Every song has a story, and ours starts right here.
MADISON STYLES
Madison Styles grew up in Brentford, South Dakota, on her family’s farm and ranch where they raise Angus cattle. Music has always been part of her life, inspired by her grandfather, Bob Styles, who played country music in a local band and shared his love for music with family whenever he could. From an early age, Madison loved to sing and was rarely quiet, often performing for anyone who would listen—including more than a few farm animals.
At just eight years old, Madison stepped onto the stage at the Brentford Centennial Celebration, singing the female part of Johnny Cash’s “Daddy Sang Bass” alongside her grandfather’s band. The experience sparked a passion for performing that would continue to grow. Not long after, she received her first guitar and began teaching herself to play by watching her grandfather.
Throughout middle and high school, Madison developed her musical talents further through band and choir while learning to play the trumpet. She competed in talent contests and performed the National Anthem at events across the country, gaining valuable experience and confidence performing in front of live audiences.
After graduating high school in 2016, Madison attended South Dakota State University where she earned her Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences and later her Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Even during the demanding years of college, music remained an important part of her life as she continued singing at weddings and special events.
Following graduation, Madison completed a Pharmacy Residency at the Cheyenne VA Medical Center in Wyoming before returning to South Dakota to work as a Clinical Pharmacist.
In 2025, Madison married her husband Braedon and soon after returned to her musical roots by taking guitar lessons at a local music store. There she met musician Stephen Rockwell, who immediately recognized her vocal ability and encouraged her to pursue music more seriously.
Within just a few months, Madison independently wrote and self-produced all 15 tracks on her self-titled debut album. Now stepping forward as a singer, songwriter, and producer, Madison Styles brings a fresh voice to modern country music. Inspired by her upbringing, family values, and life experiences, she looks forward to sharing her music and creating lasting memories with audiences alongside her band.
STEPHEN ROCKWELL
keys/booking manager
Stephen Rockwell was born in San Mateo, California, but spent much of his childhood in Tachikawa, Japan, where his father was stationed as an Air Force pilot. Growing up in the nearby Japanese community of Kunitachi, Stephen was immersed in the culture, language, and traditions of Japan from a young age.
His childhood was filled with learning and exploration, including martial arts, archery, horseback riding, painting, and the art of bonsai. These experiences helped shape his disciplined and creative approach to life.
Stephen’s love for music began at home while watching his father play piano. Fascinated by the instrument, he began imitating what he heard and quickly revealed a natural musical talent. His parents enrolled him in piano lessons, where teachers soon recognized his exceptional ability.
As a teenager living in Japan, Stephen became the drummer for one of the country’s most popular bands, performing six nights a week across the island. At just sixteen years old, the band frequently opened concerts for legendary acts including The Beatles, The Kinks, and The Rolling Stones.
Stephen later earned scholarships to attend the Juilliard School in New York, where he further developed his musical training.
After college, Stephen moved to Tucson, Arizona, where he balanced his passion for music with a growing interest in horticulture. While performing regularly in bands as a drummer, keyboardist, and guitarist, he studied plant science at the University of Arizona and eventually became a respected plant consultant and business owner.
Throughout his life, Stephen continued songwriting, performing, and working as a studio musician. Today he is a retired plant doctor who teaches music part-time and remains deeply involved in performing and producing music.
As a musician, composer, and mentor, Stephen plays a key role in the band, helping shape the sound while encouraging the creative talents of those around him. Drawing from the lessons of his childhood in Japan, he approaches music—and life—with discipline, creativity, and purpose.
stan newman
lead guitarist/recording engineer
Stan Newman was born into a musical family in Mobridge, South Dakota, in 1956. His mother was a piano and organ teacher, ensuring that all of her children learned both instruments. His father was a weekend musician in the country music scene, which became a major source of musical inspiration for Stan.
Out of five siblings, three eventually joined their father performing live music, often playing in local venues by the time they were teenagers. Stan followed that same path, beginning as a percussionist in the school band and performing as a drummer with his father starting at the age of thirteen. Over time, he also learned to play both guitar and bass guitar.
In 1974, Stan enlisted in the United States Air Force, putting his musical pursuits on hold for several years. After returning from service in 1979, he focused on building a family life and eventually settled in Pierre, South Dakota in 1983.
Stan worked for the United States Postal Service until 2009, later taking on a few additional roles, including working at a local music store. Throughout those years, he remained active as a weekend musician, most often performing as a guitarist.
Following retirement, Stan spent more time fishing than playing music—until 2025, when he was invited to help support Madison Styles’ growing music career. With encouragement from his dear wife Roberta, Stan jumped back into performing and quickly rediscovered his passion for music. Today he enjoys being part of the band and the friendships that come with making music together.
r.g. “rick” richards
bass guitarist
R.G. “Rick” Richards grew up in the Bay Area of California, surrounded by music from an early age. His parents were members of the Columbia Record of the Month Club, which introduced Rick to a wide variety of musical styles from the 1960s and earlier. Inspired by those sounds, he began playing bass guitar in high school, frequently jamming with his brothers Dan on guitar and Tom on drums.
Rick was especially influenced by artists such as The Beatles, The Byrds, Eagles, Grand Funk Railroad, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Tom Petty. He played with several local bands and often performed music at church.
After a year of college in Oregon, Rick enlisted in the United States Coast Guard Reserve. Following his service, he returned to California where he attended the San Francisco College of Mortuary Science, becoming fully licensed in funeral service.
Throughout his career, music remained a constant. In 2002, Rick helped form a band called The Real Undertakers with his brothers and coworkers, performing at private parties, car shows, clubs, and corporate events. In 2007, the band evolved into Dead Wait, which continued performing until 2021.
After retiring, Rick and his wife relocated to South Dakota, where he continued pursuing his passion for music. Over the years, his tastes have expanded from classic rock to country and bluegrass, while maintaining a deep appreciation for the complexity of jazz. Having performed with many talented singers, Rick considers it a privilege to now perform alongside Madison Styles and a group of musicians who share a love for great music.
Steve Van Mullem
fiddle/mandolin
Steve Van Mullem grew up in Bozeman, Montana, where his musical journey began at a young age learning to play trumpet and violin. During his time at Montana State University, Steve continued performing with various bands as a trumpet player while earning his degree in Civil Engineering.
In 1998, Steve moved to Pierre, South Dakota, after accepting a position as a Water Resource Engineer with the South Dakota Department of Transportation. Once local musicians discovered he played fiddle, it didn’t take long for him to become involved in the area’s music scene. Transitioning from reading sheet music to learning by ear opened a new creative path, and he soon expanded his talents to mandolin after realizing it shared the same tuning as the fiddle.
Over the years, Steve has played fiddle and mandolin with several regional bands including PlainsFolk, the K.C. Hughes Band, and The Good Old Country Boys. He also occasionally returns to his trumpet roots by performing with the Capital City Band.
Steve and his wife, Karen, are both passionate about music and regularly participate in their church’s music ministry. Joining Madison Styles’ band has provided another exciting opportunity for Steve to continue growing as a musician while sharing music with a group of talented friends.
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