Steven D. Haaker is a powerhouse drummer who’s blazed a trail from small-town California to Iraq, where he performed as a military drummer for troops in combat zones. Now, he’s known as Groove Juggernaut, a title that speaks to his relentless passion for rhythm. In this episode, we dive into Steven’s unique journey—from drumming on pots and pans as a kid to founding his current band, Cartographer. Steven’s story is one of resilience, finding purpose, and ultimately learning to stay true to himself, whether on tour with the Army Band or in the indie music scene.

Steven takes us through his story of personal and professional growth, sharing his journey from a military band drummer to an independent artist navigating the ups and downs of a career in music. We explore his time playing to soldiers in Iraq, his experience as the drummer for Loveless, and his latest project, Cartographer. Along the way, Steven opens up about the challenges of being a musician, his love for groove and creative independence, and the lessons he's learned about perseverance in a challenging industry.

Whether you’re a musician looking for insight into the grind of a music career, a fan of inspiring stories, or just love hearing about the transformative power of rhythm, this episode with Steven D. Haaker is not to be missed.

Key Takeaways:

The value of music in connecting with others—even in combat zones
Why finding joy in what you love is more important than commercial success
How independent musicians can stay true to their passion while navigating industry challenges

Guest Quotes:

"I didn’t come from a musical family—I just started banging on pots and pans to Led Zeppelin. That's how it all started."
"I wanted a name that captured what music felt like to me: an unstoppable groove. So, Groove Juggernaut was born."
"My first real show? Iraq. We were playing for 200 troops in the dirt with armored vehicles as stage lights. I'll never forget it."
"Being in the Army Band wasn’t just about skill; it was about reminding people what it’s like to feel human again."
"That first Iraq tour made me realize—yeah, I wanted to be a musician, but I wanted to do it my way."
"I learned so much in the Army Band—one day you're playing jazz, the next day it's metal. You had to be ready for anything."
"Music isn’t just sound. It's one of those rare things that connects people and reminds us who we are."
"I started out hoping to play a few bar gigs, and now I'm part of a band that’s creating our own sound. It’s been a crazy journey."
"Being a musician isn’t just about talent; it’s about sticking with it, especially on the hard days."
"I’d rather fail at something I love than succeed at something empty. That’s what keeps me going."

Guest Links:

Episode Links:

Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review on your platform of choice and share it with your friends! Your support helps us continue to bring you more amazing content.

Follow Us:

Join us on Trust the Band as we continue to explore the mindsets, methods, and experiences that drive musicians to create music that lasts.

#51: Steven D. Haaker (Groove Juggernaut...