Early Life and Musical Background
Steven Jay Page was born on June 22, 1970, in Scarborough, Ontario. Raised in a musically inclined Jewish household, he studied classical music and sang in choirs during his youth. He met Ed Robertson while attending Woburn Collegiate Institute. The two quickly bonded over their shared musical tastes and comedic sensibility. In 1988, they began performing together as a duo, which eventually evolved into the full band known as Barenaked Ladies.
Barenaked Ladies and Breakthrough Success
Page and Robertson co-founded Barenaked Ladies in 1988. The group gained local popularity through their energetic live shows, spontaneous humor, and strong musicianship. Their independently released cassette “The Yellow Tape” became a surprise hit in 1991, going platinum in Canada and setting the stage for a major-label debut. The band’s 1992 album “Gordon” introduced fan favorites such as “Brian Wilson,” “What a Good Boy,” and “Be My Yoko Ono.” Page’s distinctive vocals and songwriting were central to the band’s success. He and Robertson shared lead vocals and co-wrote most of the material, blending quirky humor with heartfelt themes. Albums like “Stunt” (1998) and “Maroon” (2000) brought the band international fame. “Stunt” featured the chart-topping single “One Week,” while “It’s All Been Done” and “Call and Answer” showcased Page’s more melodic and introspective style. The band’s mix of pop hooks, harmony-driven choruses, and unexpected emotional depth became their signature.
Departure from Barenaked Ladies
In 2009, Page officially left Barenaked Ladies. The departure followed several years of creative differences, as well as a highly publicized arrest in 2008 related to cocaine possession. Charges were eventually dismissed, but the incident marked a turning point. Page cited the need for creative freedom and a new direction as his reasons for moving on. While the separation was initially tense, both Page and the remaining members of Barenaked Ladies have expressed mutual respect in later interviews. Page returned for the band’s induction into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2018, performing with them publicly for the first time in nearly a decade.
Solo Career and Creative Evolution
Following his departure, Page launched a solo career that embraced a broader range of musical influences. His debut solo album “Page One” was released in 2010, followed by projects such as “Heal Thyself Pt. I: Instinct” and “Discipline: Heal Thyself Pt. II.” His solo work blends pop, folk, classical, and cabaret elements, often exploring themes of identity, politics, mental health, and aging. Page has collaborated with orchestras across Canada and the United States, performing symphonic arrangements of his solo and Barenaked Ladies material. He also composed the score for the Stratford Festival’s production of “Coriolanus” and has written music for film and television.
Real Estate
In 2011, Steven paid $260,000 for a home in Fayetteville, New York. He sold this home about a year later for $272,000. In 2011, paid $492,000 for a home in Manlius, New York. This remains his primary residence.
