Todd Richard Stevens

Todd Richard Stevens
	File:Todd Richard Stevens Press Photo.jpg Todd Richard Stevens Press Photo, 2025
Background information
Birth name	Todd Richard Stevens
Born	April 12, 1976 (age 50); Keokuk, Iowa, U.S.
Origin	Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Musician, Recording Engineer, Record Producer, Record Label Owner, Photographer, Film Maker, Graphic Designer
Years active	2001–present
Labels	Autumn + Colour
Website	badengineermusic.com toddrichardstevens.com

Todd Richard Stevens (born Todd Richard McCarl; April 12, 1976) is an American musician, recording engineer, producer, photographer, graphic designer, film maker and founder of the independent record label Autumn + Colour. He is the former lead vocalist of the bands Lucideon and Scent and the creator of the solo project Bad Engineer. Stevens' work incorporates alternative rock, industrial textures, nu-metal influences, electronica, and modern classical elements.^[1]

Early life

Stevens was born in Keokuk, Iowa to Charlie H. Stevens Jr. and Kathy Sue Stevens (McCarl). When he was three years old, the family relocated due to his father's construction career, leading to frequent moves across the United States. During his childhood he lived in Memphis, Tennessee; St. Louis, Missouri; Allen, Texas; Waco, Texas; Plano, Texas; Katy, Texas; Tomball, Texas; New Iberia, Louisiana; Malvern, Pennsylvania; Quakertown, Pennsylvania; Woodstock, Texas; Conroe, Texas; and Beeville, Texas, before eventually settling in Atlanta, Georgia.^[1]

Stevens moved once or twice annually, an experience that exposed him to a wide variety of regional cultures and musical influences.^[1]

Music career

Early bands

In 2001, Stevens formed the band Lucideon and served as its lead vocalist.^[2] The group recorded multiple releases and toured regionally. He later performed as the vocalist for the band Scent.^[3]

During his time with both bands, Stevens developed an interest in the recording process. He frequently observed and collaborated with engineers and producers during studio sessions, eventually discovering a preference for studio creativity over touring.^[4]

Stageunderground

Following his touring years, Stevens interned for one year at a recording studio in Woodstock, Georgia, where he refined his skills in engineering and production.^[5]

In 2006, he opened his own production studio, Stageunderground, offering recording, producing, photography, videography, graphic design, and web design services.^[6]

Autumn + Colour Records

In 2011, Stevens founded the independent record label Autumn + Colour. The label's first signing, Austin Archer, led to Stevens securing a distribution deal with Universal Music Group (now Virgin Music Group).^[7]

^[8] Autumn + Colour later expanded to include artists from across the United States and internationally, releasing more than 50 records in various genres.^[9]

The label remains active today, serving as a platform for Stevens' own projects and for artists he finds creatively compelling.^[10]

Bad Engineer

Bad Engineer is Stevens' solo project, noted for blending alternative rock, industrial production, nu-metal elements, electronica, and atmospheric sound design. Stevens writes, composes, and performs most of the material, occasionally featuring guest musicians.^[11]