Steen kevett-lopez

What did Norco Music mean to you?

NOMU or MUC back in the day was a place where I could explore music and get to know new people. I was shy and not really the player that I am today. I was still unsure if music was something I wanted to pursue, but after auditions, I was hooked! I couldn’t stop finding classes to add to my schedule. I wouldn’t be the person or player I am today if not for the life lessons and experiences I received from Norco College and Riverside Community College. I have too many instructors and teachers to thank. The program I was a part of was just so cool and such a great learning experience.

Favorite memory from your time here?

There are too many to count! I’d probably say it was the sessions after the session that were my favorite. Getting to navigate life with a bunch of musicians by your side is the best thing. It’s so encouraging and freeing to be in that environment. It’s amazing how time flies by, but I’m still very good friends with a handful of folks from the program.

What are you doing now?

Aside from raising two beautiful (identical twin) daughters, I have been staying active recording, touring, and teaching music the past few years. I’m blessed to still be playing music at this point in my life and am proud of the things I’ve accomplished since leaving Norco. Keep up with me on the gram @steen.machine to see what’s next!

Biggest challenge you’ve faced?

There are quite a few challenges you’ll face being a musician, but in turn, there are so many rewarding moments that make up for the lesser ones. Something I’m always trying to navigate is my self-worth as a player. Playing gigs that aren’t always fulfilling, you find yourself having to rework things or go back to the shed and learn something new if you’re feeling stuck. I try to eliminate any self-doubt with focused practice, especially before a gig, a session, or even a lesson.

A moment you knew you were on the right path?

I love this question! There are moments sprinkled all about—it’s hard to remember them all, to be honest. But I’m always finding some sort of thing that reminds me of home, or a song will play, or a name I know will pass on the highway, and it always feels like a sign to me that I am somehow supposed to be here. I live for moments like that. Sometimes they happen in succession, and sometimes weeks will go by without a sign—but maybe I’m just not looking hard enough!

Project you’re most proud of?

There are a few projects I’m currently working on and hoping to have out this year. I’ve been busy working with my band inthebackground on releasing a small batch of songs. I also have been recording with Moondough through Kill Iconic Records, which has been a lovely community to be a part of. Aside from that, I’m most recently proud of the progress I’ve made being a music instructor. I can see some of my students falling in love with music, and I can’t help but think of the times when I was learning and everything was so exciting.

How do you stay inspired?

Inspiration comes and goes for me. There are days where I’m so excited—almost too excited—to get something out, and then there are days where it’s a blank box and nothing is happening. You have to seek it yourself; be mentally and physically open to the environment around you. I highly believe in grounding yourself in nature, especially in the mornings. There’s something about going on a quick walk at 6 AM, or having coffee on a patch of grass in the backyard. I thrive on moments like that, especially on the road when music can become more taxing than inspiring.

What advice would you give current Norco Music students?

My advice to any aspiring musician or creative is to never stop! I’ve seen so many talented friends feel the burden of life and not continue their original passions. I understand not everyone will be able to obtain their dreams, but you’ll never know until you try. Sometimes, too, you get somewhere you thought was going to be the golden ticket—that aha moment—but you realize there’s only more work to do. Keep practicing, keep learning, and never stop!