As a singer, songwriter, producer and multi instrumentalist, Steff Reed bridges his love for music, social justice and education. In 2013 he was nominated for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award and taught a “Power of Love” workshop at NYU/Ed Sullivan Fellows. Behind the scenes, Reed’s songwriting/production collaborations with Trey Songz, Jhene Aiko, Eric Roberson, Swizz Beatz, Kenny Lattimore and Gordon Chambers have made it to the Billboard Charts. Steff’s solo work has garnered acclaim from online media outlets such as NPR, AfroPunk, Vibe, Buzzfeed, Huffingtonpost and print magazines including Essence Magazine. As a performer Steff has toured South America, Cuba, Toronto, and London as well as NYC, New Orleans, Chicago, DMV & Philadelphia. Committed to using his gift to bring people together, Steff has performed at festivals including Holi Festival of Colors, Elements Festival and Gratitude Migration, and venues like Apollo Theater and SOB’s.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Steff about the latest project, motivations, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
Im a native New Yorker. Although I’ve lived all over the city, I currently reside in Bedstuy, Brooklyn. Because of my extensive background in music production, arranging and songwriting, I have the ability to create music in just about any genre. In regards to my own work as an artist, I lean towards alternative rock with an inspirational feel. However, my work with others behind the scenes spans from Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, Inspirational, Rock, Neo-Soul etc. On my next album I want to experiment with World Music, Folk and Country.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
I was always very creative and expressive growing up. I was really into visual arts (painting and drawing), theater, singing, and creative writing. When I was 12 years old was when I made the life-long commitment and decided, for better or worse, to dedicate my life to music.
I started focusing on singing and songwriting, but due to insecurities and stage fright, taught myself to play piano and produce by ear. I ended up having a career behind the scenes as a music producer, working with incredibly talented people; Trey Songz, Jhene Aiko, Kenny Lattimore, Ro James, Diana Gordon, Bridget Kelly, Lil Mo, Gordon Chambers, RL from Next, Sisqo/Dru Hill, Makeba Riddick, Claude Kelly, Dre &Vidal, Troy Taylor, Swizz Beatz and so many more.
Music is like breathing air or thinking, it’s always been a part of my life and always will be a part of my life. The music business is really hard, and the thing that motivates me to keep pushing through that is the love of my craft, the need to find an audience/platforms for my work and the euphoric feeling of creating something new.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
The new release is a lot more uplifting than my 1st album, #TheIntervention EP. I had gone through a lot of personal tragedy and deciding to become an artist is what gave me purpose and hope. Dealing with that trauma was a therapeutic and cathartic process that changed my life personally and professionally. My new album “The Power of Love Experience” is about hope, resilience, self love, love of humanity and seizing the day.
With the new album I wanted to make a powerful, inspirational and anthemic body of work that would change peoples lives. I also wanted to challenge myself to play all of the instruments live and write all of the songs. It was a bit ambitious, but I accomplished that and gained some valuable skills in the process. The feedback from my fans, peers and family has been really rewarding and fulfilling.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
1 of the biggest challenges is cutting through the noise. Whether it be releasing content against the tricky social media algorithm, getting music added to Spotify Editorial Playlists or getting placement on national media like (Pitchfork, NPR, Rolling Stone). I find it very difficult to leverage the success that we earn into getting access to larger platforms.
Technology has been a huge resource to me. Apps like Superphone, Shopify, Awal, MailChimp, Canva, Evernote and Dropbox make it navigating the indie space a lot easier.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
The best places to find me are my Superphone: 646-846-2129
Instagram and Twitter: @IAmSteffReedYou can listen to all of my music on Spotify, Youtube and Apple Music.
Anything else before we sign off?
“You don’t gotta be perfect. Just come as you are. Nobody is perfect. There’s beauty in your flaws. If they say you’re not enough. Please remember You Are Loved”
