1/2 Step Down

½ Step Down - Bio
1/2 Step Down, an acoustic alternative collaboration between two aspiring songwriters, Tom Teta, and Josh Okun, emerged from New York’s Capital Region in September, 2000. Their somber melodies and unyielding vocals elicit emotional themes of love, heartbreak, regret, and hope.
1/2 Step Down is looking to book shows at bars, clubs, coffee shops, or anywhere else we can find throughout the United States. The goal of this project is to begin to develop a strong fan base and eventually write, record, and produce a full length album and receive attention from record labels.
Tom Teta - 9/7/1983– Lead Vocals/Guitar – Born and raised in the Albany, New York area, Tom Teta’s musical journey began at a very young age. He would often sing along to his favorite artists on the radio, such as Staind, Creed, Alice in Chains, Cold, and Pearl Jam. In high school, Tom began to learn guitar with the help of a friend (Josh Okun), and soon after was writing music.
Josh Okun – 12/19/1983 – Lead Guitar/Vocals – Josh Okun was born in Southington, Connecticut in 1983 and was raised for most of his life in the Albany, New York area. His passion for music began when he joined his high school’s choir in 1999. Later that year, he picked up the guitar, inspired by his father, an avid guitarist. Josh’s musical influences include the Eagles, Fuel, John Mayer, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Maroon 5, Sister Hazel, and Staind. Prior to ½ Step Down, Josh Okun has been a member of several bands, and other songwriting collaborations. He is currently interning in New York City at StarPolish Management as he completes his senior year at the State University of New York College at Oneonta as a Music Industry Major. He will be completing his degree in May 2006.
Tom Teta and Josh Okun met in 1999 at Bethlehem Central High School as sophomores. Their musical venture began in 2000 when Josh taught Tom a few basic chords on guitar. Their electric chemistry sparked a musical flame leading them to write several original pieces and perform in several school talent shows and other events.
1/2 Step Down is an acoustic duo with vocals often compared to Aaron Lewis of Staind and music similar to Dave Matthews, Sister Hazel, and Alice in Chains. Josh Okun’s crisp harmonies complete Tom Teta’s chilling melodies on songs like “Looking Back” and “Weak”, while the guitar riffs and solos shine throughout “Fortress” and “2 AM”.
1/2 Step Down is now selling a 5-song EP properly titled, “Beginnings” which was written, recorded, and produced by the band with the help of Bryan Krebs, a Music Industry major with an Audio Arts Minor at SUNY Oneonta. Tom and Josh are currently playing shows throughout upstate New York, but are looking to tour elsewhere. Please contact via phone, 518-339-8601, or email halfstepdown@gmail.com to talk to the band about booking gigs. Finally, visit www.myspace.com/12stepdown for more information and updates.