Today we’d like to introduce you to Stetson Whitworth.
Hi Stetson, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Stetson Whitworth. I am the lead singer of Living in Fiction. I also own a music production studio in South Salt Lake called High Vibe Recordings.
When I was 11 years old, a group of kids from my neighborhood in Caldwell, Idaho went to see Blink-182. I had never really heard of that band before, but I had recently moved to town and was dying to make some new friends. If there was a chance to participate in something fun, I was there! Blink-182 threw quite the concert. I had the best time and was blown away by what I saw. That next summer, I went to Warped Tour and saw The Used perform live. These experiences kickstarted my passion for music. I knew then that someday I wanted to be in a band and/or be a music producer.
That same group of friends and I eventually started a little garage band in Caldwell. It felt so good to be so loud! I was passionate about playing music, but unfortunately that moment was short-lived. When I was 13 years old, my mom passed away. I had to move away from Caldwell and began living in Grace, Idaho with my grandparents. Speaking frankly, there was no room for my loud music in Grace. All they do is farm potatoes! Still, I was determined to pursue music. Without my mom, music seemed to be all I had left. I didn’t know it then, but someday I would be writing and producing music as my full-time job.
In 2006, I moved to Utah where I joined a band and learned more about music production. After the band fell apart, I packed my bags and decided to head east. While on the East Coast, I made pretty good friends with the band Our Last Night. I had the opportunity to help them out on tour and assist them in audio production for their music releases. It was one of the best decisions I had ever made. I learned a lot and became confident in my work as a music producer.
That same year, I moved from New England to Los Angeles and started an internship with John Feldman. I worked closely with The Used, helping them produce their upcoming album. It was a dream come true! I was working with my idols! I couldn’t believe it. After that, I knew that my decision to pursue music, despite the hardship and the risk, was the best decision I had ever made.
Since then, I have had the opportunity to work with so many other talented producers and artists in the industry. I love learning and cultivating my creative skills everyday. I’m still a student of my craft, constantly learning of new ways to express myself through my art and helping others express themselves through theirs. That is what makes my work so fun. It is exciting and ever-changing.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh gosh. It has been the bumpiest road but also the most exciting one. Some things don’t go the way you plan for them to go, but they always have a way of working themselves out. At least, that’s what I keep telling myself. I’m here now, aren’t I?!
One of the biggest struggles in the industry is navigating and cultivating meaningful relationships. When you’re in a place like LA with high-profile people, it seems like everything is very surface level and cutthroat. I care about close connections, so this can be extremely disheartening.
That isn’t to say that I haven’t made great friendships in the industry though! During my time in L.A, I became quite close with Quinn Allman from The Used. Still to this day, he is one of my closest confidants. He is such a talented musician (he’s so humble you’d never know it.) More than that though, he is such a supportive friend. I feel blessed to have him as an asset in the industry and as a friend in life.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a full-time music producer in Salt Lake City.
I also produce, film and edit music videos. Whatever a band or artist needs, I will fill those shoes. Songwriting, production, photos, videos, etc. I love being the “6th member” to another band’s work. I’m proud to say that I am one of the few people in Utah that provides the “one-stop shop” for content creation.
So maybe we end by discussing what matters most to you and why?
In life? Family. In my career? Cultivating meaningful relationships. I think a strong community in any facet of life or work is super important for the growth of each individual person.
Contact Info:
- Email: highviberecordings@gmail.com
- Instagram: @livinginfictionband
- Youtube: YouTube.com/livinginfictionband
