Steel Beans’ viral start came from the now-famous Molotov Cocktail Lounge video, where the internet was wowed by DeBardi singing while playing guitar and drums simultaneously. It’s a setup that looks impossible, but for DeBardi, it’s second nature. He says it started years ago, long before that video took off, but it’s also what opened doors to some of the music industry’s heavy hitters — including Anderson .Paak and a record deal with APESHIT Records.
A trip to Los Angeles — and what started as a joke — actually led to the partnership that changed everything. Before they even met, Anderson .Paak had already discovered DeBardi online. “He just hit me up on Instagram,” DeBardi recalled. “I thought it was a joke at first — like, this can’t be real.” Not long after that message, DeBardi and his band were touring through L.A. and decided to stop by Olivia, .Paak’s restaurant. “I’m going to check out your restaurant,” he texted — half joking, not expecting a response. But .Paak replied, met him that same night, and after that, everything clicked. After catching Steel Beans live, .Paak knew he wanted him on APESHIT Records — and just like that, a viral one-man band became part of one of music’s most creative rosters.
Since that night, DeBardi’s world has expanded far beyond that viral clip. Signing with APESHIT Records marked a new chapter for the multi-instrumentalist who’s long been a self-sufficient creative — writing, producing, mixing, and editing every piece of content himself. Working alongside .Paak has been both validating and challenging in the best way. “I’m usually the guy doing the graphic design, editing the videos, booking the shows,” DeBardi said. “So putting things in other people’s hands has been both a relief and an adjustment.”
Photo Credit: Travis Wetherbee
That partnership is already paying off. His new full-length album, Steel Beans, released in August, is a kaleidoscopic blend of rock, funk, and soul — all written, produced, and performed by DeBardi. The lead single, “Stowaway,”perfectly captures his signature sound: gritty yet melodic, energetic yet introspective. “It’s a great midpoint of the rock and pop that I do,” he said. The accompanying music video, shot guerrilla-style at Matador Beach in Malibu, showcases his playful personality and DIY spirit and serves as a reminder that even with a label behind him, Steel Beans is still fully in his element.
The Steel Beans project has always been fluid. version brings new players, new sounds, and a new creative vision. “Rock is what I do, but Steel Beans has always been something that evolves,” DeBardi explained. “Every year, it’s different — different people, different energy. This record is the first time I’ve tried to make something that ties all of it together.”
Photo Credit: Jeremy DeBardi
The album also includes collaborations with Troy Van Leeuwen of Queens of the Stone Age and Anderson .Paak himself — a major shift for DeBardi, who has rarely co-written with other artists. “I’ve always done it all myself,” he said. “But when Troy plugged into my amp, it immediately sounded like him — it was magic.” With Anderson, DeBardi put his own spin on one of his demos, and Anderson said, ‘You’re a great producer, man.’ DeBardi said that meant everything to him.
Still, as impressive as the studio work is, it’s on stage where Steel Beans really shines. His one-man-band performances — guitar, drums, and vocals all happening simultaneously — are more than a gimmick. They’re an experience. “In those moments, everyone’s free,” DeBardi said. “We’re all forgetting our problems and just living in the music. That’s what it’s about.”
After sharing stages with Tenacious D and Tool, DeBardi is now headlining his own West Coast tour, with plans to expand across the U.S. and overseas in 2026. “I don’t want to go home,” he laughed. “I’ve been home my whole life. I just want to tour. Even if nobody shows up, I’ll still be out there.”
Photo Credit: Willy Marcia
Despite the growing success, DeBardi stays grounded. His philosophy is simple: make art because it matters. “Do this because songwriting is precious,” he said. “Don’t do it to get famous or to get free beers. Be proud of what you do and stay true to yourself.”
Fans can catch Steel Beans live before the tour wraps up — with only two dates left: October 17th at The Moroccan Lounge in Los Angeles and October 19th at The Constellation Room in Santa Ana. Fans can also stream Stowaway and the full Steel Beans album now on all major platforms. Keep an eye out for what’s next — because if there’s one thing clear about Jeremy DeBardi, it’s that his creative fire is just getting started.
Too On – Steel Beans with Anderson .Paak
Throwin’ Stones – Steel Beans with Troy Van Leeuwen (of Queens of the Stone Age) on lead guitar