Steven Mullan

When you dig a softer groove in melody, Steven Mullan is the artist to listen to for that. The mellow pop but slightly jazzy EP ‘We’re Not Old’ released earlier this year on Itunes is a diverse and well composed series of songs. Him and his bandmates, out of Toledo, Ohio are currently recording and have filmed a few acoustic versions of their songs.

A big part of his experience playing music is finding the right sounds to fit the feeling of the moment. As for songwriting, the influences stem from the poetic structures of songs straight to the guitar and, as a versatile musician, on the piano as well.

Starting at an early age ready to sing, and now having a full band that plays live shows quite frequently, it is no wonder they keep things fresh and riffy. His upbeat personality has a way of helping in what he creates for the long run and if it wasn’t for that we would not get to dive in to listen to his awesome jam sessions.

Steven has a funky slow pace of songs that changes the way you might think of what pop music sounds like. - Venture Magazine UK

FERNDALE – Cast members of the NETworks touring production of "Shrek The Musical" - coming to Detroit Feb. 28 through March 11 at the Fisher Theatre - will perform in a very special concert to benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and the John F. Kennedy School PTA in Ferndale. The benefit takes place Monday, March 5 at 7 p.m. at The Loving Touch, 22634 Woodward Avenue in Ferndale.

Guests attending can support a good cause as they enjoy an intimate evening featuring a cabaret-style performance by members of the cast from the national tour of "Shrek The Musical." The evening will also feature a silent auction, which will allow guests to bid on items graciously donated by the Broadway community and local businesses. Singer/songwriter Steven Mullan closes out the event with a performance. A cash bar is available during the evening.

Admission for the event is $15 cover charge at the door. All funds raised at the event (admission and silent auction) will benefit Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Ferndale's John F Kennedy Elementary School PTA.

"Shrek The Musical," based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks film that started it all, brings the hilarious story of everyone's favorite ogre to life on stage. In a faraway kingdom turned upside down, things get ugly when an unseemly ogre – not a handsome prince – shows up to rescue a feisty princess. Throw in a donkey who won't shut up, a villain with a short temper, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there's one on hand. And his name is Shrek.

Doors open at 6 p.m. This is an 18 and over event.


About Steven Mullan
Steven Mullan's songs have been described as "rhythmic, solidly tuneful and often rocking,” (Dan Kane, The Canton Repository) and "sturdy, rhythmic, soulful, and a little torchy,” (Dave Richard's, Erie-Times News). Performing nearly 300 gigs a year, he and his band play regularly throughout the Detroit and Toledo metropolitan areas. This former opera singer turned Cosmopolitan Magazine model turned Detroit session keyboardist loves to play and write music. His next album, "We're Not Old," will be available on iTunes this March. Visit www.stevenmullan.com for more information.
- Encore Detroit

Plenty of musicians draw inspiration from classic rock. Nothing new there.

Steven Mullan's influences go back further -- to classical music, not classic rockers. The Toledo, Ohio, musician sang opera and studied voice performance and composition before joining the pop-rock fray with current band the Stormm. That strong musical education carries over to writing pop songs.

"When I was in seventh grade, I had dreams of doing opera," said Mullan, a good-looking 22-year-old who has also worked as a fashion model.

"Then I gradually switched over. I wanted to study the classic stuff to get my chops down, and then transition into the pop world. I'm able to have just a wider musical education to speak from and try to communicate from."

Mullan's debut EP, "Loveland," employs string quartets on select songs. There was no need to hire an arranger.

"I like to sit down and write string quartets; that's one of my favorite forms of writing," Mullan said. "But it's a totally different beast. The classic stuff is totally different, but it taught me so much about writing pop, in terms of simplifying ideas. I'd come into class with all these ideas, and my teachers would say, 'Take one idea and develop it.'"

Mullan's well-written, piano-driven originals may remind you of "Tumbleweed Connection"-era Elton John or early Ben Folds Five. They're sturdy, rhythmic, soulful, and a little torchy.

"I'm a fan of Elton John," said Mullan. "But my main pop influences are Stevie Wonder and then James Morrison, Marc Broussard, and the Beatles."

Along with Ray Charles, Wonder stands atop his list of favorite pop composers.

"I absolutely love his writing -- vocally, harmonically, melodically," Mullan said. "Even from when I was a kid, it always appealed to me. I loved 'Superstition' and 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered' -- just the way his groove is so hard. Anything that came out of his early years, as well as later. I loved seeing the transitions he made."

While he studied at Miami of Ohio, Mullan experienced two cool collaborations. He joined legend Dave Brubeck and composer A.R. Rahman ("Slumdog Millionaire") onstage.

"[Brubeck] actually came to Miami. We were backup singers for him, which is cool," he said. "It was amazing to see a guy like 85 years old barely make it to the piano, and then sit down and everything's there. It was like he was at home -- just incredible to watch."

Rahman played at Miami of Ohio before "Slumdog" came out.

"We were essentially his backing band, so I played some percussion stuff for him as well as sang," Mullan said. "I sang like a duet-type thing with him. It was really cool. That was in 2006, a few years before 'Slumdog' came out, when he was trying to break into the U.S. scene."

