Today we’d like to introduce you to Peter Steen
Hi Peter, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Oh man where do I start?!
I grew up on Vashon Island, WA, surrounded by the beauty of nature and a small, rich artistic community full of hippies. From a young age, I felt an inexplicable pull towards music. Even before I could play a single note, I knew deep in my soul that I was destined to be an artist. The sounds of the island — waves lapping against the shore, the rustling of trees, and the vibrant local music scene, especially in Seattle — shaped my early imagination. Living on the beach helped of course too. 😉
I started my musical journey by immersing myself in the local arts, absorbing everything I could. My father was insistent on having me listen to classic rock as well as classical music. Pops was a great DJ. We had it all on cd. Everything from Mozart to Led Zeppelin II.
Getting an iPod Shuffle for Christmas was an absolute dream as a young kid. I still have it to this day!
As a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, I began with the guitar, spending countless hours strumming away in my room, writing songs that expressed my thoughts and emotions. It wasn’t long before I picked up other instruments (bass, mandolin, piano, ukulele, percussion, just to name a few) driven by an insatiable curiosity and a desire to create a unique sound experience that resonated with my own personal experiences.
My first guitar was a Stella Harmony. Did you know Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) recorded “Something in The Way” on a Stella Harmony?
In my pre-teen years, I faced significant challenges that tested my resilience. The struggles of adolescence, coupled with the isolation of island life, became the fertile soil for my songwriting. I transformed my own life into my own sounds, pouring my whole heart into each lyric and melody. This cathartic process fueled my passion and sharpened my craft like an ax. Do people still call guitars axes?
After attending college in San Diego, I worked in corporate sales in finance. I interned for a stock broker at a Fortune 500 Firm and still maintain that relationship today. However, after years of office life, I have recently decided to take the leap and pursue music full-time. I performed at local venues, showcasing my original songs and gaining a devoted following. Word of mouth spread, and soon I was playing even more cities, connecting with other musicians and industry professionals who recognized my talent and drive.
Names such as:
Cage Willis
Andrew Logan (Bassist For Cage Willis)
Rasha Jay
Ronny Dewwy (Producer: Sony)
Jim Falzone (Producer: For King & Country, Lincoln Brewster, & myself)
Ryan Wallace (Lonely Floater)
9996 Media
Alexis Rodriguez (CEO of Silver Gun Records)
Matt Wood (Label Manager of Silver Gun Records)
Perla Fierro (Graphic Design of Silver Gun Records)
DJKozz
Jim “Poorman” Trenton
Kolvey Koles
Wes Geer (KoRn, HU3M3N)
Muzeum
Kayla Divenere (Twilight Movie, Artist)
Riley Difford
Brad Berdberry (Producer: Katy Perry, John Legend, & myself)
The Spot Beverly Hills
NoyzrMusic
Jules & The Howl
Shelby Cordell
KTLYN
Joy Guerilla
Elite Performance Agency
Fashion Republic Magazine
My big break came when I released my debut hit single “The Girl From UCLA” which showcased my unique blend of genres coupled with a strong storytelling ability. Critics commended my work live on air at Poorman’s Morning Rush (Newport Beach, CA) and I found myself on stages I had only dreamed of, sharing my journey with audiences that truly resonated with my message. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of collaborating with other artists too. Which in my experience, is where the magic happens.
Today, with over two decades of experience, I am proud of the artist I’ve become. Each song I write is a reflection of my journey — from the quiet shores of Vashon Island to the vibrant music scene that has embraced me in Los Angeles & Orange County. My story is one of perseverance, passion, and the unyielding belief that music has the power to heal and connect us all. I am excited to continue this journey, creating and sharing my art with the world.
Cheers,
@thepetersteen
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?
Has it been a smooth road?
If I told you it was, I’d be a total liar —like a musician claiming to have never played a bad gig.
My journey has been more of a bumpy roller coaster than a leisurely drive along Pacific Coast Highway. Picture this: a young, ambitious self-taught musician with dreams bigger than my guitar case, living on Vashon Island. I was convinced I was destined for greatness, but the universe had other plans.
