Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephan “Steve-O” Townsend.
Stephan “Steve-O”, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Music has always been a big part of my life. My mother and father loved music, and my grandma was a classic pianist who played at Carnegie Hall, so it’s no surprise that I share that same love. My journey went from wanting to be a rap artist, then a dj, but ultimately I landed as an audio engineer. I started off working as an intern at MAD Studios in Acres Home working under mix engineer Mike Mo when I was still in high school. At first, I was the runner who got food and cleaned the studio, then I was promoted and added CD duplication to my job description, and eventually earned enough trust to be given the keys to the studio and actually had the chance to work recording sessions.
MAD studios is where I learned my foundation in the music industry and also where some of my career long relationships were started. This is where I initially met the legendary Scarface, who only records his vocals with myself. I also met Jas Prince who I currently work close with under his YEMG production company. Over ten years later, I am Grammy Nominated, RIAA Certified Platinum, co-owner of iMix Houston Recording Studios with my partner Bruce Bang, and I also do tour management for various artists. I consider myself to be a go-to point man for the music industry in Houston and beyond, from the recording studio, consultation, touring, or almost anything else, I can get it done.
Has it been a smooth road?
As with anything worth doing, the road wasn’t smooth. The hardest obstacle for myself in the entertainment industry was developing consistency. This is a luxury business, not a necessity, and luxury services are usually the first expenses cut when times get hard or seasons change i.e., the Christmas season.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a tour manager with a background in audio engineering. My job is to take artists from the recording studio to the main stage. I set myself aside from others by being more diverse and being able to provide multiple services in the entertainment world. I pride myself on the ability to actually get everything done from the recording process all the way to touring the country.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
In the next five to ten years, I see more professional recordings coming from smaller facilities and the focus getting back to artist development, touring, and producing generational artists. Trendy music will not be the topic of discussion and hopefully, full projects will be valued more.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackcardsteveo/
Image Credit:
@blacksheepfilmz, @shaiderdivina
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