Stephen Speaks
Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Urban Tulsa: Best Success Story (2003): Stephen Speaks
“It’s hard for anyone to get these kind of results in such a short period of time, and yet here’s an unsigned band, barely promoted, with a homemade CD and video turning a nation upside down.”
~Jerrod Gollihare, Urban Tulsa
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“When I recently attended a press-conference for Stephen Speaks tour in the Philippines, I didn’t know this band, who came from nowhere, had this much of a following. I was expecting a handful of journalists and didn’t foresee the huge turnout (Over 120 press reps). Forgive me for not having an idea of what kids listen to these days. Apparently it’s Stephen Speaks, with the band’s single, “Passenger Seat”, spending twelve weeks on top of Magic 89.9’s charts only to be dislodged by the band’s second single.”
~ Igan D’Bayan, Young Star Magazine
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“Stephen Speaks has been treading new ground in today’s ever changing music industry. Speaks’ was a wee college band from Oklahoma that, thanks to the wonders of the internet, has become a huge radio hit with senti yuppies and students throughout the Philippines. The rest of the world seems to be quickly following suit.”
~ MTV Inc. Magazine, March, 2003
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“Stephen Speaks has become an internet phenomenon on campus, sweeping students off their feet with dreamy and uplifting music
in an industry filled with dark messages. Don’t be fooled by their independent status, this band is the real deal and one to keep your eyes on.”
~ ACU Optimist, Abilene Christian University
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“Radio station’s have unceasingly played their songs… and Stephen Speaks proved phenomenal enough when they dropped by for a full house concert (5,000+ students) on the 7th day of February that rocked Ateneo University.”
~The Guidon, Ateneo University
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“(Rockwell Ryan’s) easy going nature and boy-you-can-bring-home-to-mom appeal probably account for the rest of his ability to woo crowds all over the world.”
~ Chris Greer, Oklahoma Music Magazine - None
Discography
1999 - Doubting Thomas
2000 - No More Doubt
2003 - One More Day
2008 - Symptoms Of Love
2011 - Age Of The Underdog
2012 - Christmas With Friends
Photos
Bio
Hailing from Oklahoma, Stephen Speaks is a roots-pop project led by Rockwell Ryan Ripperger. As it's main producer, singer and songwriter, Rockwell is the only official member of Stephen Speaks and remains solely responsible for it's direction. Stephen Speaks has collaborated with numerous artists over four independent releases, and has been one of the most successful independent artists from the mid-west for the last decade. From topping MySpace charts, to the top 100 CD Baby best sellers with millions of internet plays via word-of-mouth. Rockwell humbly states, "we just make music and our fans spread it. It's been unbelievable."
With four albums recorded himself, along with producing scores of albums for other local artists, Rockwell sought out Grammy winning drummer Brady Blade (Dave Matthews/Citizen Cope) to produce Stephen Speaks' fifth album, Age Of The Underdog. Being Stephen Speaks' first major studio release, producer Brady Blade put together an a-list studio band including legendary bass player Darryl Jones (Rolling Stones) and tracked the new album live.
Stephen Speaks is currently touring, as well as already working on their next studio album.
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