Steven Wesley Guiles - Transitions
When I created Music Meds By Mel, my goal was not only to introduce independent musicians to a larger audience, but I also wanted to create a community of musicians and fans alike. So, when a musician I’ve reviewed reaches out with music suggestions, I’m always open to the opportunity.
Last year, the incredibly talented Angela Sheik ("Be Gentle With Yourself") introduced me to Steven Wesley Guiles, a musician from San Dimas, California. Angela had collaborated with Steven and knew that he would be releasing new music, so she asked if I’d be interested in writing up a review. Of course my response was, “Absolutely!”
Due to a lack of creative juices and motivation to contribute to Music Meds By Mel the second half of 2022, I never got around to taking a listen. However, I have vowed to jump back into writing and producing content on the site in the new year and I knew Steven Wesley Guiles would be the first review of 2023! Needless to say, after listening to Steven’s latest album, Transitions, my writer's block has disappeared and I’m ready to introduce my followers to new music again!
After listening to Transitions from start to finish, these were my initial thoughts: kind and gentle spirit; soothing voice; spreading love, peace, and positivity; encouraging; relatable; realistic; inspiring; simplistic. If that isn’t enough to have you clicking on the link to listen, I’m not sure what will!
There were many highlights in Transitions and it started off with the first track, “Maybe Jesus Knew What He Was Talking About” with assistance from Katie Dwyer on vocals. Steven and Katie’s voices are similar souls meshing together in literal perfect harmony.
“Cats and Dogs” uses the analogy of cats and dogs to tackle the idea of coexisting with people who may not see eye to eye. This song could be broadcasted as a subliminal message through all our phones’ speakers to help cure our divided nation.
We can both enjoy our lives, in our own mismatched way
You and I can coexist, inside the same frame
Just because we’re different doesn’t mean we have to feel ashamed
Cats and dogs don’t have to be the same
“Me In A Nutshell” could have been the perfect track in the beginning of Transitions. It introduces Steven to his listeners and shows a humorous side. He writes “Me In A Nutshell” in the form of a list to describe his interests, personality traits, background, and visions.
“Peace With Myself” is a moment to stop and reflect and look at the big picture. It’s all about looking to improve yourself so you can find peace with yourself and in return, find peace with everyone else.
I just wanna be who I am
I just wanna be a better man
I know I can be, who I am
If I live in peace with myself, I can live in peace with everybody else
“If I Succeed In Anything Let It Be Love” could be described as a ‘bop’ (as the kids call it - yes, I’m dating myself with that statement). Right off the bat, the ‘doo doo doo’s’ make you want to move your body and sing/clap/snap along to this track all about spreading love.
“Don’t Give Up” is an anthem to anyone who’s struggling in life. It’s upbeat, positive vibe is bound to lift your spirits and the music matches the vibe with the addition of the horns section and piano. There’s a resemblance to The Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love.” The transition between “Don’t Give Up” and the next track, “All We Need Every Day and Every Night Is Love” will have the listener in a mind blowing moment in the ultimate highlight while listening to Transitions and understand where the album’s name may have originated. “All We Need Every Day and Every Night Is Love” is a continuous play on words from various Beatles hits to the point where it seems like Steven was setting up the listener during “Don’t Give Up” to make you start thinking of The Beatles’ in order to make the connection on this next track and recognize the transition.
It is truly a delight listening to Transitions from start to finish. Steven Wesley Guiles forces you to slow down in this fast paced world that we live in. He has composed music that fits perfectly with his vocals; easy listening and soothing with a kind, gentle spirit. It is worth taking the 41 minutes and 48 seconds out of your day to take a listen. Like me, he will have you inspired, relaxed, and clicking the follow button on all of his social media pages.
Artist: Steven Wesley Guiles
Album: Transitions
Release Date: Oct. 4, 2022
Genres: folk, americana, neo-folk, indie-pop, indie-folk