Mullan graduated with a degree in voice performance and composition in 2009. Since then, he's toured with the Stormm, issued his debut CD, and supplemented his income with occasional modeling.

"I got a few cool [modeling] gigs," he said. "One was in Cosmo. That was a fun thing to do. It was like an editorial-type spread, me talking on a cell phone. Apparently, this guy [in the spread] is cheating on a girl. I was that guy."

Mullan said he's more concerned with getting his music career going than pursuing modeling.

"You can't do modeling unless you're living in New York and go to the auditions," he said. "Now I'm concentrating on the music thing. I've been very fortunate to have a lot of people give me advice and help me along the way.

"I'm just trying to do it on my own, right now. It's what I love to do, and as long as I can keep doing it, I'll do it."

That could mean living on the cheap, but you'll never find Mullan counting the pennies in his pocket. He hates them.

"They're annoying. I hate carrying them around; they're just added weight," he said. "It's really the only thing in the world that annoys me."

For his Docksider debut, Mullan and his ever-changing Stormm -- this time, bassist Jim Mack and drummer John Rae -- will play originals and a smart mix of covers.

"We'll do anything from Justin Timberlake to Stevie Wonder to Elton John to Jason Mraz, to John Legend," he said. "We have a wide variety of covers in our repertoire."

Just don't request "Pennies from Heaven" or "Penny Lane."

He won't like that. - Erie-Times News (written by Dave Richards)

Plenty of musicians draw inspiration from classic rock. Nothing new there.

Steven Mullan's influences go back further -- to classical music, not classic rockers. The Toledo, Ohio, musician sang opera and studied voice performance and composition before joining the pop-rock fray with current band the Stormm. That strong musical education carries over to writing pop songs.

"When I was in seventh grade, I had dreams of doing opera," said Mullan, a good-looking 22-year-old who has also worked as a fashion model.

"Then I gradually switched over. I wanted to study the classic stuff to get my chops down, and then transition into the pop world. I'm able to have just a wider musical education to speak from and try to communicate from."

Mullan's debut EP, "Loveland," employs string quartets on select songs. There was no need to hire an arranger.

"I like to sit down and write string quartets; that's one of my favorite forms of writing," Mullan said. "But it's a totally different beast. The classic stuff is totally different, but it taught me so much about writing pop, in terms of simplifying ideas. I'd come into class with all these ideas, and my teachers would say, 'Take one idea and develop it.'"

Mullan's well-written, piano-driven originals may remind you of "Tumbleweed Connection"-era Elton John or early Ben Folds Five. They're sturdy, rhythmic, soulful, and a little torchy.

"I'm a fan of Elton John," said Mullan. "But my main pop influences are Stevie Wonder and then James Morrison, Marc Broussard, and the Beatles."

Along with Ray Charles, Wonder stands atop his list of favorite pop composers.

"I absolutely love his writing -- vocally, harmonically, melodically," Mullan said. "Even from when I was a kid, it always appealed to me. I loved 'Superstition' and 'Signed, Sealed, Delivered' -- just the way his groove is so hard. Anything that came out of his early years, as well as later. I loved seeing the transitions he made."

While he studied at Miami of Ohio, Mullan experienced two cool collaborations. He joined legend Dave Brubeck and composer A.R. Rahman ("Slumdog Millionaire") onstage.

"[Brubeck] actually came to Miami. We were backup singers for him, which is cool," he said. "It was amazing to see a guy like 85 years old barely make it to the piano, and then sit down and everything's there. It was like he was at home -- just incredible to watch."

Rahman played at Miami of Ohio before "Slumdog" came out.

"We were essentially his backing band, so I played some percussion stuff for him as well as sang," Mullan said. "I sang like a duet-type thing with him. It was really cool. That was in 2006, a few years before 'Slumdog' came out, when he was trying to break into the U.S. scene."

Mullan graduated with a degree in voice performance and composition in 2009. Since then, he's toured with the Stormm, issued his debut CD, and supplemented his income with occasional modeling.

"I got a few cool [modeling] gigs," he said. "One was in Cosmo. That was a fun thing to do. It was like an editorial-type spread, me talking on a cell phone. Apparently, this guy [in the spread] is cheating on a girl. I was that guy."

Mullan said he's more concerned with getting his music career going than pursuing modeling.

"You can't do modeling unless you're living in New York and go to the auditions," he said. "Now I'm concentrating on the music thing. I've been very fortunate to have a lot of people give me advice and help me along the way.

"I'm just trying to do it on my own, right now. It's what I love to do, and as long as I can keep doing it, I'll do it."

That could mean living on the cheap, but you'll never find Mullan counting the pennies in his pocket. He hates them.

"They're annoying. I hate carrying them around; they're just added weight," he said. "It's really the only thing in the world that annoys me."

For his Docksider debut, Mullan and his ever-changing Stormm -- this time, bassist Jim Mack and drummer John Rae -- will play originals and a smart mix of covers.

