Stephen Sanchez Talks "Love, Love, Love," Getting Engaged, Until I Found You and Max Martin

Zach Sang Show57mApril 29, 2026

Get the full intelligence

Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Stephen Sanchez Talks "Love, Love, Love," Getting Engaged, Until I Found You and Max Martin” inside PodZeus.

AI-Generated Summary

Stephen Sanchez sits down with Zach Sang to discuss his deeply personal sophomore album, 'Love, Love, Love,' which marks a significant evolution from his debut 'Angel Face.' The conversation centers on his journey from performing as a fictional character to embracing raw authenticity in his music, inspired by his recent engagement and profound love for his partner, Dev. Sanchez reveals how the album reflects his belief that love is not just a fleeting feeling but a daily, intentional choice—especially in a world where connection feels increasingly fragile. He shares intimate stories about his grandparents, whose enduring relationship served as a blueprint for love, and how their presence in the 'Sweet Love' music video became a touching tribute to family, legacy, and the impermanence of life. The album’s creation, shaped by collaborations with Max Martin’s team in Sweden, highlights the tension between artistic vision and industry expectations, with Sanchez choosing to let the music speak for itself rather than centering his own image. He also discusses the playful, meaningful shift from 'Fuck the Money' to 'Chuck the Money,' emphasizing his commitment to clean, cross-generational music that’s accessible to all. The episode closes with reflections on home ownership, creative collaboration with Dev on the 'Dress in Tie' EP, and the future of his storytelling universe, including the mysterious 'Sam Sutton' project.

Key Takeaways
1

Love is a daily choice, not just a feeling—this is the core philosophy behind 'Love, Love, Love'.

2

Authenticity over image: Sanchez chose to hide his face on the album cover to center the music and message, not the artist.

3

Grandparents’ relationship was the real-life model for enduring love—simple, intentional, and built on space and grace.

4

Collaborating with Max Martin was challenging but transformative, teaching Sanchez to balance artistic conviction with creative collaboration.

5

Music can be a powerful force for connection in a disconnected world—especially when it’s clean, inclusive, and free of cynicism.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
10 min

The Birth of Love, Love, Love: From Character to Authenticity

I just want to try and share that over like trying to communicate another story with somebody else's, you know, I don't know personality, like the troubadour and his suaveness as opposed to my like actual real Steven shyness, you know?

Highlight
10:00
10 min

Love as a Choice: The Philosophy Behind the Album

Love is a choice that we make every day. And I think the more that we, like, chase the choice, you know, outside of just when it feels good, I think we build, like, a real bond and connection.

Highlight
20:00
10 min

The Making of the Album: Max Martin, Sweden, and Creative Tension

Stephen recounts the intense, transformative experience of recording in Sweden with Max Martin’s team. He describes the creative friction and mutual respect that shaped the album’s sound, balancing his artistic vision with the pop genius of the producers. The process was emotionally taxing but ultimately rewarding.

30:00
10 min

Grandparents as Love Icons: The Legacy of Sweet Love

Whenever you get like sick of Steven, just like go down the hill and get some lunch by yourself. And it's just like and then you'll come back and you'll miss him, you know.

Highlight
40:00
10 min

From Karaoke to Legacy: Life, Love, and the Analog Lifestyle

The conversation turns playful as Stephen reveals his go-to karaoke song (Shania Twain’s 'Man! I Feel Like a Woman!') and shares his deep appreciation for analog life—record players, jukeboxes, old cars—arguing that these things foster genuine connection. He also discusses the 'Dress in Tie' EP, a collaborative project with his partner Dev.

High-Impact Quotes
Love is a choice that we make every day. And I think the more that we, like, chase the choice, you know, outside of just when it feels good, I think we build, like, a real bond and connection.
Stephen Sanchez6:11
Viral: 85.0
We need people. We do. Yeah, and so... We need each other.
Stephen Sanchez18:18
Viral: 82.0
I don't want to make it about myself. I wanted it to feel like this record is like bringing people into a culture rather than into like an artist.
Stephen Sanchez37:01
Viral: 80.0
Speakers

Host

Zach Sang

Guest

Stephen Sanchez
Topics Discussed
love as a daily choice95%authenticity in art90%grandparent relationships88%creative collaboration85%music as connection80%sophomore album pressure78%analog lifestyle75%storytelling in music70%
People & Brands

Stephen Sanchez

person

120xPositive

Zach Sang

person

45xPositive

Love, Love, Love

media

35xPositive

Dev

person

30xPositive

Angel Face

media

18xNeutral

Max Martin

person

15xPositive

Until I Found You

media

12xPositive

Sweet Love

media

10xPositive

Chuck the Money

media

8xPositive

Dress in Tie

other

6xPositive

Get the full intelligence

Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Stephen Sanchez Talks "Love, Love, Love," Getting Engaged, Until I Found You and Max Martin” inside PodZeus.

Start discovering podcast insights today

Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.

No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime