Steve Poltz - Make Your Music Scene!

Americana Curious

Make Your Own Scene like Steve Poltz..the most interesting person in every room.

He's a true pioneer who believes in forging your own musical destiny—and WOW, has he done just that!

Steve’s journey began with the underground sensation The Rugburns in San Diego, but he truly burst onto the scene when he co-wrote two tracks for Jewel’s diamond-certified debut, Pieces of You. Ever heard of the iconic hit “You Were Meant For Me”? That’s Steve you can spot in the video!

His 1998 solo debut, One Left Shoe, set the stage for a rich catalog filled with evocative lyrics and a blend of positivity and tragicomedy. This unique style has turned him into a live performance phenomenon, adored by fans at festivals like Byron Bay Bluesfest, High Sierra Music Festival, and the Telluride Bluegrass Festival—he even tied the knot on the Cayamo Cruise!

Steve’s collaborations read like a who's who of the music industry, working alongside talents like Jewel, Billy Strings, and the late Mojo Nixon. With over a dozen albums under his belt, he continues to earn critical acclaim from outlets like Rolling Stone and Billboard.

As Steve says, “Usually when these folks come over to my house in Nashville, we end up with something I love. I try not to overthink it—there are no rules. It’s kind of like fishing; you don’t catch anything if you don’t throw your rod in the water. I just try to be open to inspiration, mixed with a bit of perspiration and exasperation.”

You’ll Also Discover

Steve’s Powerful Life Philosophy.

What He Learned Watching Springsteen on Broadway.

A Band that Influential in his Life.

The Original Alt Country.

Tech that Accelerated His Success.

The Legendary Rugburns.

How Weird Al and Steve Inspired Each Other.

A Collaboration that Surprised Him.

The Song that Got Him Kicked Out of Catholic Mass..

The Massive Hit He Wrote with Jewel.

How Having a Stroke on Stage Changed Him.

His Cathartic Music.

Steve’s Next Album.

How Steve Led Executives in a Song-Writing Workshop.

Learn more about Steve here: https://poltz.com/

AND follow Americana Curious on Instagram for the latest interviews and the behind-the-scenes with your favorite artists! https://www.instagram.com/americanacurious

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada