His career as an educational performing artist began by accident in February 1994 when he shared a few songs he had composed with some teaching colleagues at a district school board meeting in Stratford, Ontario. It was at this meeting where he was jokingly crowned with the stage-name "Étienne" (the French translation of his birth name Steven). Étienne recorded his first album, self-titled "Étienne" that same summer.
Steven's career as a performer for educational institutions began by accident in February 1994 when he shared some original compositions with colleagues at a school board meeting in Stratford, Ontario. He was jokingly given the stage-name "Étienne" (his French translation of his birth name) during this event. Étienne released his debut album, self-titled "Étienne", later that summer.