The Steens Unleash Ferocious Debut Single “What A Way To Die”: A Raw Ode to Rock’s Enduring Spirit
From the sun-drenched streets of Orange County, a powerful new force in rock music has emerged. With a potent blend of gritty lo-fi production, razor-sharp guitars, and an undeniable charisma, The Steens – brothers Elijah and Isaiah “Zay” Steen – are making an unforgettable first impression. Their debut single, “What A Way To Die,” premiered exclusively on HollywoodLife, is more than just a song; it’s a declaration that rock music is vibrant, thriving, and ready to challenge the status quo.
This dynamic duo delivers a fuzzed-out garage rock sound that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary. “What A Way To Die” captures the essence of summer freedom and reckless abandon, making it an essential addition to any driving playlist. The track’s energy is infectious, with levels pushed into the red, signaling a band that’s not afraid to push boundaries. Yet, the light remains green, indicating a clear path forward for The Steens as they confidently step on the gas, propelling listeners into their unique sonic landscape.
“What A Way To Die”: Unpacking the Sound and Message
The immediate impact of “What A Way To Die” lies in its raw, unpolished authenticity. The lo-fi production isn’t a limitation; it’s a deliberate artistic choice that enhances the track’s visceral appeal. Each guitar riff feels organic and alive, cutting through the mix with a serrated edge that demands attention. The rhythm section, while perhaps subtly layered beneath the fuzz, provides a relentless propulsion that keeps the song constantly moving forward. This isn’t polished stadium rock; it’s the kind of music that rattles the walls of a dive bar, brimming with an untamed spirit.
Beyond the sonic onslaught, The Steens inject a fascinating philosophical layer into their debut. When asked about the message behind “What A Way To Die,” the band offered a cryptic yet profound insight: “They say you can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” This statement elevates the song from a simple garage rock anthem to a reflective commentary on altruism, selflessness, and the true meaning of a life well-lived. It suggests that while the music might be loud and unbridled, there’s a deeper, more thoughtful current flowing beneath the surface. This juxtaposition of raw energy and contemplative lyricism is a hallmark of truly compelling artistry, hinting at the depth The Steens are capable of exploring in their future work. It invites listeners to ponder whether the “die” in the title refers not to physical death, but to the metaphorical death of self-interest in pursuit of a truly perfect, altruistic day.
The Power of Collaboration: Working with Justin Raisen
For their debut single and forthcoming EP, The Steens enlisted the talents of renowned producer Justin Raisen. Raisen’s impressive resume speaks volumes, boasting collaborations with a diverse array of artists from the gritty punk rock of Viagra Boys and the indie stylings of Overcoats and Nasty Cherry, to mainstream pop icon Charli XCX, experimental artist Yves Tumor, and legendary Sonic Youth co-founder Kim Gordon. This eclectic mix highlights Raisen’s versatility and his ability to draw out the authentic core of any artist he works with.
The Steens describe their experience with Raisen as “boxing in its finest form…real old school & authentic. He’s JLR…Not many like him.” This vivid metaphor suggests a hands-on, intense, and profoundly genuine creative process. It implies a dynamic interplay of ideas, a willingness to challenge and push boundaries, much like a boxing match, resulting in a sound that is both powerful and true to the artists’ vision. Raisen’s influence likely helped The Steens hone their raw sound, ensuring that its inherent energy was captured without sacrificing its integrity. His expertise in navigating both the underground and mainstream worlds positions The Steens for broad appeal while maintaining their distinct edge. The anticipation for their full EP, shaped by this powerful collaboration, is now considerably high.
A Unique Journey Forged in Music and Resilience
Elijah and Isaiah Steen’s path to music seemed pre-ordained. Their father’s career in the music industry as an A&R executive and artist manager, combined with their mother’s work as a stylist, immersed them in a creative world from a young age. This upbringing provided them with an innate understanding of both the artistic and business sides of the industry. However, their journey was not without its profound challenges.
Their father’s arrest and subsequent ten-year prison sentence cast a long shadow, profoundly impacting the brothers’ perspectives on art, life, and the industry itself. This period of adversity forced a period of introspection and regrouping. It instilled in them a resilience and a deeper appreciation for the raw, unadulterated power of music as an outlet and a form of expression. It was during this time that they found their collective future in “the sound ratting around an old blown-out speaker.” This powerful imagery symbolizes their embrace of imperfect, unfiltered, and authentic rock and roll – a sound born not of pristine studios but of passion and a desire to connect on a visceral level. It speaks to a preference for grit over gloss, substance over superficiality, reflecting a band whose foundation is built on genuine experience rather than manufactured image.
A Kaleidoscope of Influences: From Hip-Hop to Proto-Punk
Despite their synchronized musical output, Elijah and Isaiah Steen confess to having distinctly different listening habits during their formative years. This divergence of tastes has ultimately contributed to the rich, layered sound of The Steens. Elijah’s early exposure spanned the West Coast hip-hop beats of The Dogg Pound and the psychedelic rock masterpiece Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. Meanwhile, Isaiah would be immersed in the art-rock genius of David Bowie, a testament to their individual explorations of diverse musical landscapes.
When discussing their core influences with HollywoodLife, The Steens paint a broad, vibrant tapestry of artists who have shaped their sonic identity. “Lou Reed’s way up there,” they shared, highlighting the profound impact of the Velvet Underground frontman’s poetic lyricism and gritty urban narratives. This appreciation for Reed’s raw honesty and observational storytelling undoubtedly informs the lyrical depth and straightforward delivery present in “What A Way To Die.”
The band’s punk rock roots are equally evident in their admiration for “Bad Brains” and “The Stooges,” names synonymous with blistering energy and defiant attitude. The inclusion of Iggy Pop, the “Godfather” of punk, further solidifies their connection to the genre’s raw power and performative intensity. However, The Steens are quick to acknowledge the true progenitors of rock and roll, reverently adding “well, Chuck Berry and Little Richard are…love em’ all.” This deep respect for the foundational pioneers of rock showcases a comprehensive understanding of rock’s lineage, from its rhythm and blues origins to its most rebellious manifestations.
This eclectic mix of influences – spanning hip-hop’s swagger, the sonic experimentation of classic rock, the glam theatricality of Bowie, the poetic realism of Lou Reed, and the unadulterated fury of proto-punk and early rock and roll legends – creates a fertile ground for The Steens’ unique sound. It explains the blend of sharp guitar work, melodic hooks, and rebellious spirit that defines “What A Way To Die.” Their music is not a mere imitation but a synthesis, a melting pot where diverse sounds are forged into something fresh and exciting, yet deeply rooted in rock’s rich history.
The Future is Bright for The Steens
With such a compelling debut and a fascinating backstory, it’s not hard to envision future bands citing The Steens as a significant influence. Their ability to craft a track that is both fiercely energetic and subtly thought-provoking, combined with their authentic approach to music-making, positions them as torchbearers for a new generation of rock. As they prepare to release their full EP, the anticipation for what Elijah and Isaiah Steen will unleash next is palpable. Their unapologetic embrace of raw rock, infused with intelligence and heart, marks them as a band to watch closely. Keep an ear open, because The Steens are just getting started, and their journey promises to be a wild, unforgettable ride.