Hi. I’m Citizen Steve.
I was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. I began gigging with bands as a drummer and bassist when I was 15. By my 20s I was performing as a guitar and mandolin player as well. At some point I drifted down to New Orleans where I vibed with brass bands and jazz cats for five years. Then I got back and started figuring how to engineer my own records.
All the instruments and vocals you hear on Citizen Steve records were performed by me. I use no virtual instruments or drum machines on that project. The drums are drums and the synths are physical machines I have in my home. I also write the songs and engineer it all.
I play and produce everything on the Sugarmilk record, too, but a much more talented vocalist named Joe handles lead vocals and shares songwriting duty.
I produce sample-based electronic music under the name Mr. Chick-O-Stick. I use Logic, a Roland TR-6S, and an Akai MPD 218, among other things.
I realize this portfolio gives the impression that I’m a lone nut tinkering away in solitude. But, I love collaborating! Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you think we might create something dope together.