In these colder months, there’s nothing more refreshing than the vision, touch, and feeling of a crisp California evening sunset. Cruising with the top down, the breeze just the right pitch of cool to put a sly smile on your face. The scenery and calmness of being in the perfect moment at the perfect time is a sensation only a place like that can offer. Step Children’s video for their new single “PCH” captures that exact visual aesthetic so well that it brings the aura, vibe, and atmosphere right along with it.
Daniel Owens and Derek Shaw make up the duo, who have been performing and creating together as Step Children for nearly ten years. The video was filmed by Glenn Harris and Eric Soboleski in a day full of dedication and straight SoCal vibin’. Yet there’s much more narrative and symbolism behind “PCH” that stretch beyond a breathtaking sunset and brisk night (even in January). Hidden symbolism appears in every scene and movement, as vocalist Derek curates a story that reflects and translates different stages of emotion and experience throughout his life and relationships. Even the production of the video carries its own sentimentality and nostalgia. Derek attended college in Los Angeles with Glenn Harris, while friend Eric Soboleski makes a guest appearance in the video alongside Derek and his girlfriend Jenna Armerding of Poor Thing, whose beautiful voice you’ll catch harmonizing throughout the chorus and verses.
The road has been a long haul for Step Children, and we’re beyond excited to share the release of the group’s first-ever music video since forming nearly a decade ago. Stemming from the deep roots of a longstanding childhood friendship, the name Step Children made perfect sense. The duo first formed their project in San Francisco, with both Derek Shaw and Daniel Owens taking equal roles in the band’s creative direction and production. Over the years, Step Children have built quite the discographical phenomena, including several EPs, two full-length albums, and countless singles. They’ve traversed, blended, and experimented with unique musical landscapes seamlessly, and after a short break, their upcoming seven‑inch release will be their first since 2022.
What’s even more impressive is that all current and upcoming projects have been created across distance, as Derek and Daniel now live in separate cities – Derek having moved back to his hometown of San Diego at the end of 2022. Still, they’ve found a consistent rhythm, and the distance has only pushed them to become more determined, building a new creative relationship while pushing their limits individually and together.
The band continues to explore new avenues and experiment. Alongside their latest single “PCH” and their first music video, a remix of the track has also dropped – so this post comes with a surprise extra. The remix was mastered by Keith Sweaty, known for his work with Sub Pop and Merge artists such as Dntel and Wild Nothing. Keith has lived and performed throughout major music hubs – San Diego, New York, Portland – and now runs audio for a 4,200‑capacity theater in Milwaukee. Check out their Soundcloud and Mixcloud.
Vocalist Derek joined us to share what’s been in the works for the duo, what inspired the writing of “PCH,” and how past and current projects have shaped the band’s growth while navigating the challenges that come with years of dedication – such as starting out in Northern California and later finding a path forward from different cities.
Derek wrote the lyrics for “PCH” around the time of his birthday, which is coincidentally this exact time and month of the year! The lyrics reflect on a period when Derek was evaluating life changes and learning about himself, even when certain situations didn’t quite hold, particularly in relationships and what we gain from them. It’s a point many of us aspire to reach: accepting and learning from every situation rather than reducing everything to wins and losses. There’s an aspiration in the message to take the calmer road, and how healthiness can sometimes come from simply slowing down.
Everything in the “PCH” video holds symbolic value for Derek – even driving in the convertible with the top down. Believe it or not, this exact scenario took place during a time of challenge and renewal, while he was navigating lifestyle differences that can shape or break a relationship. The video connects Derek’s past to where he is now. There’s an artistry in the storytelling, reflecting far more than a California evening. Even the theme of “playing it safe” appears symbolically in the video, contrasting with the carefree atmosphere on screen and tying back to Derek’s past experiences.
Looking ahead, the future is bright for Step Children. Derek and Daniel have plans to record a full‑length album in San Diego this summer, and we’re quietly hoping the reunion brings some shows and live performances. Derek has mentioned how eager they are to return to performing, a huge part of the band’s identity. The duo played in their first band together as teenagers, heavily influenced by Radiohead and experimenting with contrasting sounds. They’ve been learning and creating music together for over twenty years, and both have played in several other bands in various roles. Derek leads the visual concepts for Step Children, while Daniel plays a major role in the band’s instrumental production – his classical training has been a huge asset to their growth. Both members often switch roles when recording or performing, showcasing a rare and impressive versatility that translates beautifully live.
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