Rising Stars: Meet Stefan Lit

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stefan Lit.

Hi Stefan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a music producer, songwriter and musician. I started playing the violin when I was six years old at my parent’s insistence. There was also a piano in the house that I loved to tap on. I eventually started playing drums in punk bands and jazz groups in the San Francisco Bay Area when I was a teenager. I also played percussion in a Berkeley youth symphony for a couple of years so I was exposed to a wide variety of music pretty early on. My parents really loved music and their passion helped support my interest.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been long, winding, and full of hazards! The music industry seems to be the wild west with no rules and that took me some time to get used to. I started out in music performing and touring with various artists and did that for about a decade, eventually working my way up to musical directing. The tour life is super fun and exciting but also feels like a waste of time when you’re mostly sitting on a plane or bus. I really enjoy creating more than anything and that’s difficult to do when on tour. Now I’m mostly concerned with creating music that I love, but the constant struggle is finding ways to make money with your creations. Navigating the music business is a little like throwing darts on a dartboard – the more shots you take eventually you’ll get a bullseye. I learned that building a strong community of musicians and artists is really the only way I’ve been able to survive in music.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a songwriter, music producer, artist, composer, and I have a small label called Saint Lit Records. In the past, I’ve worked with artists such as Andy Grammer, Lil Nas X, Hailee Steinfeld, etc.. and I am currently the composer for Sesame Street. I also composed the theme music for The Madison Square Garden sports teams, The Encore TV Network, American Pie “Book of Love” and “Reunion.” As a producer, I work with lots of different artists and my passion is developing new talent. I also have an artist project called LiTTiE – where I focus my attention on finding opportunities in media. I’ve been fortunate to have landed some nice brands with the music such as Comcast, Royal Caribbean, Maybelline, etc…I think what sets me apart is my diversity and that I don’t specialize – I make music in all genres of music. When I was first starting out, I had a lot of people tell me I needed to specialize because it makes it easier for people to put me into a category. I may have taken the long road, but think the diversity might be my greatest asset honestly.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I never really had a mentor but I’ve had many friends I’ve learned so much from. My best advice for networking is to be yourself. I find networking is about being who you really are and connecting with others who want to get to know the “real you.” Business in music runs deeper than just money transactions, it’s generally built upon friendship. That friendship will pay both in business and hopefully full fill you in life too!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefanlit/?hl=en