Stephen Kohler

Growing up in a musical family, Stephen Kohler developed a deep connection to art and performance. His influences began at home: a father who played trumpet and sang in choirs; three brothers whose talents spanned trumpet, piano, and guitar; a grandmother who was a published author and actress; and a grandfather who painted beautiful landscapes.

Stephen began his musical journey on trumpet at age 12, performing in classical orchestras, marching bands, and jazz ensembles, and touring Europe along the way. Guitar, piano, vocals, and other stringed instruments eventually joined his repertoire, igniting a lifelong passion for rock and pop.

Inspired by everyone from ABBA to Van Halen to Ben Folds, Stephen blends melodic hooks with a rhythmic punch. Over the next 30 years, he composed, recorded, and performed in numerous original pop-rock bands, including Onyx and the buzz-worthy Delusions of Grandeur with his good friend Steve Frisbie. His performances have taken him to historic venues including Metro, Lounge Ax, Double Door, and SPACE. Along the way, he has shared the stage with musicians including Jason Narducy (Verbow, Bob Mould, Superchunk), Frisbie, Nora O’Connor (The Flat Five, The Decemberists, Mavis Staples), and Aaron Whisnant (Albert Hill, Dezeray’s Hammer).

When the world stopped amid the COVID pandemic, Stephen found himself at home surrounded by instruments, a basement full of recording equipment, and a strong desire to creatively reflect on what everyone was experiencing. As he laid the groundwork for a new album, he reached out to longtime friend, producer, and composer Liam Davis. Their collaboration became Daydream, Stephen’s solo debut, released in June 2022.

Released in early 2025, Stephen’s second album, Anthem, brought together his passion for rock, power-pop, and groove, featuring pop-rock anthems including “Emergency Exit,” “Anthem,” and “Riptide.” He followed it in 2026 with “Paintbrush” and “Step Into Your Shoes,” the latest singles from his forthcoming third album.