05/01/2026 • Reading Time: 3min
JOE STEVEN RELEASES "DANCING IN THE RAIN" FEATURING ACCLAIMED CELLIST MARIKO MURANAKA
The composer's first composer-led music video, performed live on the Yamaha CFX concert grand onstage at the McAllen Performing Arts Center.
By Sunset Records
© 2026 Joe Steven. All Rights Reserved.
Los Angeles, CA — July 2026 — Award-winning composer and recording artist Joe Steven announces the release of "Dancing in the Rain," his first composer-led music video, featuring acclaimed cellist Mariko Muranaka. Filmed onstage at the McAllen Performing Arts Center in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, the video captures Joe Steven performing his original composition live on the Yamaha CFX concert grand piano — the flagship instrument reserved for the world's leading concert pianists.
A departure from his cinematic, narrative-driven releases, "Dancing in the Rain" places the music itself at center stage. The piece unfolds as an intimate conversation between piano and cello, pairing Joe Steven's flowing compositions with the warm, expressive voice of Muranaka's cello. Shot in a single, elegant performance setting, the video invites viewers to simply watch, listen, and feel.
Marking a milestone in Joe Steven's evolution as a composer, "Dancing in the Rain" is his first project built entirely around live instrumental performance rather than story-based filmmaking — a chance to sit at one of the finest concert grands in the world and let the composition speak for itself.
"Working with Mariko was an absolute joy. She's an extraordinary talent — the kind of musician who doesn't just play the notes, but feels the story behind every one of them. Her cello gave 'Dancing in the Rain' a voice I'd always heard in my head but never had the chance to bring to life. Sitting at the Yamaha CFX and performing this piece live, with Mariko beside me, was one of the most meaningful moments of my career," said Joe Steven.
The performance was captured at the McAllen Performing Arts Center, one of the premier live-performance venues in South Texas, underscoring Joe Steven's continued commitment to producing world-class music from the Rio Grande Valley.
"Joe's music tells powerful stories and paints beautiful, peaceful views in your mind with every note," said cellist Mariko Muranaka.
"Dancing in the Rain" is now streaming worldwide on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music, with music reaching audiences in more than 60 countries.
Watch the Official Music Video:
Joe Steven ft. Mariko Muranaka | Dancing in the Rain (Official Music Video)
Media Contact:
About Joe Steven
Joe Steven is an American singer-songwriter, musician, and composer known for his cinematic storytelling and emotionally driven music. His work spans film, television, and global music platforms, reaching audiences in more than 60 countries. Produced under Sunset Studios, his releases blend classical composition with modern cinematic production.
