Groove
Juggernaut

     Stephen D. Haaker (Groove Juggernaut) is an independent musician based in LA. His alternative metal band Cartographer just released a music video for "Sanctuary" and another single, "Fever Dream" feat. Javier Reyes(Animals As Leaders). Stephen is also the touring drummer for Loveless and just recorded on their 2nd album. When not on the road, he works as a session drummer and producer, recently spearheading the Sister Speak LP "Love For All" and "The Voices" EP by Angela Petrilli.

     The Vanguard is his primary recording studio. Nick Morzov (bandmate, Cartographer) designed and manages the space, working closely with Stephen to capture the best drum sounds in the genre. They're constantly experimenting and refining their craft, writing and tracking for their band, Loveless, and many others. For more Indie productions, he works closely with Brett Grossman (Co-Producer "Love For All"/"The Voices"). Brett is a seasoned musician and mixing engineer. Together, alongside their favorite songwriters and players, Stephen and Brett produce uniquely detailed and personal records, guiding the artist from demo to master with passion and transparency.

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     Stephen Haaker has been in Los Angeles since leaving the U.S. Army Band in 2014. Sergeant Haaker performed thousands of shows with many different groups including the Army's first Metal band, "The Four Horsemen of the Arockalypse". They deployed to Iraq in 2009 to perform for the troops. The 13 month mission was his first tour. He recalls, "One of the best shows I ever played was for 200 soldiers at a tiny outpost. They built us a small stage outside, pulled up armored trucks to use as stage lights, and drank non-alcoholic beer as they moshed and raged to Killswitch Engage and Lamb of God covers. It was clear, they desperately needed that show... I started taking music seriously after that." Upon return, he performed stateside with big bands, jazz combos, country ensembles, and lots of wedding bands--further developing his vast repertoire and unique sound.

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     The moniker Groove Juggernaut started as a reference to Stephen's diverse style, forged in the trials of intensive on-the-job training and refined by countless hours of study and practice. The term has since become synonymous with his indomitable spirit. Deeply wounding personal trials and devastating professional setbacks attempt to tamp the fire that has burned since the days of pots and pans. Undeniable passion and humble confidence birthed by failure and triumph alike has created a juggernaut--forever learning, exploring and grooving.

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