“Its’ Never Too Late to Follow Your Dream”

Recently retired from his 25 year career as a local land use consultant, Steven Graves has launched boldly and passionately into his  new career as a singer songwriter musician.   Fresh off of the release of his second CD, entitled “Outside Looking In”. Steven’s band features some prominent names in the local and regional music scene including Dayan Kai, Tammi Brown, Bill Walker and Aerial Theirmann.

Proving that “its never too late” to follow your passions and your dreams, Steven at 48 decided it was time to pursue his lifetime passion of his playing, writing and performing his all original music.  His debut CD, “Make a New World” was released in June of 2010 and spent five weeks on the Americana Music Chart, peaking at #241.  With the help of Powderfinger Promotions the record was added to rotation at 70 radio stations in the US.  “Make A New World” was heard worldwide on JANGO Radio.  Canadian-American Records, with CEO Joey Welz, signed Steven to release his song “Come on Down” on their label.

In June of 2011, Steven released his new CD an EP titled Outside Looking In.  For this release Steven teams up with producer and multi-instrumentalist Dayan Kai and a rocking band of highly skilled veteran players.  This six song EP continues to showcase Steven’s talent for combining many genres into a seamless style all his own.   This record is being played on 45 radio stations its third week of promotion and is currently #255 on the Americana Music Chart and #29 on the jambands.com Music Chart.

Steven's unique inspiring sound reflects his roots as a Santa Cruzian, seamlessly blending elements of rock, reggae, country, jazz and blues with his socially conscious lyrical style. The influences of Dylan, Lennon, Marley, Ben Harper and others, who have infused their music with social and political meaning, echo throughout.  The masterful way in which Steven combines the wide breadth of musical styles featured on Outside Looking In  propels his message into the hearts and minds of all who listen.

Steven says, “I want to make music with danceable rhythms and inspiring lyrics that speak to people at a deep level. I feel compelled to write songs about core beliefs that define who I am. What does it mean to be a human being in these times? How do we find peace on both a personal and global level? Love for oneself, one’s family, one’s community and the world at large.  Can we create a world without war?  Can we live in the present and take life on even when there is fear? ” Steven continues to deliver these themes with humility and grace.