to come from Good-bye Audio available Nationwide!

AP: Your lyrics can be extremely introspective, I found both Trapped and Caught Up to be amazingly heavy songs. What is the normal process of songwriting for you?

SL: Usually, Lewis makes some beats or Chris has something he's been writing on guitar and I write about what's going on in my life.  Lately it's been worship.  I am at a new place in my life, and I believe the best music is worship.  At this point, I don't even know what the purpose of "Christian Music" is if it's not worship.  Isn't it vanity?  I mean, to do the whole Christian Rock Star thing?   

AP: So what does the future hold for Stacey Luxx?

SL: My husband and I are currently children's and youth pastors at First Church of the Nazarene in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  We absolutely love it.  We built and created a children's worship room with lights, sound, and animatronic talking barns and stuff. It's called Farm Fabulous.  We hope to market the idea and become as big as VeggieTales someday.  Be on the lookout for some rockin’ kid's music by the former members of StereoDeluxx too!  God is using us in the local church right now and we plan to be here for a long time.  There is nothing more rewarding than investing time into the life of a student and seeing them grow in Christ because of your influence! We are truly blessed.
Thank you so much for your time.


To learn more about Stacey Luxx and all of her projects please visit www.holidayrecords.com or www.goodbyeaudio.com.