Biography
Composer and keyboardist Steve Molitz has played over a thousand shows around the world since he started his career as a touring musician in 2000. His Los Angeles based electrorock band Particle has played all the major US festivals from Bonnaroo to Lollapalooza, and has received critical praise from Rolling Stone, CNN, and The New York Times. Their 2004 instrumental studio album (produced by Tom Rothrock) was named one of the Top Ten albums of 2004 by the Associated Press, and was later remixed by Groove Armada’s Tom Findlay.Molitz has also played hundreds of shows since 2004 as a member of Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh’s touring band, Phil Lesh & Friends. In 2005, Grateful Dead percussionist and Grammy award winning world musician Mickey Hart joined Molitz and Particle for a 30 city U.S. tour under the name Hydra. Molitz has also recorded and performed live with a wide range of top musicians spanning genres from Pop and Electronica to Rock and Americana. Highlights include performances with The Allman Brothers Band, Chris Robinson (Black Crowes), Levon Helm (The Band), Tricky, G Love, and members of The Doors, Phish, and Dave Matthews Band.
Known in part for his innovative approach to playing and programming vintage keyboards and analog synthesizers, Molitz has made several appearances at Moogfest (A Tribute to Bob Moog), and recently participated in the development and design of the latest Moog Synthesizer, the Little Phatty. He also recently completed an interview along with the likes of Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock for The Fender Rhodes Story, a forthcoming documentary about the Fender Rhodes Electric Piano. Molitz´s music has also been featured in film and television, and recent highlights include his contributions to the score and soundtrack of the forthcoming Ridley Scott film, Tell-Tale, as well as the music he wrote and recorded for the Universal video game Scarface: The World Is Yours.
How we met:
Steve first played with the PFC Band at the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles, CA for the opening night of the 25th annual Twilight Dance Series.