Stephane Vera (known to many as Teknostep) is a widely skilled and prolific session player, producer, DJ and remixer. Though born in Geneva, Switzerland, and raised in France, Vera has called Toronto his home since 1997; having also previously lived in New York, Ottawa, and Montreal. Having been a piano and drum teacher at the Royal Conservatory of Music for 5 years, his innate talent and polished skills are undisputed. Throughout his childhood, Vera was a student of a wide range of instruments, and his original musical productions continue to enhance the just perception that he is a steady riser in the world of song. In his wealth of musical experience and contribution, Vera has been a radio host (on CKCU 93.1 FM + CHUO 89.1 FM - until 1997), keyboardist for Roy Davis Jr (since 1996), keyboardist and founding member of Toronto's original live house band, Galactica Blast (established in 1996), composer for film & television, and has over 50 singles and compilation appearances, on an extensive list of labels: Fabric (England), ZYX (England), Universal (Germany), Sony BMG (Germany + Canada), Casa Rosso (Germany), Combination (Germany), Blitz (Sweden), Soulstar (Italy), Journees (San Francisco), Tuningspork (Philadelphia), Nite Life Collective (Chicago), Large (Chicago), Undaground Therapy (Chicago), Headphoniq (Chicago), PolyGram (Canada), Fossilfuel (Ottawa), Nice+Smooth (Toronto), Stickman (Toronto), Spot (Toronto), Chair (Toronto), and Hi-Bias (Toronto), amongst others. Recently, Vera has been a very busy body, with several projects on the go. He's played keys on Roy Davis Jr's newest album; performed spoken-word (mc) and played keys on Rise Ashen's new album; he's working on a new compilation CD for Nice+Smooth; a full-length album for Harley & Muscle's Little Angel Records (Milan, Italy); a new compilation CD (with Noah Frank) for Play Records; an EP with Coppe' (Tokyo, Japan); a 12" with Abet (Eminem + King Sunshine vocalist); he has signed two EP's to Digital Soul (Essex, UK); and he's working on a full-length album (with DJ Shine) for Nice+Smooth! Did you get all of that? He's also remixing tracks for P'taah (Chris Brann), Ivana Santilli, Speakwave (Detroit techno), and Jordan Fields (Chicago house). You'll be hearing a lot from Stphane Vera, so stayed tuned - Left Of The Dial. [WORDS: MdB, Klublife Magazine]