It’s one of the biggest payoffs for a musician: seeing audience members having a good time and knowing it’s because of the music. In that respect, Santa Maria’s latest band has reaped many rewards in its short life.
Steppin’ Out is a six-piece ensemble that’s been grooving the local dance scene with a mix of hip-shaking, body-rocking tunes since earlier this year.
Mike Arriola started the band after reconnecting with some old band mates. The chemistry was instant, and Steppin’ Out began stirring up audiences and tearing up the dance floor.
“Since word has gotten out that we’re a band, we’ve been nonstop busy doing shows and private events,” Arriola said. “It’s been a lot of fun.”
Sporting a cool R&B sound infused with a little Latin rhythm, Steppin’ Out is stepping it up on the local music scene. The band includes Brian Herrmann as vocalist, keyboardist, and “synth” master. He aims to bring back the eclectic sounds of the ’80s while infusing his own stylings of urban jazz, soul classics, and a touch of reggae. James Conver keeps a soulful beat; JR Juanich provides a rocking rhythm; Joe Duran holds down “the bottom” on bass guitar; Lisa Duran lends her impeccable vocal range, and Arriola handles sax, percussion, and lead vocals.
Influenced by the sounds of Motown, old school, Latin rock, doo wop, and the singing styles of Luther Vandross and Elvis, Arriola has been a musician all his life.
“I like playing good music with good friends for good people,” he said.
His passion for music shows in his performances. Known for his enthusiasm on stage, Arriola met his match with co-vocalist Duran, who is just as willing to get audiences up on their feet. Her powerful vocals and onstage energy are strong enough to match Arriola’s presence, and together they make for a good show.
“Lisa, she’s a very big crowd pleaser,” Arriola said.
Arriola has made a name for himself with local audiences. Familiar to many from his days as front man for Soulamente, Arriola is known for his onstage antics and his tendency to get audiences involved no matter what it takes. Juanich and Conver both played with Arriola in Soulamente, and their familiarity has helped the new band find its stride.
“It’s a comfortable situation,” Arriola said. “We know what to expect, and there’s not as much guesswork.”
Familiarity with audiences has also helped the band build up a quick fan base. Many people recognize the members from previous groups they’ve played with, and word has spread.
“There’s definitely a fan base built in from that,” Arriola said. “A lot of friends have been taken by surprise because they didn’t know we had started our own thing, but once they got word, they started showing up.”
But don’t mistake this group for the same old thing. Steppin’ Out promises their show will never be predictable.
“Every now and then, we’ll branch into something a little different,” Arriola explained, “just to throw people off.”
Arts Editor Shelly Cone is never predictable. Contact her at scone@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Dec 10-17, 2009.