Interview with Artist Stephen Wicks

July 13, 2026

Interview with Artist Stephen Wicks

By Mick Michaels

COSMICK VIEW: Hello! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.
Stephen: Hi Mick, thanks the opportunity to talk music, really appreciated.

CV: So many things can define an artist; their sound, their style, their look... even their attitude. What do you think makes an artist unique, even iconic?
Stephen: So many clichés you can use defining an artist, and what makes them great, in the new World of streaming over three million songs get released across the world every month, so how do you stand out from the crowd!

As a 74-year-old putting out my material fairly recently. I am pretty unique, iconic, that’s another story!

CV: Is an artist being labeled "iconic" mean they are somewhat considered passé these day?
Stephen: Iconic is a phrase that should be used sparingly, I think of Bowie, Hendrix, The Stones etc., There are few modern artists that can really stand up to that measure, so yes passé fits the bill…could just be me showing my age here though.

CV: Following trends can be an easy road to success; it’s done in the world of business all the time. Is this a valid model and route for musical artists to follow in your opinion? What do you believe an artist can do to stay current in an ever-changing industry besides just following the trends?
Stephen: Following trends is one way , but if you are not original ,there is only so far you can go, you might get some level of support, but originality will always come through, writing about what is going on in the world and telling relevant compelling stories is a way of staying current in a rapidly changing world.

CV: Can an artist truly reinvent themselves? Who do you feel are some artists who have successful done just that?
Stephen: Artists can reinvent themselves; Bowie is the obvious example of a star that was a chameleon like character that seamlessly moved through changes in his music and appearance in a masterful way. George Michael also springs to mind.

CV: Is being a "rock star" still a relevant term in today's music industry? Is it something worth aspiring to for young artists to become?
Stephen: Being a Rock Star is the deal that drives most people to release music, it really is the impossible dream, the gold at the end of the rainbow, bit like Lemmings going over a cliff really!

If you can get your music out there and a few people like it, then that should be the goal.

CV: Has music splintered into too many sub-genres or is this more of a testament to its power and worldwide reach? Does such splinter create some level of separation?
Stephen: Music is a wonderful thing, so many different facets and genres, it divides and multiplies and recreates all the time, there can never be too many sub genres in my view.

CV: Do you find that with the multiple classifications within music, it’s often difficult for a band or artist to accurately define or describe their particular sound and style...especially considering the diverse range of individual interpretations of music?
Stephen: You have to put a label on yourself unfortunately, algorithms ultimately decide what category you fit into, mine is probably old prog rock!!

CV: From your experience, does songwriting define the band/artist or does the band/artist define the songwriting in your opinion? Meaning, can specific songwriting styles or formulas pigeonhole a band over time, creating limitations?
Stephen: The song and the words are everything, I write and then surround myself with great musicians and. A brilliant producer.

CV: Tell us a little about your latest project.
Stephen: As an older guy, I write about stuff that bothers me and should bother other people, my latest release is The Doomsday clock, about nuclear apocalypse coming up the track, climate pressure , instability, the video depicts the final countdown and shows an out of control train which just about sums the world up.

I can write love stories, but if my USP is telling it as it is to rock music, then I can live with that, it is out on the 10th of July.

CV: What's next for you? What can fans expect to see coming?
Stephen: The new single, “The Doomsday Clock” is out on the 10th of July, this will be followed up with another single in the Autumn and my first album before Christmas.

CV: Thank you again for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. It was a pleasure. I wish you all the best and continued success.

Check out Stephen at:
Video: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1mzv5EYLyBiC6ZNApmDUfgqMt6mlOUZNJ

Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/stephenwickssings?igsh=cTZkZnp4Mnc5a3dx

https://www.facebook.com/share/14doUqCHrmR/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, author, show host, big dreamer & guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice & a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books & now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar & showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.