Meet Steven

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Steven. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Steven, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

Growing up with ADHD, I always felt misunderstood, even by my own family and friends. Most didn’t have the care, patience, or the tools to support me, so I felt uncomfortable in my own skin for many years trying to understand my disability on my own. That made me really hard on myself and gave me anxiety around anywhere I felt pressure to succeed. The fear of repeating the trauma I went through as a kid pushed me, but it also weighed on me heavy.

Music became my safe space. It helped me release everything I couldn’t put into words and made me feel like I wasn’t alone. Later in life, I faced even more like losing my grandpa, then my best friend and business partner, Jordan Gomez, in 2022. We had just finalized the paperwork and moved into our first storefront when he passed that same month. That broke me in a way I can’t fully explain to this day, because he was one of the first people who truly lifted me up to pursue my passion. He taught me how to use my ADHD as a cheat code instead of seeing it as a weakness because he had it too.

Moving to L.A. gave me the space I needed to heal and rebuild. I started focusing on myself by meditating, working out, eating better, and protecting my energy. Once I started feeling better mentally and physically, everything in my life started to align, most importantly, my relationships, my creativity, and my goals.

I’ve made mistakes. I’ve lost people. But I’ve always chosen growth over comfort. Healing takes time, effort, and faith. I truly believe we can overcome anything when our purpose is bigger than just us. In music I believe you have to want it so bad that you’re willing to do the inner work. That’s the only way to truly receive what’s meant for you.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m an artist, producer, and creative based in Los Angeles focused on building something that blends music, community, and intention. I produce, record, mix, perform, and curate events across genres like R&B, soul, hip-hop, Latin, and alternative rock. What excites me most about what I do is working with other artists and helping them bring their vision to life. Whether it’s through a studio session, a live show, or just sharing creative space. It’s all about the energy and vibe for me. If that’s right, the good music usually follows.

Over the past year, I’ve had the chance to collaborate with some great talent including Mani Coolin, NCognita, New Carlier, JTBxBenji, RichSummer, Detzany, Calista, Vienna & The Big Mood, Melodixx, DJ Champ, Zues, and more. I’m always meeting new artists from across the city and love connecting with people who are hungry, about their craft, and on their way to the top.

Performance has become a bigger part of my journey since moving to L.A., and I’ve been putting more energy into growing as a live musician. I recently played guitar with Vienna & The Big Mood at the Hard Rock Café in Hollywood, and we’ve got another show coming up in April in San Dimas. I’m also working closely with JTBxBenji on their upcoming album, and building music with Mani Coolin, who’s helped me grow a lot as both a producer and artist. Another highlight has been producing and mixing RichSummer’s debut single “30 ROUND” at Paramount Studios. RichSummer is an artist from China repping the SGV, and seeing the track take off in February and getting love from the SGV/LA and Chinese community has been amazing.

Right now, I’m focused on strengthening my identity as a studio artist, performer, and community-based brand. I’m laying the foundation for the next chapter which means bringing back merch and throwing pop-up events that tie everything I do together. Whether it’s the music, the events, the collaborations, or just the energy I bring to a room, everything I do is rooted in intention. I want people to feel love, nostalgia, connection, and like they’re exactly where they’re meant to be. That’s the heart of my art and my brand.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, the three most impactful things in my journey have been:
1. Not taking things personal
2. Knowing my value
3. Learning how to handle rejection and loss

This game is cold — a lot of people are just trying to do what’s best for them, and most don’t really know you. Don’t take it personal. Not every loss, rejection, or bad business move needs an emotional reaction. Learn to regulate your emotions and respond with strategy, not ego. If you need to step away for a few minutes to process something, do it — it might save you from burning bridges you didn’t need to. Not everyone is your target audience. Rejection doesn’t mean you’re not good it just means they weren’t your people.

Knowing your price and value is huge. If you don’t define it, someone else will. Figure out the lifestyle you want, assess your time, your skills, your experience and do the math. How many sessions, gigs, placements, or events will it take to sustain that lifestyle? Once you know that, you can stop guessing and start planning. Don’t let money be your excuse not to chase your dream there are a thousand ways to get it. Start a fundraiser, flip gear, sell vintage, drive Uber just don’t wait around. Keep your job if you have one. Grind smart until your passion can fund your life and then some. Be smart with your finances, especially in a city like L.A.

Most importantly protect your circle. The wrong energy can sink the ship. Sometimes it’s not an enemy, it’s just a weak link that makes the whole team fall apart. Surround yourself with people who show up, stay solid, and believe in the long game.

“There’s two types of people in this world…. people who make excuses, and people who make movies.”
– JG

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes I’m most definitely looking to grow with musicians and performers right now. I’m actively building my live performance resume and hungry to tear up any stage in L.A., big or small — whether it’s with a full band or solo setup. I’m open to working with budgets as I gain more stage time, and I’m also open to creating song cover content with artists for instagram/ TikTok etc.

Beyond performance, I’m always looking for raw, hungry talent who’s open to experimenting with my sound. I offer full album, EP, and mixtape package deals, and I’m fully tapped into the creative process from start to finish. Whether you need production, recording, mixing, or support with rollout…let’s plot and scheme.

Also, I’ll be traveling to Japan and the Philippines in October 2025, and I’m looking to link with producers, musicians, and artists out there for international collaborations. If you’re tapped in and aligned with the vision, hit me up let’s build and make something powerful together.
The best way to reach me is through Instagram DMs or email and for more personal interactions I recently started streaming on KICK (@stevenhernz) to bring my audience in on the fun of my life in music.. To work with me just come with intention, good energy, and we can get to making magic.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Hard Rock Cafe Photo Credit: Joshua Geraldo (@joshuageraldo_)
Studio Photo Credit: Brandon Cortes (@ifilmoverthere)
Vinyl Photo Credit: (@mmadsfilmss)

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