Bozeman’s music scene is constantly evolving—and one of its most exciting recent additions is the high-energy band StevenStephen. Known for its electric stage presence and genre-blending sound, the group has made a name for itself at local venues and festivals over the past two years. With driving melodies, powerful vocals, and a deep spirit of collaboration, StevenStephen is carving out its own lane in Montana’s music landscape.

The band draws from a wide spectrum of styles—alternative, folk, Americana, punk, grunge, and rock—anchored by distorted guitars, dynamic rhythms, and a loud, groovy bass line. Their sound is as eclectic as their story.

StevenStephen was founded in spring 2023 by Fildza Rizal, a versatile and introspective musician originally from New York City. After moving to Bozeman, she performed solo for a time, layering drums, bass, and synths while accompanying herself on guitar and vocals. When invited to open for the Minnesota-based band Keep for Cheap at the Labor Temple in Bozeman, Fildza realized how much she missed performing with other musicians.

“At that moment, I knew I wanted to be in a band again,” she says.

Her husband, Thomas Roberts, stepped in on percussion. But to fully bring her vision to life, she needed a bassist and a guitarist. As a violinist with the Bozeman Symphony, Fildza asked members of the bass section after a rehearsal if anyone would be interested in joining a band. That’s when she met Scott Stebbins. A rehearsal was quickly set up to try out her original material. After that session, Scott brought in his longtime friend and guitarist Gordon Sevee—and the band was born. Their first live show at the Labor Temple sealed the deal. “We had such a fun set,” recalls Fildza. “It just clicked—we’ve been playing together ever since.”

Despite being the founder and primary songwriter, Fildza is modest about her leadership role. “I still blush thinking of myself as a leader,” she says. “Deep down, I just wanted to write music and share my story. Having three talented, highly experienced musicians bring my songs to life feels like pure luck.”

The name StevenStephen first came to Fildza in 2017 while performing at open mics in New York. At the time, she felt the need to adopt an alter ego—something to help her share vulnerable emotions with confidence. Inspired by Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks, she chose “Steven” as a tribute.

“I wanted a name that might make people assume I was a guy—so I could surprise them with strength and femininity,” she explains. “I didn’t want anyone to make assumptions just because I appeared to be a ‘dainty little girl.’ I wanted a clean slate.”

Fildza’s songwriting process is deeply intuitive. Most songs come to her in flashes—while riding the train, walking through the grocery store, or during moments of quiet reflection. Many are written in under an hour. She journals daily to tap into her thoughts, and by the time a song is brought to the band, it’s fully formed. “Then I let everyone decide how they want to contribute. That collaboration makes it feel alive.”

A lifelong musician, Fildza began piano lessons at age six, later picking up violin and electric guitar. She’s never had formal vocal training beyond middle school choir, but her two decades of violin study have taught her essential skills in tonality, articulation, and rhythm. Now, she shares her talent by teaching violin lessons.

“I don’t see much of a difference between being in a symphony and being in a rock band,” she says. “Both require deep listening, technical ability, and powerful energy. The main difference? No conductor—and people can get hammered in the audience.”

The band’s musical influences are as diverse as its members. Thomas has a jazz background, Scott and Gordo come from bluegrass, and Fildza brings both classical training and a love of rock. Their collective experience shows in the way they approach their music—with a lyrical sensibility and an appreciation for form and feeling. “We bring the soul of the blues, the tightness of a jazz standard, and the belief that music is profound when we all bring our best,” says Fildza.

Among their favorite songs to perform is Walk on the Wild Side by Lou Reed, a crowd-pleaser that never fails to get people dancing. Their original song Enemy is built on a simple four-chord progression and has quickly become a fan favorite. Their latest track, Na Na, is a personal favorite of Fildza’s. “It captures who we are right now—dynamic, purposeful, and in sync.”

For Fildza, music has always been a place of refuge and expression. As a teenager, she spent hours alone in her room, practicing and writing. “I’ve always struggled to express myself without an instrument or pen,” she says. “Music has been the longest discipline I’ve ever committed to.”

Outside of music, Fildza is grounded in the simple joys of life. She enjoys reading, writing, baking cookies, taking long walks, and connecting with her community. “Music is everywhere—in the mundane and the extraordinary,” she says. “I just try to keep my ears and my heart open to it all.”

StevenStephen recently played its second SLAM Festival, and performs regularly at Bozeman venues like Bridger Brewing, The Grey Dog Bar, Bozeman Hot Springs, and The Haufbrau. They’re currently working on their first EP, and plan to release music for streaming soon.

Follow their journey on Insta: @_stevenstephen    

Peggy Stebbins is an experienced public relations and communications professional with a passion for freelance writing. She is proud to call Bozeman, Montana home