"We'll do anything from Justin Timberlake to Stevie Wonder to Elton John to Jason Mraz, to John Legend," he said. "We have a wide variety of covers in our repertoire."

Just don't request "Pennies from Heaven" or "Penny Lane."

He won't like that. - Erie-Times News (written by Dave Richards)

Every year People magazine researches hundreds of sexy men in the hopes of crowning the Sexiest Man Alive. We at Amusement have reason to believe it often overlooks some of America's best talent, sexiness-wise, and are justifying this by having our own Sexiest Man Alive. We are pleased to announce that our first ever Sexiest Man Alive is none other than the sexy, the talented, the sexy STEVEN MULLAN!!!!

If you have found yourself staring shamelessly at a particularly sexy young man reminiscent of a Greek god, then you have fallen victim to Steven Mullan, Sexiest Man Alive. This 22-year-old Toledo native is a senior at Miami University and graces our campus with his sexiness every day, making the grass greener, the sun brighter and buses timelier.

Double majoring in voice performance and music composition, this music aficionado is at Miami on a full music scholarship and will be graduating summa cum laude in May. He may not have watched Wishbone or the 27 Land Before Time films, but he's one smart cookie. Mullan spent a summer in Lucca, Italy, studying through the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and he also knows how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Mmmm, sexy.

When Mullan is not breaking hearts with his golden smile, this sexy beast is either playing accordion in the Klezmer Ensemble, owning the intramural volleyball and basketball courts, modeling in Cosmopolitan magazine or performing uptown with The Steve Mullan Band-a collection of talented musicians that don't play your typical jam band instruments. (I hope you caught that he modeled in Cosmopolitan magazine, because that is a true story and testament to his sexiness.)

Mullan's also had the opportunity to perform with jazz legend Dave Brubeck and Oscar winner A.R. Rahman - you know, the guy from Slumdog Millionaire who just won those awards for that music stuff he wrote. Since I'm already in a hyperventilated ramble about Mullan's sexiness, I should add he produced radio and TV jingles for shows in Toledo and has landed multiple roles in musicals and operas, including Bobby Strong in Miami's production of Urinetown, which is now playing.

I, me, Anna Turner, got the chance to sit down with Mullan and ask him some invaluable questions that reach right down into his soul and reveal his true sexiness to the world.

Amusement: What is your least favorite form of U.S. currency?

Steven Mullan: Pennies. I hate pennies. Hate them. If I'm down $3,000 dollars when I die because I threw out a couple pennies here and there, I won't care. I hate pennies. Absolutely hate them.

A: Is the cello a sexy instrument?

SM: Yes. If you can play the cello, you're the man … or woman. It's just such a sweet instrument.

A: What is the best invention since sliced bread?

SM: Um … Spice drops. They're like gum drops only … Or no, what's a better one? Let's come back to that.

A: Does C-SPAN turn you on?

SM: No. Not at all. You know what channel does turn me on? The Miami Channel. Especially when there's random music playing and some slideshow from, like, 1995.

A: If you got to have dinner with three of the characters from Clue, who would you choose?

SM: Mr. Green, because he just looks cool. Colonel Mustard, because I really like mustard. And Miss Scarlet, because she looks good. She's a looker. Is it Miss Scarlet or Ms.? If this is Clue after the 1970s, it would be Ms. Scarlet.

The best invention since sliced bread … would be Orange Glo. The cleaning stuff.

A: If you had to post on FML.com, what would you post?

SM: Today, I was going to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich at Harris Dining Hall, and I go to toast the bread because I wanted it to be toasted. So, I toast the bread and then I find out there's no peanut butter. At all. So, I decide that I'll have broccoli and dip. So, I get my broccoli and the ranch is all out. So I suppose I would say "F my life" … I have a tough life.

A: Which Care Bear do you most identify with?

SM: ALL OF THEM!!! Every single one of them!!! These two … on the front of my Care Bears folder … Although, I think every single Care Bear is the coolest cartoon character.

A: If you could invent your own Lunchables, what would it be?

SM: Choose Your Own Adventure Lunchables. That would be cool.

A: If you had a time machine that only moved forward at regular speed, where would you go?

SM: Home Depot. I don't really like Home Depot, and I don't know how to use anything at Home Depot, but it seems like a good answer. Then I would go to Harris and get peanut butter because they actually have some today.

The best invention since sliced bread would be a wiffle ball, I think.

The sexiness of Mullan is unparalleled not just at Miami, but everywhere else, EVER. Not even Edward Cullen can compare. Yeah, I said it. And it's TRUE.

If you think you can handle Mullan's sexiness, catch him in Urinetown April 9-11 and 16-19, uptown at CJ's with The Steve Mullan Band Apri - Miami Student (written by Anna Turner)

Every year People magazine researches hundreds of sexy men in the hopes of crowning the Sexiest Man Alive. We at Amusement have reason to believe it often overlooks some of America's best talent, sexiness-wise, and are justifying this by having our own Sexiest Man Alive. We are pleased to announce that our first ever Sexiest Man Alive is none other than the sexy, the talented, the sexy STEVEN MULLAN!!!!

