Chicago Native Helps Shape Sound of the Biggest Names in Music

Danielle Sanders CNW Managing Editor Steve Epting, Jr.

Chicago native, Steve Epting Jr., is an artist and one of the most sought-after vocal contractors and supporting vocalists in the music industry. He’s made a name for himself working with some of the biggest names in music such as Beyonce, Kanye West, Common, Demi Lovato and most recently Lizzo. As the vocal contractor for Lizzo’s all-female choir during her Grammy-winning performance of “About Damn Time,” he played a critical role in bringing Lizzo’s vision to life. He’s traveled the world with Beyonce and directed Kanye West’s Sunday Service choir at Paris Fashion Week.

Epting, Jr., grew up in Chicago and is the son of Steve Epting, Sr., Senior Pastor of Hope Community Church in the Austin neighborhood. As the son of a pastor, Epting, Jr., says he grew up directing choirs and working in ensembles but never thought he could enjoy a career in music. “It wasn’t safe, Epting, Jr., said. “I went to college to study biology. I wanted to be a dentist. Shortly after, I realized that was not what I wanted to do and got my degree in music instead.” After obtaining his degree, Epting, Jr., moved back to Chicago and began getting acquainted with the music scene. An old high school classmate who was also an aspiring artist, convinced Epting Jr., to make the move to LA to pursue his dream. That decision proved to be life-changing.

“I was in Los Angeles working at a school but still making sure I was at open mics, gigging and putting my name out there. That led to me working with Demi Lovato for a bit but I really wanted to go on tour with an artist and experience tour life.”

A friend recommended Epting, Jr., for a gig but it wasn’t until he showed up that he realized it was for Beyonce’s Coachella performance. “I got a call from a friend asking me if I was available for two days in April. He said it’s for Coachella. I found out a few days later it was for Coachella rehearsals with Beyonce.” His experience working with Beyonce, led to him working on Beyonce and Jay-Z’s tour “On the Run,” which then led to Epting, Jr completing some studio work with Beyonce for the “Lion King” and Renaissance album. He says working with Beyonce allowed him to see himself doing the same thing. “With Beyonce, it was my introduction to the touring world. I’ve seen her perform before but to be that close and to travel with her to different countries and see her in action… allowed me to see myself doing this artist thing. It was a defining moment when I could see this happening for myself. It was amazing to see the production value and what it takes to achieve that result.”

Epting, Jr., continued climbing upward following up his work with Beyonce by serving as assistant director for Kanye West’s “Sunday Service”.” He says working with West allowed him a freedom he had never experienced before as an artist. “There was a freedom working on “Sunday Service”. There were no lines or boxes. It allowed me to ask questions like what do you want? What do you see? What does this look like for you and how do you create within this? It was without any outside influences. I had freedom but also structure. I was able to see how the music moves me and see what I naturally feel and hear and execute on that. That’s what it is about because at the end of the day, it’s really about the artists, we’re just really supporting them in those moments.”

As a vocal contractor, Epting, Jr is responsible for hiring singers for different events including tours and recording sessions. Vocal contracting also includes vocal arranging and organizing song parts. The vocal contractor is a liaison between the artist and the singers they work with. Epting, Jr., is the man behind the mic and shares his passion for artist development and education with his brand “Live. Live Now offers vocal contracting services, artist development, masterclasses and scholarships to help aspiring artists live their dreams. He says it is important for aspiring artists and those interested in working in the music industry to be aware of the many opportunities working “behind the scenes.” “Growing up, I thought my options were limited to just being an artist or music teacher and while those are still viable options, there are so many things someone can do within this industry. Someone has to create the music, somebody has to create the choreography, somebody has to do the lighting, and somebody has to make sure everybody knows what time to get there. There are so many parts, roles, and careers within this industry. This is what “Live” is all about. It’s a movement to inspire people to live in the moment and really go after their dreams. More importantly, it also has key information about the industry, especially our vocal coaching and artist development services. Our masterclasses teach people how to distribute content, important facts about the music industry, how to book jobs, and the different careers offered within the music industry.

Epting, Jr., credits growing up in Chicago and in gospel music for his drive and ability to fine-tune his ear when it comes to music. “ Growing up in church, working with choirs and working with bands gaining conducting experience all helped to inform me not only in conducting but as an artist and how I hear things and communicate onstage and even in my own performance. Having this expanded version of my musicianship and being able to bring different artists together and creating a moment or sound was cultivated in my training both in my experiences and in my formal classical training in college.,” Epting, Jr., says.

He continued saying the culture of Chicago and growing up in that environment gave him the skills and mindset to achieve success in LA. “Chicago is a city like no other. We have so many talented singers and artists here. Being a part of this culture helped to sharpen my skills even more. Chicago also produces hustlers. No one teaches you how to go get it. You have to want it and see it for yourself. That spirit lives in me because of where I’m from. “

Epting, Jr., says there is so much more he wants to achieve. He wants to get involved in more TV and film work by creating soundtracks and scoring original music in addition to continuing his work in helping artists achieve their dreams. He says he wants budding artists to “know who they are first,” perform as much as possible, and know their voice and their style. “Have a love for what you do and if you can get at least one person to support you, and give you the encouragement that you need, keep going. Stay true to your vision because you have to define what success is for you.”

Follow Danielle on social media @DanieSandersOfficial.