Though he lives in Nashville, TN, Steve McCormick will proudly tell you that he is not just another slick, cookie-cutter country singer fresh off the assembly line of Music Row. He writes or co-writes all of his own songs, produces his own albums and calls all of the shots on what particular image and style he represents. "Nobody owns me, that's the bottom line", says Steve. "And I think there needs to be more artistic freedom in country music than we're seeing today. These days, the only way to ensure that is to be an independent artist. So I won't let 'em (the recording industry) get their paws on me", he says with a laugh.

As a result of that artistic freedom, Steve's new album "Chasin' Down Destiny" has something for just about everyone. There are songs perfect for driving fast with the top down and the wind blowing through your hair, songs to two-step to, and soft, thought-provoking ballads about the sweet and bittersweet moments of life. "I just try to take things from everyday life and set them to music", he says. "I think people want a song to either make them laugh, smile or cry...or maybe all three!"

Steve has performed twice on the Grand Ole Opry stage, he has opened for Toby Keith, and has also shared the stage with Kenny Rogers, Loretta Lynn and (believe it or not) even The Wallflowers. He is also a sought after studio demo singer on Music Row in Nashville. Though Steve's music might remind you of artists like George Strait or Randy Travis, he will tell you that the greatest influence on his musical career was, without question, The Beatles. Having first been introduced to Beatles music at the age of four, Steve has admired and adored the songs of Lennon and McCartney his entire life. "Everything I know about singing, harmonizing and songwriting I learned from those guys," he says. If you listen closely, you can hear The Beatles influence in some of Steve's music. (check out the slide guitar on "That Day", for example)

Steve came to Nashville in 1999 with his wife Kathleen and their two cats. Initially, his career goal was similar to that of many other singer/songwriters in Nashville: Get a recording contract with one of the major labels, start making videos, doing concert tours and basically become a big, rich country star. Well, closing in on 2004, his goals have changed. Living in Nashville for a few years has opened his eyes to the realities of how business is done on Music Row. "It really is a cut-throat business, and even if you are lucky enough to sign with a major label, there's no guarantee you'll have any real longevity as a successful artist", Steve explains. However, fame and fortune are not what motivates Steve. "I once received an e-mail from a fan in the Czech Republic telling me how much he loved my music", he says. "I didn't even know they listened to country music over there. But my songs moved him enough to write to me. Things like his e-mail are my reason for doing this...to reach people." Thanks to the internet, Steve McCormick can now do just that.

A brand new CD BABY.com member, Steve McCormick is now making his new album "Chasin' Down Destiny" available to music fans worldwide. Pick yourself up a copy today!