If you have found yourself staring shamelessly at a particularly sexy young man reminiscent of a Greek god, then you have fallen victim to Steven Mullan, Sexiest Man Alive. This 22-year-old Toledo native is a senior at Miami University and graces our campus with his sexiness every day, making the grass greener, the sun brighter and buses timelier.

Double majoring in voice performance and music composition, this music aficionado is at Miami on a full music scholarship and will be graduating summa cum laude in May. He may not have watched Wishbone or the 27 Land Before Time films, but he's one smart cookie. Mullan spent a summer in Lucca, Italy, studying through the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, and he also knows how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Mmmm, sexy.

When Mullan is not breaking hearts with his golden smile, this sexy beast is either playing accordion in the Klezmer Ensemble, owning the intramural volleyball and basketball courts, modeling in Cosmopolitan magazine or performing uptown with The Steve Mullan Band-a collection of talented musicians that don't play your typical jam band instruments. (I hope you caught that he modeled in Cosmopolitan magazine, because that is a true story and testament to his sexiness.)

Mullan's also had the opportunity to perform with jazz legend Dave Brubeck and Oscar winner A.R. Rahman - you know, the guy from Slumdog Millionaire who just won those awards for that music stuff he wrote. Since I'm already in a hyperventilated ramble about Mullan's sexiness, I should add he produced radio and TV jingles for shows in Toledo and has landed multiple roles in musicals and operas, including Bobby Strong in Miami's production of Urinetown, which is now playing.

I, me, Anna Turner, got the chance to sit down with Mullan and ask him some invaluable questions that reach right down into his soul and reveal his true sexiness to the world.

Amusement: What is your least favorite form of U.S. currency?

Steven Mullan: Pennies. I hate pennies. Hate them. If I'm down $3,000 dollars when I die because I threw out a couple pennies here and there, I won't care. I hate pennies. Absolutely hate them.

A: Is the cello a sexy instrument?

SM: Yes. If you can play the cello, you're the man … or woman. It's just such a sweet instrument.

A: What is the best invention since sliced bread?

SM: Um … Spice drops. They're like gum drops only … Or no, what's a better one? Let's come back to that.

A: Does C-SPAN turn you on?

SM: No. Not at all. You know what channel does turn me on? The Miami Channel. Especially when there's random music playing and some slideshow from, like, 1995.

A: If you got to have dinner with three of the characters from Clue, who would you choose?

SM: Mr. Green, because he just looks cool. Colonel Mustard, because I really like mustard. And Miss Scarlet, because she looks good. She's a looker. Is it Miss Scarlet or Ms.? If this is Clue after the 1970s, it would be Ms. Scarlet.

The best invention since sliced bread … would be Orange Glo. The cleaning stuff.

A: If you had to post on FML.com, what would you post?

SM: Today, I was going to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich at Harris Dining Hall, and I go to toast the bread because I wanted it to be toasted. So, I toast the bread and then I find out there's no peanut butter. At all. So, I decide that I'll have broccoli and dip. So, I get my broccoli and the ranch is all out. So I suppose I would say "F my life" … I have a tough life.

A: Which Care Bear do you most identify with?

SM: ALL OF THEM!!! Every single one of them!!! These two … on the front of my Care Bears folder … Although, I think every single Care Bear is the coolest cartoon character.

A: If you could invent your own Lunchables, what would it be?

SM: Choose Your Own Adventure Lunchables. That would be cool.

A: If you had a time machine that only moved forward at regular speed, where would you go?

SM: Home Depot. I don't really like Home Depot, and I don't know how to use anything at Home Depot, but it seems like a good answer. Then I would go to Harris and get peanut butter because they actually have some today.

The best invention since sliced bread would be a wiffle ball, I think.

The sexiness of Mullan is unparalleled not just at Miami, but everywhere else, EVER. Not even Edward Cullen can compare. Yeah, I said it. And it's TRUE.

If you think you can handle Mullan's sexiness, catch him in Urinetown April 9-11 and 16-19, uptown at CJ's with The Steve Mullan Band Apri - Miami Student (written by Anna Turner)

Steven Mullan, performing Friday night at downtown Canton’s Muggswigz Coffee & Tea Co., speaks bluntly about his entree into pop songwriting.

“It was my sophomore year of college. Like every other lovey-dovey songwriter, I had a girl break up with me and I wrote a song about it,” he says. “It was awful, a terrible song. But it nonetheless got me started.”

Mullan, 22, has followed a steady path as a pop-rock musician ever since. He just graduated from Miami University in Oxford.

“I used college to develop my material,” he says. “I played a lot down there. I studied vocal performance and music composition. It was all classical music, but in my free time I was working on songwriting and pop stuff.”

As a songwriter, “I was all constipated with ideas at first, but then you gradually realize that simpler is better. And after singing arias and art songs at college, it’s so meaningful to have my own music that I can connect to.”

Mullan, a Toledo native, has a lengthy list of influences: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Marc Broussard, James Morrison, John Mayer, Rachmaninoff.

