By Edna Peirce Dixon
Five years ago, when Steven Walks On The Grass started writing the story of his spiritual journey, Long Road Home, the first line said, “I was born broken.” From there, his childhood went mostly downhill until “I started doing drugs, weed, uppers, downers, all arounders, anything to help me deal with this hole in me.” His youthful drive and talents as a vocalist put him on a path to heavy metal rock success in the 1970’s, but in the end, demon heroin would have its way.
Now, after some 37 years in prison, 7 of those in solitary confinement, for crimes committed to feed a relentless heroin addiction, Steven is free at last and working hard to rise clean and sober from the ashes and scars of his own self-destruction. While overcoming his addiction and doing the time for his crimes, Steven learned to survive within the most violent of supper-max penitentiaries.
It would be the power of Native American brotherhood in spiritual ceremony and a deep connection to his music that gave Steven a strong sense of purpose and the will to change. Though some may not see it, (mothers always do) beneath the rough exterior and air of confidence lies a tender heart and the vulnerability of one who cares deeply about the future yet feels unsure about finding his place in it.
Thus, finding the opportunity, the courage, and indeed, the trust to move forward while learning the ways of people on the outside have not always been easy. Steven learned generosity of spirit from his beloved wife, Janice, and many others who kindly helped him learn the basics of navigating through this confusing new world. He also learned caution from some who would mistake his naivete for weakness, and without conscience, take unfair advantage of his generosity of spirit. This left yet another empty hole where friendship had been intended and earned. But lessons learned, Steven moved forward undaunted. Eventually, having long since tired of singing the same old cover standards again and again at open mics around town, a new way opened.
In late Spring of ‘24, as if by providence, Steven met up with Adam Stanger, a fellow old-timer, a guitarist with the spirit and the skill to do the hard work of creating new and original music. Only then did Steven feel comfortable with revisiting some of the many deeply meaningful poems and song lyrics he wrote during those difficult prison years. Before long magic began to happen as the two worked on blending bass riffs with lyrics, bringing Steven’s poignant stories to life. Then one day the two worked out the basics of a brand new song and it too quickly took on a life of its own.
With the addition of drummer, Lance Gregory, in early July, one by one, experimental tracks for the first 5 songs were laid down. Still a lead guitarist was needed so the three worked on through the summer with Adam recording tracks for both bass and melody. By now, the goal of making an EP album was firmly in mind despite lingering uncertainties.
Then in mid-September, only a month before their first live performance, Nathan Winkler, a rising young guitarist with rare skill and finesse, agreed to come on board and quickly learned his part for all five songs. Finally, the new WREKLESS was complete and ready to rock and roll.
It was a chilly October night for an outdoor performance at the Blue Grouch Pub in Springfield, IL, but the band was revved up and ready to “test drive” their upcoming EP and please the audience of friends and well-wishers who came out to see the show. Comedian Stoney Bologna served as MC and opened the show introducing the band as WREKLESS took the stage.
Steven began by telling a bit about his personal history and then, one by one, introduced each of the songs describing stories of his life experiences. As Steven and the band all well know, every song in its own way speaks to harsh realities that affect the lives of many in some way. Their hope is that others will find comfort in the words of each song, knowing someone truly understands:
Pirate, a fanciful tale of infamous criminals of the past plying their trade on the high seas, a metaphor, perhaps, for latter day robbers and thieves.
Breathe tells of an unforgettable personal experience when, despite desperate efforts to save him, a friend dies from his heroin addiction.
White Noise, in words too clear to mistake, Steven sings of his pain, helplessness and regret while in the throes of his own heroin addiction. Still recognizing the blessings in his life that so many others do not have, he cries, “I’ve lost my way!” He wills himself to “Find it, find it, find it!” But peace does not come, “Just go away!“
Hoka Hey, One evening when Steven and Adam were in studio working alone, Adam began playing a new riff. Something in the tempo struck a chord with Steven and in a flash he began singing. Making up inspired verses on the fly, the themes and riffs of the song began to take shape. telling the story of manifest destiny and the Native Peoples’ struggles against the invasion of their lands. From the broken treaties to the boarding schools, the verses tell of the forced demise of Native history, cultures, languages. This dark cloud over our collective American Story needs to be told and will surely resonate with Natives and all people of conscience. Steven introduced Hoka Hey, a warriors cry meaning A good day to die, by talking about his own Native heritage and experiences with the American Indian Movement’s push for the rights of Native inmates to practice their religion within the federal prison system.
Footnote, inspired by Steven’s own deep depression as he went through months of painful treatment for a devastating illness. His salvation was his music and the unwavering support of Native brothers, but still he frequently visited thoughts of suicide. Footnote offers deep empathy, understanding and hope to others for whom life has become unbearable.
Still today, Steven struggles with his own PTSD and gains comfort through a giant rabbit he calls, Piggy. Her silly antics were the inspiration for the name, Wrekless Rabbit Studios where Steven and Janice work to earn a living. Steven can do what he loves to do while providing services for other musicians, always welcoming the growing Wrekless Rabbit Nation of clients and friends.
In the coming weeks, WREKLESS will record these first five songs for an upcoming EP to be released on YouTube and other streaming platforms at 11:58pm CT on December 31st.
Meanwhile, after a few days’ rest, the band will be back in studio hard at work on seven more original songs for a future LP album. Stay tuned. No telling what magic these Wrekless Rabbit Nation warriors might come up with as the Music With a Message continues.
E.P.Dixon, aka, Sings Many Songs, Steven’s proud adopted mom.
Journeys of the Spirit 