Steve Major

Doing it on his own, his own way is something that Actor/Songwriter/Recording Artist Steve Majorhas become very accustomed to. The young aspiring artist has a star that is quickly rising and with the upcoming release of his new album 'UNDOING', Major hopes to hit new heights with his already well rounded and budding career in the entertainment industry.

Major hosts Simcoe County's own reality television show and music competition 'LOCAL LIVE' on Rogers TV. He is currently in rehearsal to return to the show 'RENT' to star as 'Roger Davis' this November, and begins rehearsal in September to star as 'Marius' in 'Les Miserables' which plays through February. “Writing music, recording it, and then having the chance to get up onstage and share it with people is something I've always loved to do. This album (solo album) is something that I've been wanting to do for a long time,” said Major, who is no stranger to the recording studio. His first recording gig in '98 which was a product of Sony Music Canada was a children s album. Other projects soon followed including an international album release through DEP/Universal Music for the duo 'ST.Eves', which Major attributes to being the turning point in his recording journey. “I really felt it was time to do my own thing. I've been in a group setting, I've done the band thing, but now I'm honestly ready to do it on my own.”

Major worked with several pro musicians from Toronto on his latest work as well as upcoming producer Jazzfeezy who recently finished working on the latest single from T.I titled 'I Aint Goin'. The album was mixed and had additional production done by gold and mulit-platinum award winning Producer/Mixer Michael Jack who has worked with some of the greats including Nelly Furtado and Bono from U2. Major started working on 'UNDOING' three years ago and relates every song to a specific situation that has taken place in his life. “The album is about relationships, and not in a sappy Taylor Swift kinda way,” said Major. “I really owe the lyrical content within this project to the ladies who have come and gone from my life. Some left an impression while others left a scar. I don't hold back and say it like it is.”

The pop/rock nine song album is mostly up-tempo and houses two ballads. “My inspiration for the overall sound of this record stems from Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake. I wanted the music to be catchy, dance-able, but carry a message that all could relate to.” Although there isn't a date set for the official release of 'UNDOING', Major is aiming to have it out by the end of the year. To keep up with the latest news, log onto www.stevemajormusic.com. - D. Collerbourne

Forging a career in the music industry can be a rocky road and no one knows that better than Steve Major. But he may have hit on a formula for success by combining all of his talents. Next weekend, he marks his first major solo concert/show in over a decade and he’s pulling out all the stops.

“It’s going to be more of a production — instead of me at a microphone singing song after song,” said Major, who will be showcasing some of his latest songs which are slated for an album in the next year — the first single, called Peace of Mind, was released earlier this spring. “The big reason for me is I’ve spent the past three years writing music, tuning my sound, narrowing it down to a sound that’s really me. I think I’ve found (it) and want to be able to put it out to the public and see what the reaction is.”

He is appearing with a band — four musicians including Major (and, for some of the faster songs, a team of dancers) — they will also be providing some background vocals. In addition, several guest artists are slated to appear. Bravado joins Major for one

original song, a powerhouse ballad called My Promise My Prayer. Major co-wrote it with his lead guitarist, Parker Moss, who is also from Barrie.

“It’s a pop rock song, but they add a gospel-rock-choir element to it,” said Major, who plans to record it that way on his upcoming album. “Plus we have the Cheer Pride All-Stars, a team of cheerleaders coming out and joining us for a production as well. It’s going to be pretty exciting — we’ve got their junior team as well — as young as eight years old up to 18.”

The group is expected to be dressed in full uniform, including pom poms to provide chanting and choreography for one of Major’s songs, called Patiently Waiting.

The show also features local rock musician Wayne Desormeaux, who placed second

at Local Live II, an Idol-style competition held in Barrie earlier this year, and local country artist Amy Rose.

Hip hop artist Phax will make an appearance in the show. Major knows him from recording a song years ago on a compilation album called Jazzfeezy Presents Unveiling the Rapture. Jazzfeezy, a producer who served as one of the judges for Local Live II, wrote one of the tracks with Phax.

“We revisited the song with my band and added a rock element,” said Major, who will perform it with Phax at the show.

The majority of the guests in the show are from the Barrie area. Major is a big fan

of promoting local talent, which was one of the reasons he started Local Live competitions: to showcase musicians and singers.

“I’m a big fan of promoting local artists — it comes from growing up in the city and being passed over for out-of-town talent,” he said. “The community always looks for other artists from out of town to bring in talent so what’s a guy like me gotta do — rent a theatre.

“I love producing and helping others but have a real strong passion for being on stage and performing my own music.”

Major acquired his performing chops — singing, dancing and acting — during his years with the Strolling Youth Players and commuting to high school at the Etobicoke School for the Arts. During the summer of ‘98, he recorded his first CD — Groove Club, Canadian Kids & Friends — with Sony Music, Canada. He didn’t revisit recording industry again until he became part of a duo called St. Eves — they were signed to Universal for a EP around 2005, toured and promoted it until several years ago, when they gave their last performance at the first Local Live showcase.

Discouraged with the music industry,

he returned to theatre and landed the lead role in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Kempenfelt Community

Players) in 2011 and followed it up with Rent at Moving Art.

Earlier in his life he played lead roles in Sunshine Festival Theatre (Orillia) productions of Oliver and Sound of Music.

During his hiatus, Major kept writing songs and recently has started performing music again — this summer at Canada Day celebrations in Orillia and, in Barrie, at Kempenfest among others.

The concert takes place on Friday, Oct. 19 at the Georgian Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20, available at the Mady Centre box office, 705-739-4228. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Hospice Simcoe. - QMI Agency - Barrie Examiner