“I don’t write anything like them, but in terms of songwriting, they’re my heroes,” he says. “Those are albums I can listen to over and over again.”

For someone who sings opera and has considerable musical-theater experience, Mullan shifts well into the singer-songwriter performing mode. His piano-driven original songs are rhythmic, solidly tuneful and often rocking, and his vocals are emotional, energetic and earthy.

Mullan, who usually performs solo but also fronts a band called The Stormm, has experienced the gamut of gigs. “There are shows where it’s packed and shows where there are six people,” he says. “The thing is, if you’re truly wrapped up in your music, you have to treat both crowds the same. You learn to adapt to different environments.”

At Muggswigz tonight, Mullan’s performance will be proceeded at 8 p.m. by his friend Caleb Lovely, a singer, songwriter and guitarist from Pittsburgh. Each man will play original music for about an hour.

“We’ll start with someone who is a beast on the guitar, and then I’ll go on and play the piano,” Mullan says. “It’ll be a nice, long show and it enables us to diversify. Touring together gives us an extra energy. We’re bringing our ‘A’ game.”

Muggswigz is at 137 Walnut Ave. NE. Suggested cover is $4. Mullan’s CD, “Loveland,” will be available for $5. Sample his music at www.myspace.com/stevenmullanmusic - Canton Repository (written by Dan Kane)

Steven Mullan, performing Friday night at downtown Canton’s Muggswigz Coffee & Tea Co., speaks bluntly about his entree into pop songwriting.

“It was my sophomore year of college. Like every other lovey-dovey songwriter, I had a girl break up with me and I wrote a song about it,” he says. “It was awful, a terrible song. But it nonetheless got me started.”

Mullan, 22, has followed a steady path as a pop-rock musician ever since. He just graduated from Miami University in Oxford.

“I used college to develop my material,” he says. “I played a lot down there. I studied vocal performance and music composition. It was all classical music, but in my free time I was working on songwriting and pop stuff.”

As a songwriter, “I was all constipated with ideas at first, but then you gradually realize that simpler is better. And after singing arias and art songs at college, it’s so meaningful to have my own music that I can connect to.”

Mullan, a Toledo native, has a lengthy list of influences: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, Marc Broussard, James Morrison, John Mayer, Rachmaninoff.

“I don’t write anything like them, but in terms of songwriting, they’re my heroes,” he says. “Those are albums I can listen to over and over again.”

For someone who sings opera and has considerable musical-theater experience, Mullan shifts well into the singer-songwriter performing mode. His piano-driven original songs are rhythmic, solidly tuneful and often rocking, and his vocals are emotional, energetic and earthy.

Mullan, who usually performs solo but also fronts a band called The Stormm, has experienced the gamut of gigs. “There are shows where it’s packed and shows where there are six people,” he says. “The thing is, if you’re truly wrapped up in your music, you have to treat both crowds the same. You learn to adapt to different environments.”

At Muggswigz tonight, Mullan’s performance will be proceeded at 8 p.m. by his friend Caleb Lovely, a singer, songwriter and guitarist from Pittsburgh. Each man will play original music for about an hour.

“We’ll start with someone who is a beast on the guitar, and then I’ll go on and play the piano,” Mullan says. “It’ll be a nice, long show and it enables us to diversify. Touring together gives us an extra energy. We’re bringing our ‘A’ game.”

Muggswigz is at 137 Walnut Ave. NE. Suggested cover is $4. Mullan’s CD, “Loveland,” will be available for $5. Sample his music at www.myspace.com/stevenmullanmusic - Canton Repository (written by Dan Kane)

It seems like Steven Mullan, a classically-trained musician and Miami University of Ohio student, is always in the spotlight.

The Toledo native sings, performs, and has even had a couple of stints working as a model.

But if he had to choose, his music is the most important work he does.

Steve spent his winter break from school getting a little hands-on experience after going to class for voice performance, classical training, and music composition.

"In college I really want to work on just hard practicing and developing things before I get too far ahead of myself," he said.

Steve is focusing on getting that performance experience, and becoming a better writer. But that doesn't mean he can't show off his skills once in a while - playing everything from classical to pop rock music - depending on who is listening.

"I like to perform with other people, It's fun. You get to interact, and you get to grow from other people."

Steve has done plenty on his own, though. He worked to develop his musical ability at young age, singing at church and working on high school productions.

"I started playing piano, started playing drums, random instruments. Kind of when I went to college it all took off and started to make sense."

Even though Steve has branched out from the music path a little along the way, it has always been about performance.

The Glass city native has even tried a little acting and modeling for the magazine Cosmopolitan this past November.

"I've really tried to get my hands on everything that I can."

Still, Steve has always come back to his roots, which are deeply based in music.

For more on Steve and where he and his band will be performing next, access his MySpace.com page .
- Fox Toledo News (story by Allison Brown)

It seems like Steven Mullan, a classically-trained musician and Miami University of Ohio student, is always in the spotlight.

The Toledo native sings, performs, and has even had a couple of stints working as a model.

But if he had to choose, his music is the most important work he does.

