A Go-To Producer, Burgeoning Pop Singer Stephens Now Takes the Mic

Steve Visneau
A Go-To Producer, Burgeoning Pop Singer Stephens Now Takes the Mic

Producer, songwriter and recording artist John Allen Stephens, 32, is arguably one of the most important people in Houston’s music scene. As the owner of Third Coast Recording Co., a private recording studio he runs out of his East End home, Stephens has produced albums for many of H-Town’s top acts, including The Suffers, Camera Cult, Space Kiddettes, Tee Vee and Mantra Love.


Stephens has an artist career of his own, though, and will drop his R&B- and pop-tinged sophomore LP this summer, an autobiographical album that delves into what the young musician has learned from his past mistakes. “I’ve been wild my whole life,” he chuckles, before mentioning that one of the singles from the album is titled “Molotov.” (Listeners will have to pay close attention to the lyrics to find out why.)

Stephens encourages fans to check out his Bandcamp, where he’s releasing lots of new tunes recorded during quarantine, on Fridays, when the site waives fees and sends 100 percent of revenue to artists. 

Click here to see the full 2020 portfolio.

Art + Entertainment

A moment from 'The House,' choreographed by Nao Kusuzaki

WALKING THE GROUNDS of the Heights Ironworks is like stepping back in time, making it the ideal location for choreographer and former Houston Ballet soloist Nao Kusuzaki’s immersive dance performance, The House. Created for Houston Contemporary Dance Company and running Feb. 8-10 (5pm, 7pm and 9pm), The House explores the groundbreaking accomplishments of Barbara Jordan, the first African American elected to the Texas Senate after Reconstruction, and Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird. Although Jordan and Lee’s paths never crossed, Kusuzaki imagines them as guests at the Yale House, a five-room historic landmark built in 1903.

Keep Reading Show less
Art + Entertainment

Navy Blue's branzino (photo by Caroline Fontenot)

WINE, CANDLES AND FINE cuisine — almost all the elements needed for a romantic evening. Not into the crowds or strict reservations this Valentine’s Day? When you want to woo your loved one your way, consider Navy Blue’s Mondays with Molly.
Keep Reading Show less