Stepa

Stepa formed in August 1998 in Newbury Park, California, when childhood friends Blake Beckmann, Jessie Krapff, Mark Thorley, and Brendon Oates—then called Phlip—cut their teeth on local stages, backyard parties, and venues like The Whisky a Go Go. Blending funk, alternative rock, and metal, they soon added members DJ “Chaz” Kindschi and Shane Swayney, and landed a deal with Interscope Records in 2000. After recording their debut record at NRG with Jay Baumgartner, industry shifts led Interscope to drop the band. They were soon picked up by Locomotive Records, and toured for several years with groups like Medication, Nonpoint, Hed PE, Kittie, and Skindred. As nu‑metal waned and the industry digitized, members eventually drifted into new projects. In 2021 a five‑way call reignited the band’s creative aspirations. Though not all members returned, Blake, Jessie, and Brendon refined early demos and created new material. After the 2022 passing of DJ Chaz, Ian Corabi and Jay Frederick joined to finalize the lineup. In 2025 Stepa released their self‑funded and self‑produced sophomore album, Icarus Flight. Icarus Flight marks a hard‑won comeback—melding youthful energy with seasoned resolve, their signature aggression with impeccable songwriting and lush arrangements. Back on stage and gaining momentum, Stepa keeps moving – battle‑scarred and fiercely alive.