Steve spent his winter break from school getting a little hands-on experience after going to class for voice performance, classical training, and music composition.

"In college I really want to work on just hard practicing and developing things before I get too far ahead of myself," he said.

Steve is focusing on getting that performance experience, and becoming a better writer. But that doesn't mean he can't show off his skills once in a while - playing everything from classical to pop rock music - depending on who is listening.

"I like to perform with other people, It's fun. You get to interact, and you get to grow from other people."

Steve has done plenty on his own, though. He worked to develop his musical ability at young age, singing at church and working on high school productions.

"I started playing piano, started playing drums, random instruments. Kind of when I went to college it all took off and started to make sense."

Even though Steve has branched out from the music path a little along the way, it has always been about performance.

The Glass city native has even tried a little acting and modeling for the magazine Cosmopolitan this past November.

"I've really tried to get my hands on everything that I can."

Still, Steve has always come back to his roots, which are deeply based in music.

For more on Steve and where he and his band will be performing next, access his MySpace.com page .
- Fox Toledo News (story by Allison Brown)

Steve Mullan, a singer, songwriter and keyboardist from Toledo, will return Wednesday night to Muggswigz Coffee & Tea at 137 Walnut Ave. in downtown Canton. Caleb Lovely will open the show at 8 p.m., followed by an hourlong Mullan set with originals and songs by the Beatles and Elton John. Suggested cover is $4.
- Canton Repository - Friday Ticket

Steve Mullan, a singer, songwriter and keyboardist from Toledo, will return Wednesday night to Muggswigz Coffee & Tea at 137 Walnut Ave. in downtown Canton. Caleb Lovely will open the show at 8 p.m., followed by an hourlong Mullan set with originals and songs by the Beatles and Elton John. Suggested cover is $4.
- Canton Repository - Friday Ticket

Miami University’s one man singer, songwriter, booker and businessman is finally returning to his small town college roots to perform where he got his start.
When asked if past Miami alumnus Steven Mullan preferred Steve or Steven he responded, “It doesn’t really matter as long as people remember my face.”
Mullan graduated from Miami in 2009. The singer/songwriter majored in vocal performance and music composition. On campus, he participated in musicals, operas and Collegiate Chorale. He also played numerous shows around campus. However, his shows consist more of a talented guy playing his material solo.
Mullan has dipped his toes in different variations and styles of music. For instance, he has performed with a beat boxer and a fiddle.
One of the coolest things though, Mullan said, was playing with a string quartet for a Dance Theatre event.
Mullan said that he never wanted to form a band.
“I wanted to play with people interested in playing,” Mullan said. “I got a chance to play with a lot of really great musicians.”
Mullan has been on tour since December 2009. He plans to return to his RedHawk roots to perform Feb. 27 at Three Tree’s Pub. Mullan has toured all over the country including Ohio, Chicago, New York and Michigan.
Mullan confessed thus far, his favorite locations were Plymouth, Mich. and Chicago.
“A packed show is always fun,” Mullan said of the Plymouth performance. “The audience was really receptive which made it very rewarding by the end of the night.”
Mullan is responsible for booking all of his own gigs.
“(A lot of my work) is business stuff instead of just the music,” Mullan said.
As he plays more shows, people network through the club circuits, and have begun to throw his name around.
When he’s not booking events, Mullan is writing lyrics and composing pieces for his upcoming performances. When he records or plays with other people he explains to them exactly out of the song.
He began writing music his sophomore year at Miami. His first song was written after a situation with a girl. As he laughed, he admitted it was a terrible song because it was his first. He said it was horrific, but that all first drafts are always the worst. Writing became a therapeutic outlet for Mullan. It allowed him to escape. Eventually, it just became something he needed to do.
As a sophomore, Mullan received help from Glen Davis, associate professor of music. Davis helped Steven with his song writing.
Mullan said Davis handed him a Beatles Anthology one day and said, “Study it and then do it.”
Mullan did.
Other inspirations include Stevie Wonder, James Morrison and Marc Brouffard. Mullan plays a few of their covers, along with other pop artists.
“I play everything from Stevie Wonder to Elton John to Justin Timberlake,” Mullan said. “I’ll even throw in some Black Eyed Peas if I’m in the mood. My music is very groove-oriented.”
Mullan first got involved with music as a kid, but as he got older he continued to progress. Mullan now plays eight instruments, but only plays two or three in his shows. At the Oxford show Feb. 27, Mullan said he would play piano and acoustic guitar.
Mullan would not be alone on stage, however. Seniors Jason Skolits, a beat boxer, and Paul Kiehm, a fiddler, will join Mullan Feb. 27.
Kiehm and Mullan first met in a small musical group called the Klezmer Ensemble. However, the ensemble did not last long.
“We gravitated toward each other,” Kiehm explained how the two began to work together once the group disbanded.
Skolits and Mullan began working together when he was looking for a beat boxer. Skolits heard about Mullan through some friends and from the a cappella group, The Cheezies. Mullan asked Skolits if he wanted to perform with him and the two have played shows together ever since.
Both men admire Mullan as a musician and friend.
“First, I would say his personality,” Kiehm said. “He is ridiculously open and extremely charismatic. Second, I admire Steve for his originality with his music. It takes a long time to put notes to paper, but he never complains about it. It is never about him … it’s always about the music.”
Skolits agreed.
“His work ethic is what I admire about Steven,” Skolits said. “As soon as he graduated, Steven made a CD and began touring. He works very hard, which is needed in this business.”
Kiehm agreed Mullan has a lot of passion.
“I realized that music was his passion from day one,” Kiehm said. “Music is his life. He is music 100 percent. Playing with Steve is a refreshing experience. He brings a lot of energy that is lacking in most college students. He is hyperactive in everything and he actually listens to your ideas. Playing with him is definitely one of my most favorite musical experiences.”
Skolits said Mullan is very easy going.
“He cares a lot about people and he has great determination,” Skolits said. “He truly cares a lot about what he does. Steven is a phenomenal musician and a great guy. He loves to entertain people.”
Mul - The Miami Student (Oxford, OH) (Miami University)

