First things first: my full name is Steven Andy Potaczek (Poe-taa-sic), but isn’t it easier just to say “Steven Andy?” I’ve always dreamed of writing and performing music. I remember as a kid singing ‘Beatles’ songs when I was supposed to be napping. When I was about 8, my Dad bought me a killer Casio keyboard and taught me how to play my first song with him, “La Bamba” (the next song was “Lucy In the Sky with Diamonds” and then “Hey Jude”).

I grew up in a Catholic home. I went to a Catholic school and attended mass every Sunday, but it wasn’t until my sophomore year of college that I began to take the Christian faith seriously. There, I got involved in a Bible study at school (reluctantly at first, but there was free food involved) and quickly found that I wanted to know more. It was in that time and with those friends that I made the choice to yield my life to Christ. It was the best thing I’ve ever done.

I’ve been through my share of tough times. My home life was difficult growing up and sadly, my parents ended divorcing when I was in school. During college, I developed a form of tendonitis in my arms and as a result, was forced to drop out for a time (some days I couldn’t even type a paper). When I eventually did go back, I started suffering from an anxiety disorder.

In spite of all this, God has taken hold of me and I have seen Him work good into these situations. I still ended up graduating from college in four years (which was kind of a miracle in and of itself), was healed from the tendonitis, now have more peace with my beloved family than I ever have, and am working through my anxiety. Most importantly, I am growing with God and others in ways that I never knew were possible. That’s not to say that my life is perfect now, but knowing that Father God is with me has made all the difference.

I really desire for others to experience God. It is the foundational reason Amanda and I started 1000 Generations. Jesus said, “Keep open house! By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven” (Mt. 5:15-16). Music is the conduit through which I find intense beauty and honesty, so we all might be able to open up and experience God together. It’s also incredibly fun.

I don’t use my Casio keyboard much anymore, but I still play Beatles songs quite a bit with my Dad. Not so much “La Bamba,” but definitely the Beatles.

-Steven

Steven proudly uses Nord keyboards, Planet Waves cables, and D’Addario guitar strings.