Podcast Summary: All Of It – Steve Nieve Previews New York Summer Shows

Episode Title: Steve Nieve Previews New York Summer Shows
Host: Alison Stewart
Release Date: July 17, 2025
Duration: Approximately 25 minutes

Introduction to the Episode

In this vibrant episode of ALL OF IT, host Alison Stewart engages with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Steve Nieve and his collaborator Quesada. The conversation delves into their musical journey, especially focusing on their recent projects and upcoming summer performances in New York City. The episode seamlessly blends discussions about music, community, and the creative process, providing listeners with an intimate glimpse into the lives of these accomplished musicians.

The Immobile Tour: Adapting During the Pandemic

[02:38] Quesada: "Thank you for having us here. We're very excited to be talking live on air."

Alison Stewart kicks off the discussion by exploring the origins of Steve and Quesada's mini-tour. Quesada shares insights into how the Immobile Tour was born out of necessity during the pandemic:

[02:48] Quesada: "It all began actually during the pandemic when everybody couldn't go anywhere and we started a thing called the Immobile Tour. And basically, over the course of time, we gave 100 performances from our living room."

This innovative approach allowed them to maintain a connection with their audience despite the constraints imposed by COVID-19. Quesada emphasizes the unique nature of these performances:

[03:07] Quesada: "It was 100 completely different shows, but now what we're doing is bringing that to the real stage. It's kind of weird for some people who are used to seeing us on their computer screens to see us in real life."

Building Community Through Music

[03:28] Alison Stewart: "Cassatta, what did you learn about the man as a musician playing with?"

Steve Nieve praises Steve's versatility and mentorship, highlighting the profound connection they share during performances:

[03:33] Steve Nieve: "Steve is a genius when it comes to any instrument that you put in front of him. He has this profound mentorship and kindness when it comes to communicating his love for music."

This mutual respect and collaboration have been pivotal in their creative process, fostering growth and innovation in their musical endeavors.

Expanding the Tour: From Living Rooms to Historic Venues

Quesada elaborates on how their online performances led to opportunities in unique venues:

[04:43] Quesada: "We are playing at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, the oldest continuously operating museum in the USA. It's all because of the support from our Immobile Tour audience who inspires us to bring our shows to such eclectic locations."

Their upcoming "About Love Tour" includes performances at PAC NYC, Shelter Island at Chez Marie, Hamilton Park House, and Staten Island, promising a series of eclectic concerts that celebrate love through music.

Insights from the Immobile Tour Audience

[05:52] Alison Stewart: "What did you learn about your fans through the pandemic? Through playing to them through a computer?"

Quesada reflects on the deep connection and mutual appreciation developed with their audience:

[06:01] Quesada: "Our audience was very knowledgeable, not only about the music of Elvis Costello but all kinds of music. It was like a sharing experience. It was really wonderful."

This interaction enriched their performances, allowing them to explore diverse musical themes and cater to a wide range of musical tastes.

The "About Love" Vinyl Release

A significant highlight of the episode is the discussion about their vinyl release, "About Love". Quesada explains the inspiration and process behind the album:

[08:44] Quesada: "The tour is about love, and we have a vinyl record that we've produced. It's the favorite songs of the Immobile Tour crowd, mastered and mixed by a young collaborator responsible for the artwork."

Steve Nieve adds his perspective on the tactile and auditory experience of vinyl:

[09:17] Steve Nieve: "The grain is the most important thing. It feels like a bygone era, much warmer and closer to live music."

The album captures the essence of their online performances, preserving the authenticity and imperfections that made the Immobile Tour special.

Featured Songs: A Blend of Originals and Covers

The episode features performances of selected tracks from their vinyl release, each accompanied by insightful stories:

April 5th

[10:06] Quesada: "Mark Hollis from Talk Talk wrote 'April 5th' for his wife’s birthday, and coincidentally, Elvis composed a song titled the same on the day they recorded it."

Performance Highlights:

• The song embodies a heartfelt conversation, showcasing their harmonious collaboration.

Hackensack

[15:12] Quesada: "We kept thinking we need to set our GPS for Hackensack."

[16:20] Muriel: "I used to know you when we were young... if you ever get back to Hackensack, I'll be here for you."

Performance Highlights:

• A nostalgic cover that resonates deeply with their audience, highlighting their ability to reinterpret classic songs with a personal touch.

Passionate Fight

[18:46] Alison Stewart: "Why did you say ooh?"

[19:34] Muriel: "Obscure the late afternoon with a drape..."

Performance Highlights:

• A theatrical piece co-written with Elvis, blending romantic melodies with poignant lyrics, reminiscent of Broadway's emotive style.

Country Roads

[22:09] Alison Stewart: "The song that made me do a double take was Country Roads."

[23:25] Steve Nieve: "There is more melancholy of the road that you are yearning to go back on."

Performance Highlights:

• A solemn rendition of John Denver’s classic, juxtaposed with Elvis’s "Country Darkness," offering a profound exploration of longing and nostalgia.

Overcoming Creative Challenges

The conversation also touches upon overcoming creative obstacles:

[13:23] Steve Nieve: "When there is, like, everything is aligned... it's pretty miraculous when it happens."

[14:17] Alison Stewart: "What do you do to get through a brick wall when you hit a musical block?"

[14:31] Quesada: "I sometimes listen to other people's music, especially discovering new music gives me ideas."

[14:44] Steve Nieve: "Going for a walk in Paris helps me get out of that brick wall. Seeing the vibrant cityscape inspires new ideas."

Their strategies underscore the importance of external inspiration and changing environments to rejuvenate creativity.

Upcoming Performances and Closing Remarks

Towards the end of the episode, Alison Stewart highlights their upcoming shows:

[22:26] Alison Stewart: "They are performing around our area tonight at PAC NYC, Shelter Island tomorrow and Saturday, Staten Island on Sunday, and back on Shelter Island on August 1st and 2nd."

Quesada and Steve Nieve extend invitations to listeners:

[24:27] Steve Nieve: "There's no storm, you know."

[24:31] Alison Stewart: "Let's go out on country roads."

Their genuine enthusiasm and invitation encapsulate the community-driven ethos of ALL OF IT, encouraging listeners to partake in the vibrant cultural tapestry of New York City.

Notable Quotes

• Quesada on Immobile Tour:
  "[02:48] Quesada: It was 100 completely different shows, but now what we're doing is bringing that to the real stage."

• Steve Nieve on Musical Genius:
  "[03:33] Steve Nieve: Steve is a genius when it comes to any instrument that you put in front of him."

• Steve Nieve on Vinyl Experience:
  "[09:17] Steve Nieve: The grain is the most important thing. It feels like a bygone era."

Conclusion

This episode of ALL OF IT offers a heartfelt exploration of Steve Nieve and Quesada's musical journey, emphasizing resilience, community, and the enduring power of live performance. Their stories and performances not only entertain but also inspire, reflecting the rich cultural landscape that ALL OF IT seeks to celebrate.