Miami University’s one man singer, songwriter, booker and businessman is finally returning to his small town college roots to perform where he got his start.
When asked if past Miami alumnus Steven Mullan preferred Steve or Steven he responded, “It doesn’t really matter as long as people remember my face.”
Mullan graduated from Miami in 2009. The singer/songwriter majored in vocal performance and music composition. On campus, he participated in musicals, operas and Collegiate Chorale. He also played numerous shows around campus. However, his shows consist more of a talented guy playing his material solo.
Mullan has dipped his toes in different variations and styles of music. For instance, he has performed with a beat boxer and a fiddle.
One of the coolest things though, Mullan said, was playing with a string quartet for a Dance Theatre event.
Mullan said that he never wanted to form a band.
“I wanted to play with people interested in playing,” Mullan said. “I got a chance to play with a lot of really great musicians.”
Mullan has been on tour since December 2009. He plans to return to his RedHawk roots to perform Feb. 27 at Three Tree’s Pub. Mullan has toured all over the country including Ohio, Chicago, New York and Michigan.
Mullan confessed thus far, his favorite locations were Plymouth, Mich. and Chicago.
“A packed show is always fun,” Mullan said of the Plymouth performance. “The audience was really receptive which made it very rewarding by the end of the night.”
Mullan is responsible for booking all of his own gigs.
“(A lot of my work) is business stuff instead of just the music,” Mullan said.
As he plays more shows, people network through the club circuits, and have begun to throw his name around.
When he’s not booking events, Mullan is writing lyrics and composing pieces for his upcoming performances. When he records or plays with other people he explains to them exactly out of the song.
He began writing music his sophomore year at Miami. His first song was written after a situation with a girl. As he laughed, he admitted it was a terrible song because it was his first. He said it was horrific, but that all first drafts are always the worst. Writing became a therapeutic outlet for Mullan. It allowed him to escape. Eventually, it just became something he needed to do.
As a sophomore, Mullan received help from Glen Davis, associate professor of music. Davis helped Steven with his song writing.
Mullan said Davis handed him a Beatles Anthology one day and said, “Study it and then do it.”
Mullan did.
Other inspirations include Stevie Wonder, James Morrison and Marc Brouffard. Mullan plays a few of their covers, along with other pop artists.
“I play everything from Stevie Wonder to Elton John to Justin Timberlake,” Mullan said. “I’ll even throw in some Black Eyed Peas if I’m in the mood. My music is very groove-oriented.”
Mullan first got involved with music as a kid, but as he got older he continued to progress. Mullan now plays eight instruments, but only plays two or three in his shows. At the Oxford show Feb. 27, Mullan said he would play piano and acoustic guitar.
Mullan would not be alone on stage, however. Seniors Jason Skolits, a beat boxer, and Paul Kiehm, a fiddler, will join Mullan Feb. 27.
Kiehm and Mullan first met in a small musical group called the Klezmer Ensemble. However, the ensemble did not last long.
“We gravitated toward each other,” Kiehm explained how the two began to work together once the group disbanded.
Skolits and Mullan began working together when he was looking for a beat boxer. Skolits heard about Mullan through some friends and from the a cappella group, The Cheezies. Mullan asked Skolits if he wanted to perform with him and the two have played shows together ever since.
Both men admire Mullan as a musician and friend.
“First, I would say his personality,” Kiehm said. “He is ridiculously open and extremely charismatic. Second, I admire Steve for his originality with his music. It takes a long time to put notes to paper, but he never complains about it. It is never about him … it’s always about the music.”
Skolits agreed.
“His work ethic is what I admire about Steven,” Skolits said. “As soon as he graduated, Steven made a CD and began touring. He works very hard, which is needed in this business.”
Kiehm agreed Mullan has a lot of passion.
“I realized that music was his passion from day one,” Kiehm said. “Music is his life. He is music 100 percent. Playing with Steve is a refreshing experience. He brings a lot of energy that is lacking in most college students. He is hyperactive in everything and he actually listens to your ideas. Playing with him is definitely one of my most favorite musical experiences.”
Skolits said Mullan is very easy going.
“He cares a lot about people and he has great determination,” Skolits said. “He truly cares a lot about what he does. Steven is a phenomenal musician and a great guy. He loves to entertain people.”
Mul - The Miami Student (Oxford, OH) (Miami University)

