Steve Seils Articles & Information | Country Music | Country Music Awards

Inspired by the struggle and subsequent success of fellow Queenslander and superstar Keith Urban, Australian drummer Steve Seils arrived in Nashville in 2004 armed with just one suitcase. Journeying from a 130-acre farm in the Logan Reserve in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia to the clang and clatter of Nashville’s Lower Broadway, Seils notes, “I wanted my shot at country music—it’s where my heart is—so it made sense for me to move to where the heart of country music is.”

It was only days before Seils picked up his first gig with a regular honkytonk act. With a wage of merely $30 plus tips on a four-hour show, the unfaltering Seils grasped the opportunity–he knew it was a necessary step—a rite of passage—on his odyssey to the top.

After finding his feet and settling into a local routine, Seils sought tuition and guidance from Jim Reilly, stick man for global supergroup Rascal Flatts and highly respected among the Nashville music community.  “Jim has been a great mentor. He gave me essential pointers and helped me gain a greater perspective of what’s required in the big league. I love the fact that Nashville has made me tighten down and become a better player; with all of the talent circulating up and down the street, there’s no room for error.”

A self-described chameleon, Nashville has not only disciplined Seils, but has created an outlet for him to channel his flexibility and creativity with artists of varying influences and genres. The ability to adapt to the sudden appearance of an on-stage guest, an unexpected turn of events, or an impromptu jam session keeps Seils hungry for the next show.

“Playing is an extension of my identity. I’m able to communicate with people while playing drums. Regardless of language or background, music is universal, and that is something I hope helps the audience connect with me,” says Seils.

As with many talented musicians, Seils grew up with a strong support system and a healthy background in music. Skilled in an assortment of instruments including bass and rhythm guitar, piano, and vocals, these abilities served as an additional way for him to channel his artistry, as his true passion for the drums was acquired at an early age.

Seils remembers, “My uncle was the one who actually showed me how to hold my first pair of sticks. It really snowballed from there. At 10, my parents had to finally get me my own kit so I could practice. Thankfully, we lived out on a farm, so I could make all the noise I needed to!”

Seils becomes a powerhouse behind the kit, with rock-solid grooves and precision timing. His commanding yet unobtrusive presence brings an air of confidence and a spark of humor to the stage.

In 2008 Seils was recruited by RCA Recording Artist Chris Young (Nashville Star) to join him on tour. That same year, he joined a tour with legendary singer/songwriter Mark Collie (“Even the Man in the Moon is Crying”).

An appetite to play with the industry’s most revered artists and musicians drives Seils toward achieving his dreams.  “Focus is a huge part of performing for me. It’s absolutely crucial. You get one shot at it and there are no overdubs.”

Among Seils’ ambitions lies a burning desire to join a global tour that takes him back to his beloved homeland with any number of Nashville’s top-level artists, “That would probably be the ultimate for me,” he remarks with his trademark grin, relishing the thought of a triumphant return home.

Since 2004, Seils’ repertoire has grown exponentially. Today he finds himself as an integral part of a new project, lending his sticks to Jason Jones, a Nashville artist currently under development. Aspirations still run high for Seils, however, and he’s always anticipating his next opportunity.

Artists & management please contact Steve on +161 5735 7390 or Email: SteveSeils@hotmail.com