Music
Press
From Rock to Country, and everything in between, this band has a lot to draw on. Steve Straker and the boys churn out a gritty, unique blend of country fried rock, with a heapin' helpin' of rhythm and blues." - Houston Music News
When I first heard Steve Straker sing - just him and his guitar - at a benefit, I was struck by the sheer honesty of his voice and content of his songs. He didn't remind me of any other singer/songwriter, and I found myself listening to him very carefully. That was two years ago, and now with this new recording and a great band, Straker is a MUST SEE on any stage! Great songs, great vocals and an amazing band. - Mary Minter, August Music International
Discography
"Trouble Down in Texas," released April 2013, features ten original songs showcasing Steve's deep, rich vocal delivery and wild rockabilly guitar style.
Photos
Bio
Most writers instinctively know that all of life is material from which to draw. Certainly this is the case with Steve Straker. Born in Heights Hospital in Houston, Texas, Steves parents appreciated the magical music era of the 70's and gave their son his first guitar when he was just 12 years old.
And so it began...Steve spent most of his early adolescence playing along with records from KISS, AC/DC, Van Halen and just about any other guitar driven music on the scene.
After high school graduation Steve spent a couple of years in college at Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. However, since he couldn't decide on a major, he soon dropped out. Next, Steve decided on beauty school, but he dropped out as he neared completion.
Then came marriage to his childhood sweetheart in 1993- a marriage that fell apart after 13 years, leaving Steve in an emotional tailspin. The couple never had children, and Steve was on his own for the first time in his adult life.
Once divorced, Steve dove head first into his music. He began to write songs of heartbreak, and hung around local musicians at blues jams around Houston, including Dan Electro's, Big Easy and others. Steve soon joined up with a local cow punk band, the DeadEnd Cowboys, where his lead guitar playing skills carved a sound which would soon become his own.
Steve spent two years playing Tuesday nights at the Last Concert Cafe, where he eventually met his future band members. First came drummer Richey Dale, followed by bassist Chuck Bell. They would soon become Steve Straker and the Troublemakers.
One of those nights at Last Concert Cafe Steve met a musician and producer named Richard Cagle. Cagle took Steve into Montrose Records Studio, and over the next year recorded what would one day be "Trouble Down in Texas."
Links
