Lights, Camera, MUSIC!

10/29/2013 3:23 PM

By Alexis Kessler ’14

Steve Ossler ’84 endured a long musical journey before getting the opportunity to tour with some of the music business’ biggest stars! Ossler felt right at home as video director at concerts and on tour, but not everything was in perfect harmony until several years after graduating from BU – it is true what they say, good things come to those who wait.

“I was born and bred behind the scenes” Ossler says, explaining his love and passion for music. Since Ossler attended Bradley University, he never felt quite right until he was behind the camera hearing music booming against the speakers.

Ossler studied Mass Communications and Radio/TV production at Bradley, with one goal in mind – to find a job and be happy. Ossler found that Bradley allowed him to focus on academics, which eventually allowed him to get into his craft and his skills. “I had a blast there” referring to Bradley as a place of high education and fun. Ossler recalls one of his instructors, Professor Howard Golbaum as a wonderful guy who taught him so much. Ossler enjoyed his time at Bradley, and discovered new interests, such as photography. “I learned how to blend and take good photos” explained Ossler, “and the dark room was cool”. Ossler enjoyed all aspects of Bradley and beyond by utilizing everything BU had to offer its students.

Upon graduation, Ossler moved around within the music directing and producing industry. Ossler worked as a director and soon moved to San Francisco to “break into the business”. He worked at a Fox affiliated TV station working the 2 p.m. –11 p.m. shift behind the camera, both directing and producing the show. “Lots of challenges made me learn quicker and faster”. Ossler explained that he was doing well, but was not fulfilled and picked up a couple different jobs in real estate, sound equipment set up and working as a sales representative for Circuit City.

Ten years after graduating from BU was when Ossler’s phone rang during a family dinner and he was asked to tour with “The Who,” where his expertise in projection and camera work were needed. “I was rocking and rolling.” Completely in his element of music, Ossler was able to expand his knowledge and learn even more about being behind the scenes in the music business.

From there, Ossler was given the opportunity to tour with Bon Jovi, Paul McCartney, Dancing With The Stars, American Idol, Nickel Back, Kid Rock, The Bare Naked Ladies and more!

Currently, Ossler is touring with The Zac Brown Band and has never been more content in his life. Ossler credits BU with much of his success explaining that BU taught him maturity, independence and how to be a professional. In his personal life, Ossler spends time with his daughters and wife where he currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina.

See Steve Ossler behind the scenes with the Zac Brown Band or find out more about him on LinkedIn.