Sounding board - the Sonic Architect
Fueling Creativity:
The Power of Inspiration
Steven's lifelong love affair with music began at age 4 when he first encountered a piano, instantly connecting with its enchanting world. His curiosity and talents burgeoned, propelling him into a creative realm fueled by experimental piano compositions, a deep affection for rock 'n' roll, heartfelt '80s ballads, and masterful lyrics. He channeled his thoughts and emotions into musical creations, often empathizing with the subject's sentiments. This musical storytelling became Steven's enduring passion, igniting his boundless love for the art of music.
Elevate Your Craft:
Mentorship Excellence
Steven was incredibly fortunate to have spent time with musicians who were older and more experienced than him, especially at such an early age. One such friend comes to mind, not out of an age-old obligation, but purely out of admiration. He is indebted and grateful to these relationships, as they have played a pivotal role in shaping him into the person that he is today.
As a parent, there is no greater feeling than knowing that someone is looking out for the best interests of a loved one. A good mentor is the perfect blend of support, encouragement, and truth.
Crafting Sonic Alchemy:
The Art of Sequencing and Synthesis
At 13, Steven acquired a Yamaha YS-200 synthesizer, equipped with an 8-voice polyphonic sequencer. He pushed its limits, expanding his musical imagination. When the synthesizer's voices ran out, he sought ways to enhance its capacity for simultaneous notes. These constraints led him to contemplate whether they fueled creativity. Steven believes in purposeful creation, akin to Michelangelo's precise chiseling, transcending technological bounds for authentic music..
Harmonizing Life:
The Pulse of Rhythm
In Steven's mind, the heartbeat of each song encapsulates the very essence of the artist's unique sound, akin to the DNA of music itself. He would be remiss if he didn't acknowledge that this profound connection to rhythm was the very reason he honed in on drumming. As a youngster, he bore the weight of excess pounds, and he vividly recalls his brother once remarking, "You should play the drums because you're bigger, and you have a seat." Though his brother may not recall that statement, it remained etched in Steven's memory as perhaps the single most influential stereotype he ever encountered—a compelling rationale to take up the drums.
Living the Beat:
The Musician's Journey
Steven eagerly attended his older brother's band practices, immersing himself in music's embrace. He often gravitated toward the drum kit, harboring dreams of emulating icons like Alex Van Halen and Tommy Lee. Although he recognized his drumming prowess fell short of theirs, his passion diverged from the fiery path of 80s hair metal.
Between band rehearsals, Steven seized every opportunity to explore different instruments and learn from observing musicians. His unwavering dedication led to his inaugural role as the 4-track operator for The Letter 8.
During this time, The Letter 8 utilized a Tascam Porta 2 track for synchronized sound, vocal harmonies, and keyboard effects. This setup comprised voices, keys, effects, and a click track. Steven's responsibility included mixing and synchronizing these elements, a role that deepened his understanding of audio engineering, headphone technology, and playing in harmony with a click track.
These formative experiences became the cornerstone of Steven's journey into music arrangement and recording.
The Crucial Role of Failure:
A Pathway to Success
By his mid-20s, Steven had already recorded his inaugural album, launched a business venture, and erected a state-of-the-art recording studio, positioning himself on a trajectory he had long envisioned as a promising music career. However, as with most fairytales, reality seldom mirrored the dreamy ideal. Amidst the creation of numerous captivating musical works, a host of relationships suffered collateral damage.
Steven candidly admitted to a series of missteps, encompassing operational , interpersonal and technological blunders, as well as the challenges associated with managing the artistic collaborations with fellow musicians. It proved to be a protracted journey to strike the delicate balance between navigating difficult conversations and strategically safeguarding the well-being of each artist involved.