Stephen composes bespoke music for independent film & media, crafting immersive, story-driven compositions by hand that range from atmospheric soundscapes to melody driven themes, taking listeners through a journey of suspense and catharsis.

Music for Film & Media

Recent Film Scores

Stephen is an exceptional communicator and composer who brings clarity and confidence to every collaboration. He makes it effortless for a director to fully understand and feel the emotional core of a scene through music. We are already preparing for our next project together with great confidence and enthusiasm. Beyond his remarkable talent, Stephen is a trusted colleague and a genuine friend.

- Joey R Marino, "Tightly Bound" Director

Working with Stephen was, simply put, one of the best experiences I've had as a filmmaker. I don't think my film would work without his score; and I can't wait to work together again!

- Daniel McCain, "The Invisible Epidemic" Director

Stephen isn’t just a composer, he’s a masterful artist with a profound love for his craft and an impeccable eye for detail. Collaborating with him on a project so close to my heart was one of the greatest highlights of my creative life; his score brought soul and emotion beyond anything I could’ve imagined, and I now count him not only as a treasured collaborator but as a true friend.

- Maximiliano Garcia, “Luisa” Director

Not only is Stephen a brilliant composer who’s dialed in on tone, emotion, and pacing, but he’s gracious with his time in the developing process. His passion for what he does is visceral. His score execution delivers a deeper level of storytelling to where I’m feeling my own story for the first time. He’s a joy to work with and a problem solver who embraces a challenge.

- Kendra Louka, “No Grace” director

Stephen created a unique score that perfectly captured and elevated our film's tone and emotional beats. He's a calm, confident collaborator with an exceptional understanding of how music serves story.

- Chandler Bramstedt, “Baby Steps” and “Dog-End” director

Stephen has been creating music for decades, bringing his dynamic talents to life through various bands and studio projects. Hailing from the vibrant alternative music scene of Washington, DC, he honed his craft from various collaborations and experimentation in the recording studio.

His signature sound draws from a rich musical palette from experimenting with live-recorded guitars, drums, and bass, creating processed samples blended with synth. The result is a diverse range of sonic experiences, from indie-rock-inspired moments to minimalist textures and experimental soundscapes. Every track is an immersive experience, all crafted in his Richmond, Virginia studio, never using AI.

Stephen often works with fellow bandmate and all-around studio genius, Ian Whalen, pushing sonic boundaries and publishing studio-releases under the name Supercivil.

Contact

stephen.actual@gmail.com

+1 (804) 822-7232