Bio / Press

Booking contact: kunzsongs@gmail.com 

Steve Kunzman is a New Jersey–based singer-songwriter whose music weaves together storytelling, musicianship, and a lifelong passion for song. While primarily a guitarist, Steve is equally at home on mandolin, dobro (square-neck), and banjo, and often lends his skills as a sideman, adding tasteful accompaniment and harmony for other artists. He has performed across the Northeast both as a solo artist and with bands, earning a reputation for versatility and authenticity on stage.

Steve has released three albums of original music. His debut, Find the Moon (2003), was co-produced with John Kurgan, who engineered, mixed, and mastered the project. Steve played most of the instruments himself, joined by Bo Child (mandolin), Eric Plotkin (bass), Bill Hemberger (percussion), and Adam Krass (violin). His second album, Back Home (2013), was produced, engineered, and mixed by Grammy-winner Ben Wisch and features Kevin Barry (guitars, lap steel, dobro), Zev Katz (bass), Chris Marshak (drums), Alana Arian (violin, backing vocals), and Wisch on piano. Both albums remain available on CD and major streaming platforms.

His forthcoming release, Under the Moon (2025), reunites him with Wisch, Katz, and Barry, while also adding Cameron Wisch (percussion) and Patty Antol (backing vocals). The album captures Steve’s ongoing evolution as a songwriter—blending warmth, craft, and emotional honesty. In addition to his studio albums, Steve continues to write prolifically, often sharing works-in-progress on his website, where listeners can hear him experimenting with new songs.

Steve’s musical journey began in childhood, sparked by early guitar lessons alongside friends Steve Walters and Jay Field—lessons delivered by a teacher who arrived in a white Corvette, fueling both competition and camaraderie. The two Steves threw themselves into songwriting and performing, eventually playing together as The Even Stevens and later the electrified band Amplified Heat. From those beginnings, Steve has carried music with him through every stage of life—performing in bands, duos, trios, and solo throughout high school in New Jersey, college in central New York, law school in Vermont, and into his professional career.

Outside of music, Steve earned his undergraduate degree from Colgate University before receiving both a law degree and a master’s degree in environmental law from Vermont Law School. He went on to build a distinguished career as an AV-rated attorney, focusing on environmental matters, before retiring from legal practice to devote more time to music.

Steve became more focused on songwriting after attending Rosanne Cash’s Essence of Songwriting program at the Omega Institute. Upon release of Find the Moon,  Steve was praised by Cash herself:

“Steve is an incredibly valuable voice in the workshop. He brings a level of sensitivity, skill, and instinct that is totally original and beautifully honest. I was, and remain, a fan of Steve’s writing, playing, and singing.”

Steve lives in New Jersey with his wife, Jane, an artist and arts educator. Together they share the joy of a large family—four children and three grandchildren—while Steve continues to balance songwriting, performing, and recording.

Influences

Rosanne Cash, Doc Watson, Steve Earle, Rodney Crowell, Beatles, John Lennon, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia, and many others

Press Info

Downloadable - Reviews, Photos and Bio. [Coming Soon]