A collection of works, either solo or collaborations, that show the diversity of ideas and manifestations which are the result of an open-minded musical attitude.

Altair Studio Favorites

A little darker song with a "spiritual" theme.   All words and music by Steve

Strength in Nails

The light comes over me but not before I make my bed.
There is no time to sleep says the voice inside my head. 
Pressure starts to build never letting go its grip.
It stirs me round and round on a never-ending trip.

Twist and turn, now crash and burn, I'm told.
No turning back my future just unfolds.

It trails me through my day. The pressure drives me on its way.
No matter what I do, my only hope is when I pray.
No mater what I try, it never feels as though its right.
Indecision rules me all the way

Twist and turn, now crash and burn, I'm told.
No turning back my future just unfolds.
There must be a better way of life
One that's free from all this strife.

The light comes over me as I hide inside my bed
"Awake son from your sleep."  A new voice talks to me instead.
I find my strength in nails. Its where serentity prevails.
It sends me round and round, its feet not on this earthly ground.

I find my strength in nails.  Its where serenity prevails.
I find my strength in nails, it's where all peace prevails.

Strength in Nails

A musical social statement inspired by the pictured work by Jessica Daly Art - a piece from the Women in Red Collection

Steve - all music and lyrics 

Tell It Like It Is

You don't know me, but I don't care
I see your kind everywhere.
All made up nice and looking real fine
Even though it cost you your last dime.
You strut your stuff all dressed in red
The life you live is all in your head.
With your head stuck up and walking real tall
It doesn't really match your life at all.

Tell it like it is!
Tell it like it is!

You walk downtown and you meet with friends
BFFs till the bitter end.
Over scones at the cafe, they ask how you are
You say you just bought a fancy new car.
They giggle and squeal and let out a cheer
It's just what you really need to hear.
You can't say that you took the bus
You reallly need to hear all of them fuss.   You can't...

Tell it like it is!  (You don't dare)
Tell it like it is!  
Tell it like it is!  (You can't share)
Tell it like it is!

You get back home and the landlord's there
The unpaid bills piled on the stairs.
You make up a lie and you promise to pay
The landlord tells you he's got something to say.  Let me...

Tell you like it is!
Tell you like it is!
Tell you like it is!
That's the way it is, baby!

Tell It Like It Is

An original, hopeful tune.  (Hope to find a singer someday)  All instruments and lyrics by me.  Guitars in Open E tuning.  Hope you like.  

You

Never paid much attention to the things that you said
I had it all figured out, inside my head
I didn’t seem to care the times I left you alone
I feel it coming back now from deep in my bones

You, I’ve never needed before
But you, I know now there’s more

I look back to the days we were never apart
I had everything I needed inside my heart
Slowly, over time, the pink turned into gray
And I wandered out for awhile I started to stray.

When did it all go away?
Why did I need it to change?
Why did I think it would be better that way?

Feeling dead inside like leaves after a frost
Stumbling around in a trance, my nirvana is lost
The emptiness is strange and it turns into rage
No matter what I do I can’t get out of this cage

You help me find my way back to you
You can help see me through

You need to take the wheel, I don’t know how to feel, today

You, I’ve never needed before
But now You, I’ve never needed you more
You, I’ve never needed before
You, I’ve never needed you more


Lyrical collaboration with Mark Mirra with him lending his vocals on this production.  All music by Steve including guitars, bass, keys, and Beat Buddy drums.  Recorded, mixed and mastered at "Altair Studios" by Steve and vocals recorded remotely by Mark.

Like It Like This Forever

Living in a world of wasted time
I had a long, long way to go
You asked me how is it I’d be satisfied
Damned if I could’ve known 

Given my past, I had my doubts
About how my life would grow
Living in a roundabout
With no home

I needed to change my heart
And caress my lonely senses
If I can't find it I’ll be torn apart
And be lost behind these fences

When you came along I felt alive  
We spent a long, long night together 
You asked me how it felt to be satisfied
I said I'd like it like this forever 

Then you started to change my heart
and you brought me to my senses
Without you, I'd be torn apart
You broke through my defenses

Long ago, I thought I was so smart
Never saw my strange intentions
Losing battles became an art
Due to my own offenses

Now with you, girl by my side
We've come a long long way together
You still ask how it feels to be satisfied
I know I'd like it like this forever! 

You changed my heart, you changed my life
and you brought me to my senses
Without you, I'd be torn apart
I want it like this forever!

Initial

Like It Like This Forever

Solo effort depicting my journey.

Sciatica

Out of nowhere, and without warning
a little tingle, then all is burning
Escalating, then devastating
Debilitating – It sucks

Sciatica

Sharp and shooting, rapacious looting
It takes the things that, keeps me moving
It's with me daily, never failing
Still waiting – for hope

Sciatica.   My Atica

This may drag on for just a little bit longer
What doesn't kill me makes me stronger

Instrumental break

Misalignment, is now confinement
The piriformis, feels so enormous.
Spinal stenosis, or scoliosis
My diagnosis? It sucks...

Sciatica   

So long / I'm strong
The pain / Some gain
Restrained / Retrain
I grieve / Believe
It's wrong /  Stay strong
I'm torn / Reborn
No More / Endure
My rope is hope

This may go on for a little longer
What doesn't kill me will make me stronger

Sciatica

Collection of creative scraps of home studio ventures by solitary musician/songwriter for personal enjoyment. All works written, performed, recorded and produced by just me unless otherwise noted.  First instrument - saxophone, ventured into the guitar, then kept going.  
But I absolutely love creating and collaborating and building songs together with others.  So, this site contains solo works, collaborations and a playlist nod to a long-time revolving door of music loving players we've called Madd Cow. 
https>//soundcloud.com/madd-cow.
What's next?  Who knows.

Sciatica

Steve Sterner