Saint Paul, Minn. (Top40 Charts/ Steven C. Music) - You might not know his name, but you've likely heard his music. Minnesota pianist Steven C. has performed countless gigs in Minneapolis and Saint Paul (including private parties, churches, clubs, and a seven-year stint as the Timberwolves' keyboardist), shared a stage with Manheim Steamroller, and had his songs featured on national media including the Today Show and Oprah Winfrey.
He provides the music for the thousands of emailable greeting cards sent via VirtualFlorist.com. And check your CD collection - over the past 20 years, he's produced and performed on 400 albums that have sold more than two million copies, including titles for NorthWord Press, Madacy, Allegro, American Gramaphone, and the award-winning Baby Genius series.
Along the way, Steven C. (also known as Steven C. Anderson) has built a booming behind-the-scenes business, supported his family of seven, and proven that you don't need to be starving to be an artist. He's been called a "businician," a rare musician able to successfully blend business and art. "I've approached my career a little differently than most musicians," he says. "I spent the past 20 years working for other people in the industry, and made enough income to support a large family. Now I'm focusing that same energy on developing my brand and writing, recording and performing the music that's important to me. I like to say I'm 'reverse selling out.'"
Through his company, Steven C. Music, he's launching an effort to make his name as well-known as his melodies by unveiling his first solo CD, Signature. The album features 15 original songs that showcase the veteran pianist's unique style, as well as his 9-foot Bosendorfer piano. Signature is receiving enthusiastic airplay on more than 170 radio stations across the country (and several international stations), and has already attracted critical acclaim. "This is already one of my favorite CDs of 2008," wrote Kathy Parsons of MainlyPiano.com in an early review. Signature debuted at No 2 on the New Age Reporter charts this month.
"My mom always told me to 'play with your heart.' I do, and it works," Steven says. "The effect is the emotion in the music, which creates a very distinctive sound. People comment all the time that they can tell it's me playing as soon as they hear just a few notes." Signature is available for $12 plus shipping from www.StevenCMusic.com.
No place like home
Signature was inspired by and recorded in Steven's historic Summit Ave. home, which he shares with his wife and five children. "I wanted to feature the creative and emotional power of writing and recording the CD in my house," he says. "It's such a unique place. You can hear the comfort, mystery and family support in the music."
The Andersons have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars restoring the 10,000-square-foot home, which had been converted into eight apartments, back into a single-family residence. Steven writes and records music and hosts intimate performances in the marble great room.
About Steven C.
Classically trained and gifted with a keen ear for wide variety of musical styles, Steven C. is a respected pianist, producer and composer. He has performed with Mannheim Steamroller and spent seven years as keyboardist for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Along with musicians such as Tori Amos and Lionel Richie, proudly endorses the world-renowned Bosendorfer piano. (His nine-foot concert grand is the centerpiece of his home and gets a vigorous workout daily.) Steven is an in-demand studio musician, and has produced more than 400 CDs, including the award-winning Baby Genius series. His music has been featured on media outlets including the Today Show, the Oprah Winfrey Show, PBS, Minnesota Public Radio and the Discovery Channel. Steven writes and records in his home on Summit Ave. in Saint Paul, Minn., which he and his family are in the midst of restoring. For more information, visit www.StevenCMusic.com.
