Peter Steen shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Peter, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Yeah, actually — recently, I was performing Wonderwall by Oasis at a Karaoke Night in Culver City, and in the middle of the set, the whole crowd started singing along. It caught me off guard in the best way. I had no idea so many people knew the lyrics. I laughed because it was such a surreal and joyful moment — and honestly, I felt really proud. It reminded me why I do this — that connection through music, where something I rehearsed in my room becomes something people carry with them.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Peter Steen. I’m a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist originally from Vashon Island, Washington. I write sappy pop songs — the kind that lean into emotion, nostalgia, and honesty. My music blends heartfelt lyrics with melodic hooks, pulling from everything from classic singer-songwriter roots to modern indie-pop. I play, produce, and record much of my music myself, which lets me shape the sound in a really personal way. Right now, I’m working on new material that explores themes of growing up, letting go, and all the weird in-between moments. My goal is to make music that feels like a conversation — something that resonates with people where they are.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
One of my earliest memories of feeling powerful was when I got my first guitar at 9 years old. It wasn’t anything fancy, but the moment I held it, something clicked. Suddenly, I had this tool that could turn my thoughts and emotions into sound. I didn’t know many chords yet, but even just strumming and making noise felt like I’d unlocked a new way to express myself. It gave me a sense of independence and identity at a young age — like I had something that was mine, and I could shape it into whatever I wanted.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self: ‘Keep going — even when it feels like no one’s listening, your voice matters.’ There were a lot of moments growing up where I doubted myself or felt like what I was creating wasn’t good enough. But every awkward chord, every bad song, every quiet room was part of becoming the artist I am now. I’d remind younger me that it’s okay to be vulnerable, and that staying true to your own sound is more important than chasing perfection.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yeah, the public version of me is very much the real me — for better or worse. I’ve never been great at playing a character or filtering myself to make people more comfortable. I speak my mind, I write honestly, and sometimes people can’t handle that. I’ve definitely taken some hits for being too blunt or too raw, whether in my lyrics or just in conversation. But I’d rather be criticized for being real than praised for being fake. I think there’s strength in vulnerability — and if being honest makes some people uncomfortable, that probably means it’s hitting a nerve worth exploring.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If immortality were real, what would you build?
If immortality were real, I’d build a mountain range made entirely of guitars — peaks of vintage Strats and hollow-body Gibsons, cliffs carved from Telecasters, and valleys echoing with reverb. I’d stack Marshall double stacks like ancient stone towers, humming with eternal feedback, their tubes glowing like campfires at dusk. It wouldn’t just be a monument to music — it’d be a living, breathing soundscape. A place where every note ever played still echoes somewhere in the air. If I had forever, I’d spend it making sure the noise never stops.
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
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Peter-B-Steen-Hazey-Stone-61563563582183/
- Youtube: youtu.be/9PzKUi1wYcI?si=PegsvbyixZbLJoH_
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/XE2UD89mVdaMhsZH7
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hjTvot89FX6i3CCYFkUpf
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/peter-steen/1710979735
