Stephen DeFrancesco ('16) Launches Professional Music Career

Quite a few college students have jam sessions with their friends during the weekends to blow off some steam after a week of intense school work. For Stephen DeFrancesco (‘16) and his two best friends at Samford, however, their jam sessions have become a professional gig.

Stephen and his band, Steve and the Roommates, released their first EP titled “Searching” in February 2019. This collection of three original indie/alternative tracks is the product of two years of singing, songwriting, and ultimately, recording.

“We had been playing these songs around town for over a year, so when it came to recording we wanted to make sure we recorded the best possible version of these songs possible,” said Stephen. “From recording to editing to mastering, it took about two months to get everything finalized.”

Stephen’s musical career path began at Cornerstone in the sixth grade, when he took his first guitar elective. From that point on, he continued to dive into music, eventually picking up singing and learning to play the piano. He found his true passion for music through leading worship in chapel and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

“I have seen how music can speak to people in unique ways,” said Stephen. “I love the way it can make people feel things and express things that they don’t know how to otherwise express.”

When he started college at Samford University in the fall of 2016, he didn’t miss a beat and quickly started playing music with his future bandmates who he met his first weekend at school. He later became the director of musical entertainment for Samford’s Student Activities Council and plans many of Samford’s musical events, including a monthly concert series with up-and-coming artists.

Stephen couldn’t be more excited to share his music with the world and thanks the people who encouraged him and his band to pursue their dream. 

To purchase a copy of Stephen’s EP “Searching,” click here.

About Stephen DeFrancesco

Stephen graduated from Cornerstone Preparatory Academy in 2016. He attends Samford University, where he is majoring in journalism and mass communication with a minor in marketing. In addition to serving as the director of musical entertainment for the Samford Student Activities Council, he is also the graphic design intern for the Office of Admission and a writer and photographer for the Samford yearbook. After graduating college, Stephen hopes to work for a newspaper/magazine or an advertising and communications firm.