Growing Up With Gospel Music and Family Harmonies

Steven's musical foundation began during his childhood, when he and his sisters, Sierra and Shanté, accompanied their parents to choir rehearsals. Surrounded by gospel music, they naturally developed an appreciation for harmonies, vocal arrangements, and the power of collective singing. Their enthusiasm extended beyond rehearsals, inspiring them to create their own a cappella sessions at home.

That early exposure helped shape Steven's understanding of music as both an emotional outlet and a form of connection. Alongside his sisters, he eventually achieved recognition as part of Trilogy, a gospel group that reached the Billboard charts. This experience provided a valuable foundation in vocal performance and musical collaboration, preparing him for the creative challenges of pursuing a career independently.

Although gospel remained an important influence, Steven's artistic identity continued to develop as he discovered new sounds and musical possibilities.

Steven Thad, also known as Stephen Leslie, Jr., is an R&B singer, songwriter, and producer whose musical journey reflects a deep connection to gospel traditions, family influences, and the timeless appeal of soulful melodies. From growing up in a musically gifted household in the DMV (Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) area to establishing himself as an independent solo artist, Steven has steadily developed a sound that blends heartfelt storytelling with rich vocal harmonies. With his latest single, “Smile,” he continues to explore new emotional dimensions while staying true to the musical roots that shaped him.

Discovering His Own Sound Beyond Gospel

Steven's journey toward becoming a solo artist began in 2014, when he left for college. For the first time, he started exploring the music his friends listened to rather than relying primarily on the gospel records that had surrounded his childhood.

This period introduced him to different musical styles and encouraged him to experiment with his own creative instincts. As his musical interests expanded, so did his understanding of songwriting, production, and the sounds he wanted to create.

In 2018, Steven began releasing a cappella covers and freestyles on SoundCloud, using the platform to share his interpretations of familiar songs and develop his artistic voice. Around the same time, he spent considerable time learning from Grammy-nominated producer Dana Soréy. Observing Dana's approach to music production helped Steven build the confidence to create his own beats and take greater control of his recordings.

Rather than rushing his development, Steven dedicated years to refining his sound through albums and EPs featuring cover songs. This gradual process allowed him to strengthen his technical abilities while discovering what made his own musical perspective distinctive.

“Love, R&B”: A Personal Tribute to the Genre

In October 2022, Steven Thad released Love, R&B, his first project featuring primarily original music and celebrating his passion for R&B. Tracks like “RNB,” “Do You Remember?,” and “Goodbye, Farewell” highlight his soulful vocals, rich harmonies, and memorable melodies. Impressively, Steven recorded, mixed, and produced the entire album in his bedroom, showcasing his independence and creativity. In 2023, with help from Dana Soréy, he released Love, R&B (Deluxe), featuring live renditions that brought fresh emotion and depth to his original songs.

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“Smile”: A New Chapter in Steven Thad's R&B Journey

With his latest single, “Smile,” Steven continues to develop a more mature and soulful musical identity. The track centers on a heartfelt promise to help someone special rediscover happiness, expressing love through reassurance, tenderness, and emotional commitment.

His smooth falsetto plays an important role in communicating the song's vulnerability. Rather than relying solely on vocal power, Steven uses subtle expression and melodic phrasing to convey the depth of his feelings. This approach allows the song's central message to remain personal and relatable.

“Smile” also reflects the evolution of an artist who has spent years learning how to translate his experiences and influences into original music. The gospel harmonies of his childhood, the experimentation of his college years, and the independence he developed through self-producing Love, R&B all contribute to the creative perspective he brings to his latest release.

For listeners drawn to soulful R&B, intimate songwriting, and expressive vocals, the single offers another glimpse into Steven's developing artistry.

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