By: Anna Turner

Some of you may recall Amusement’s 2009 Sexiest Man Alive, Steve Mullan. For those of you lacking this quintessential memory, Steve Mullan is a 2009 Miami grad who is very, very sexy.
He graduated with a double major in music performance and music composition and has since put those degrees to use performing across the country and releasing his EP, Loveland. The seven-track compilation dabbles in music comparable to that of Michael Buble, Jason Mraz and anyone else that is sexy.
But enough about the music, what about the musician!? I’m sure you’re dying to learn everything you can about this sexy beast, and today is your lucky day! Steve Mullan Fun Facts just so happen to be my topic of choice for this article, so read on to hear this sexy anecdotes as the Sexiest Man Alive recounts them himself.

No. 1 - When I was on tour with Caleb Lovely this past December, we were pulled over by a cop soon after we peed underneath a bridge (we had to go real bad, so we pulled off to the side of the road). He got us out of the car and searched us and the car ... the whole works. He thought we were doing or trafficking drugs. Haha. Nope. Just peeing. I drink too much water.

No. 2 – Also while on tour with Caleb, we went to Taco Bell to celebrate the night. While ordering, we were hit from behind by a very drunk driver. Once she hit my car, she got out of her car and kept screaming at me, "Just be cool, man. Don't call the cops. That would not be a cool thing to do."

No. 3 - In the middle of my shows in early February, I went to my grandma's nursing home early one morning to play and sing for the residents there. Well, I gave a tambourine to one lady to play along, a shaker to another, and a cowbell to this man in the front row. About an hour into playing, my grandma started hitting this guy on the arm...and my grandma is a very sweet, very kind lady...well, I hadn't noticed, but the man had been spitting into my cowbell for the hour that I was playing: he accumulated about a 1/2 cup of spit in that cowbell. Haha.

No. 4 - After I played in NYC, I woke up to a $65 dollar parking ticket, and then 5 minutes after I was in my car, I got a $130 ticket for talking on my cell phone while driving.

No. 5 - Well, I accidentally played a show at the wrong place during this winter tour. GPS's can be very tricky sometimes. That was real cool.

Speaking of real cool, come see Steve play this Saturday at Three Trees, 77 S. Main St. The show starts at 10:30 with Adam Saxe warming up the stage for your favorite sex machine. The show is 21 and up. - Amusement (Oxford, OH) (Miami University)

By: Anna Turner

Some of you may recall Amusement’s 2009 Sexiest Man Alive, Steve Mullan. For those of you lacking this quintessential memory, Steve Mullan is a 2009 Miami grad who is very, very sexy.
He graduated with a double major in music performance and music composition and has since put those degrees to use performing across the country and releasing his EP, Loveland. The seven-track compilation dabbles in music comparable to that of Michael Buble, Jason Mraz and anyone else that is sexy.
But enough about the music, what about the musician!? I’m sure you’re dying to learn everything you can about this sexy beast, and today is your lucky day! Steve Mullan Fun Facts just so happen to be my topic of choice for this article, so read on to hear this sexy anecdotes as the Sexiest Man Alive recounts them himself.

No. 1 - When I was on tour with Caleb Lovely this past December, we were pulled over by a cop soon after we peed underneath a bridge (we had to go real bad, so we pulled off to the side of the road). He got us out of the car and searched us and the car ... the whole works. He thought we were doing or trafficking drugs. Haha. Nope. Just peeing. I drink too much water.

No. 2 – Also while on tour with Caleb, we went to Taco Bell to celebrate the night. While ordering, we were hit from behind by a very drunk driver. Once she hit my car, she got out of her car and kept screaming at me, "Just be cool, man. Don't call the cops. That would not be a cool thing to do."

No. 3 - In the middle of my shows in early February, I went to my grandma's nursing home early one morning to play and sing for the residents there. Well, I gave a tambourine to one lady to play along, a shaker to another, and a cowbell to this man in the front row. About an hour into playing, my grandma started hitting this guy on the arm...and my grandma is a very sweet, very kind lady...well, I hadn't noticed, but the man had been spitting into my cowbell for the hour that I was playing: he accumulated about a 1/2 cup of spit in that cowbell. Haha.

No. 4 - After I played in NYC, I woke up to a $65 dollar parking ticket, and then 5 minutes after I was in my car, I got a $130 ticket for talking on my cell phone while driving.

No. 5 - Well, I accidentally played a show at the wrong place during this winter tour. GPS's can be very tricky sometimes. That was real cool.

Speaking of real cool, come see Steve play this Saturday at Three Trees, 77 S. Main St. The show starts at 10:30 with Adam Saxe warming up the stage for your favorite sex machine. The show is 21 and up. - Amusement (Oxford, OH) (Miami University)