Let’s talk about the early days. My first attempt at recording was a masterpiece—if by masterpiece you mean a collection of audio chaos that sounded like a cat fight mixed with a blender on high. The struggles of self-producing were real. I had more technical failures than I care to admit, and my equipment sometimes felt like it was actively conspiring against me. You know you’re in trouble when your mic starts sounding like a disgruntled old man complaining about the weather. Gotta love the old iPhone 4s voice memos right?
Then there were the gigs. Ah, the glorious shows! My first one was in a coffee shop (The Night Owl, Fullerton, CA). I stepped up to perform, pouring my heart into each song, and to my surprise, the crowd started jamming along with the rhythm. By the end of my set, I had even won over a few more customers who stopped to listen, nodding and smiling as they sipped their lattes. Wait, are you sure this is a vegan organic soy milk latte?!
And let’s not forget the inevitable creative blocks. It’s like your muse goes on a vacation without telling you. You sit down to write, and instead of genius lyrics, you get a blank page staring back at you, judging you like a stern librarian. But hey, I persevered. I turned those moments of frustration into inspiration, writing happy songs about broken hearts and sad situations that somehow became fan favorites.
Throughout this wild ride, I’ve also faced the usual music industry hurdles: rejections, miscommunications, and the occasional producer who thought “artistic vision” meant I didn’t get a say. But every setback was a setup for a comeback. I learned to navigate the chaos with humor and grace, embracing the absurdity of it all.
Life’s too short to be angry all the time anyways right?
Now, as a seasoned artist with over two decades of experience, I can confidently say that every struggle was worth it. They’ve shaped me into the rising artist I am today — a savant navigating the wild landscape of music, armed with wit, talent, and a deep appreciation for the journey. So, no, it hasn’t been smooth, but hey, who wants a straight road when you can have a thrilling ride filled with laughs, lessons, and a whole lot of character?
Keep reading,
– @thepetersteen
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter who pours my heart into every note and lyric I create. I specialize in blending genres, crafting songs that reflect my journey while inviting listeners along for the ride.
What I am most proud of is the authenticity in my work — every lyric is a piece of my soul, meant to resonate, heal, or just make you smile. I write all my own lyrics, and I love to weave in a bit of wit because, let’s face it, life is too short to take seriously all the time.
What sets me apart? I’m not just a performer; I’m in the trenches of songwriting and producing, ensuring every track feels genuine. Plus, I thrive on collaboration. There’s nothing like creating music with fellow artists—sometimes it’s magic, and other times, it’s just a hilarious mess that ends with us laughing and promising to never speak of it again!
Ultimately, I cherish the moments when my music connects with others. Whether it’s a heartfelt ballad or a catchy tune, knowing I can bring a little joy or comfort to someone’s day makes it all worthwhile. That’s the magic of music, and I’m grateful to share it with the world.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have an amazing support system throughout my journey. My mentor, David Trunecek of Third Eye Capital, has been a guiding light in my career, helping me navigate the often-choppy waters of the music industry with wisdom and insight. I have found his advisement in financial planning my future and endless business advice, absolutely invaluable.
My family has been a true cornerstone too. My parents instilled in me a love for music and creativity; my dad was always there with encouraging words, while my mom’s support kept me grounded. My two brothers, Will & Tim, provided endless encouragement and even the occasional critique, helping me sharpen my craft. And my three sisters—Anna, Heather, & Jordan —have filled my life with joy and inspiration, reminding me that family is the best audience.
I can’t forget about the incredible Jim Falzone, who produced “The Girl From UCLA.” His expertise and vision truly elevated the project. Now, I’m thrilled to be working with Brad Berdberry on my upcoming album “Chocolate Skies.” His talent and passion for music have been pivotal in bringing my new vision to life.
Everyone has played such a significant role in my success, offering support, advice, and a healthy dose of humor along the way. It’s a team effort, and I’m grateful to have such a talented crew behind me as I continue this musical journey!
Thank you for the continued support,
– @thepetersteen
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ThePeterSteen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepetersteen?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Twitter: https://x.com/thepetersteen?s=21
- Youtube: youtu.be/9PzKUi1wYcI?si=PegsvbyixZbLJoH_
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/XE2UD89mVdaMhsZH7
- Other: https://hoo.be/thepetersteen
