Photographed by Zamar Velez
[STEEN](https://www.instagram.com/violentxnds/) is your new favorite indie band, and they’re here to defy all music genres with their eclectic sonics of SoCal. The musical duo, based out of Orange County, California, makes an official debut with their single titled “[Red Lights](https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/steen2/red-lights),” premiered exclusively today on _Flaunt_. The fiery ballad combines the perfect balance of electrifying yet soothing elements that pay homage to their SoCal upbringing, with direct influences from Californian icons such as Red Hot Chili Peppers and Sublime to name a few.
However, their expression of art goes beyond California and overall reflects a melting pot of cultures, especially with STEEN being of African, European, Asian, and Latin descent. Produced by Justin Raisen (David Bowie, Lizzo), “Red Lights” contains heartfelt lyrics displaying pain and vulnerability that fuels a juxtaposition when you compare the deep, emotive lyrics with their tantalizing melodies.
When asked about the making of the record, STEEN states, “Once you cut through the feel-good acoustics of the record, ‘Red Lights’ is heavy and encompassed in pain. It’s a play on humanities fatal flaws, mental health, and addiction. It’s so common to fully recognize toxic behaviors yet continue to full heartedly live in misery. Amid the outcry and fire burning inside, when you lived in the fire for as long as many have, you can burn through your own demise and see the other side.”
At the end of the day, it’s our duty to do the best we can even when we feel alone, when we experience life’s everyday wildfires.
