R&B Sensation Steven Thad Gives Listeners Something to 'Smile' About
- Aaris Grant
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
His latest single, 'Smile', pairs a smooth melody with soulful lyrics about love and relationships, reminiscent of R&B hits by legends like Al Green and The Isley Brothers. But DMV-based indie artist Steven Thad has solid roots in the church, and his passion for gospel music runs deep.
A Church Kid at Heart
Before forming the group 'Trilogy' with his sisters Sierra and Shante, Steven and his siblings would often harmonize with each other after choir rehearsals. They had success singing songs like their 2022 single, 'Jesus Loves Me,' and have many fond memories in church. Steven describes himself as a "kid who laughed at everything".
He recalls a funny moment when a kid next to him fell asleep during Sunday service. Steven tried his best to catch him, but failed. Though unharmed, the boy's fall made a loud thumping sound that echoed through the quiet sanctuary. He woke up to find all his friends laughing at him after his head hit the wooden pew. Of course, Steven felt bad. But it was moments like this that helped foster a love for the community that a solid church family provides.
Like many church kids, Steven was raised in a "Gospel-Only" household. It wasn't until he left for college that he developed an appreciation for other genres of music.
Steven Thad's Musical Influences
Steven grew up around award-winning musicians like Dana Sorey and Tye Tribbett, and credits them, along with his father, Stephen Leslie, who hung up his drumsticks to pursue a career in accounting, and now works as a successful CPA. "I wouldn't be the musician that I am...if it weren't for Tye, if it weren't for the choir GA, if it weren't for 'Soundcheck'," Steven admits.
"I'm so grateful to have grown up in a time when they impressed upon me their innovation. Steven recognizes the impact that these influences had on his development. "What they did has not been replicated to this day. I think that people come close to it, but some things come once in a generation, once in a lifetime, and that was one of those moments. Even as a kid, I knew that."
A "Not So Lowkey" Genuis
Musicianship isn't the only thing Steven gained from the male examples in his life. He has also achieved extreme academic success. Steven graduated with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. "It sounds complicated, but it's not as complicated as you think it is."
Though skilled in both fields, Steven approaches music and science differently.
"Doing what I'm doing as a solo artist is harder than bioengineering", Steven explains. "There was always one answer. When you solve a mathematical equation, you're going to get the same answer each time."
However, in Steven's eyes, the music business lacks the same consistency. He considers aspects like last-minute performance changes, posting on social media, and staying relevant to be far more overwhelming. "I think with music it's a lot more dynamic. I had to learn how to adjust"
Giving Back to the Community
Steven is a fan of early 2000's pop music and draws inspiration from skilled vocalists. He lists artists like Mary Mary and Beyoncé Knowles as examples of experts in their craft.
In her 2025 book release, 'Matriarch: A Memoir,' Tina Knowles recounts a memory where she asked her daughter, Beyoncé, and the other members of Destiny's Child to help purchase vans for their church instead of spending all their money on new cars.
When asked what he would buy for his church when he earns a big royalty check from his music, Steven responded that a scholarship specifically for Black women in STEM would be ideal.
"I know how important college is...and if there's any way that I can contribute to the advancement of my people," Steven states that he understands that higher education has historically been a means for us to get ahead and start building generational wealth for ourselves. "If there's any way I can help us do that, I would."
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