Australian solo artist Steven Pirois began 2024 with the goal of taking a mass of half-finished lyrics, riffs and musical ideas from the previous 20 years and turn them into something tangible. Fast-forward 12 months, and he’s over-delivered on that goal, churning out three albums since April.
The Melbourne-based self-proclaimed computer nerd had dabbled in music production over the years but took things to a new level last year. He began experimenting with AI music tools, which helped him plug the gaps in specific skills and directions and refine his music in ways he hadn’t previously explored. Steven blends various styles and genres in a diverse sound that he summarises with the phrase “Hustle to Harmony” – the concept of piecing together a patchwork of ideas around the central theme of self-improvement.
And on the sound he’s crafted, Steven told us: “My sound is a patchwork of contrasting styles, where different – sometimes clashing – audio elements come together to serve a deeper theme. One example of this is a track on the album called The Power of Low Self-Esteem, which combines blues guitar with a subtle didgeridoo in the intro.
“The album as a whole is meant to be experienced in its entirety, with each track offering a unique perspective tied to the overarching narrative of self-improvement and personal growth. Growing up in the 80s, my music carries a deep respect for that era’s pop sounds, instrumentation, and meaningful lyrics. While the sound might shift from track to track, there’s always a throughline of thoughtful exploration and emotional depth.”
Steven sent us Rites of Passage, from the latest of his three albums Shadow Gains, which was released in December. It opens up with a light lick that continues as drums and supporting chords kick in, then drops into engaging vocals. Guitars join in as the vocals intensify and the riff returns to bridge into a faster verse, setting up a powerful chorus of heavier vocals. A second chorus ends with repeats of “rites of passage” over heavier guitars and drums, before the pace drops to set up a lively conclusion.
On the track, Steven told us: “Rites of Passage weaves nu-metal and industrial sounds into a gritty, high-energy track. Those who’ve heard it have compared it to bands like Omen and Born of Osiris, which is incredibly humbling.
“When I hesitantly shared it with my best friend – someone who used to tour the Melbourne pub scene with his band – his response was, ‘It’s good. I get a Sevendust vibe from it, and they’re one of my favorite bands.’ That feedback alone makes me feel like I’ve hit the mark, even if I hear nothing else. For anyone who hasn’t listened yet, expect a raw, driving energy that channels both heaviness and transformation – a true rite of passage in every sense.”
But if you’re expecting an album packed with similar metal-tinged goodness, then think again. The album explores diverse sounds and genres, including the violin-supported pop ballad Barber Pole, the funky electronic Shadow Sentence, the jazzy Strangeness and the jaunty concluding track Past, Present, Future.
On the album, Steven said: “The reception to Shadow Gains has been mostly positive, but it’s been an interesting journey. Each track is an experiment in a different musical style, so liking one song doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll like them all—but that’s part of the fun. Each track on the album is the culmination of careful research, deep reflection, and creative exploration. I’ve poured my heart and mind into these pieces, and hope they resonate with any that stumble upon them as much as they have with me in their creation.”
Of course, Steven’s music has been heavily aided by the use of AI tools – which remains a point of contention for some. Steven addressed this by explaining: “Those who are critical often focus on the AI element, while fans appreciate the strong thematic focus on self-development and maintaining a positive mental attitude. For me, releasing this album at 43 feels deeply personal. Some riffs date back to when I was 19, while song styles came to me during random moments – like walking across a railway track in my early 30s.
“The album is a culmination of years of inspiration, blending the raw human touch with the creative potential of AI. To those who see AI music as soulless, I’d say they’re missing the point. Shadow Gains is a testament to the stories, struggles, and reflections that shaped it, regardless of the tools used to bring it to life.”
Unsurprisingly, Steven brings a wide range of musical influences to the table, from the theatrical storytelling of rock opera, particularly Ayreon, to progressive metal bands like Opeth and Porcupine Tree and the solo work of Steven Wilson. While Australia’s live music has also been inspirational, stemming from seeing bands like The Living End, Cog, and Grinspoon perform on the Melbourne pub circuit.
And on what inspires him to write music, Steven told us: “My writing is heavily influenced by a collection of notebooks I’ve kept over the years – filled with ideas, lyrics, and reflections. The central themes often revolve around belonging, redemption, and the journey toward self-improvement.
“A recurring thread is the attempt to adopt a stoic mindset – learning to navigate life with resilience and clarity. I explore the idea of redemption, focusing on getting over your own ego, learning from past mistakes, and course-correcting while there’s still time to make a meaningful impact.”
Steven’s impressive productivity won’t come to a halt moving into the new year, as he looks forward to a project partnering with local musicians to further the ideas in his latest album. As he explains: “This collaboration will allow us to expand on the ideas introduced in Shadow Gains while delving into aspects of music that AI tools haven’t yet fully tapped into—emotional nuance, spontaneous improvisation, and the unique chemistry that happens when artists create together in real time.
“This project isn’t just about refining these tracks; it’s about blending the structured possibilities of AI with the organic unpredictability of human creativity. By incorporating feedback I’ve received about both AI-generated music and the compositions on Shadow Gains, I hope to showcase how AI can complement traditional artistry. Rather than replacing human input, I see AI as a tool that opens doors to new possibilities and enriches the creative process.
“Through this collaboration, I aim to bridge the gap between skepticism and curiosity in the music industry regarding AI’s role in art. By combining AI’s precision and innovation with the raw, authentic input of live musicians, I hope to create something that feels both groundbreaking and deeply personal—pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in music.”
You can follow Steven on Twitter and TikTok, and check out his music on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.
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