Interview with stef.
Interviewed by: Sarah Evangelista
Don’t you just love finding a new artist out of the blue, just while they’ve just released a new EP? That was the case for us, discovering upcoming pop artist by the name of stef.
We got the chance to chat with the talented artist, about her new EP A Glitch In Our Virtual Reality, and her love for fashion.
Growing up in Alabama, pursuing something creatively was frowned upon. While you wanted to make music, what was that obstacle like, and how did you overcome it?
I just had to decide I didn't care what people thought of me; which slowly became more and more apparent as I got through high school. I started a YouTube channel in 2016 I got made fun of, I was thrifting all the time, I was coming to Nashville for music. During all of that I just decided to continue to do me because no one really got it and my friends weren't in to what I was in to. When I decided I didn’t want to go to college I got naturally distanced from my friends just because we were on different life paths. It’s not that they didn't support me but they also were not very supportive- it was more neutral which I understand. They had no idea what I was doing… neither did I.
You started out as a country artist, then you turned to pop music. Obviously those two genres aren’t quite the same, what was that transition like?
I knew I never wanted to be a country artist but that was what was comfortable for me as an 18 year old who moved to a city where she knew four people. Once I got more comfortable and my feet under myself, I was able to branch out and meet new people. I still hold the values that country music has very near to my heart. I love strong song writing, play on words, and hooks; which in pop are also important but I feel like country is more so focused on songwriting.
I love how inspirational you are about just getting out there and doing what you love. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring musicians out there?
This sounds cliche but just do it. Get rid of your ego. Reach out to people and be ok to fail. Success does not come easy to anyone even if they make it seem like it's fast, it's not… and if it is, it probably isn't long lasting. Luck is always great but you can never beat a hard worker. So mixing the two would be unstoppable. If you aren't pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone someone else is and someone is working harder than you.
A Glitch in Our Virtual Reality is so good. The tracks are so different from another, but they all represent you as an artist. Do you feel that way as well?
Thank you! And yes I do:) I think they are all so different but there is a song for everyone. All different but all sound like me and work cohesively together.
Which track was the hardest to make?
“I used to build dreams about you” had a lot of edits. It was so beautiful as an acoustic driven demo which is how it started, then was produced to a huge more edm thing so we had to strip it back to a happy medium. They were all easy to write. I think all one session writes actually.
Can we talk about your cover arts?! They’re so cool. I especially love the one for “Sour”, and the singles you’re releasing now! How do you come up with those ideas, and who brings them to life?
I am inspired by anything quirky! Surrealism art is my favorite art and I have boards and boards of art pinned. Salvador Dali is one of my favorite artists as well. Mid century modern is my favorite era and my whole house is interiorly decorated to that time. I think I'm attracted to anything that feels out of place, before its times, or that should not go together which I think listeners can see in my cover art, branding and music. Even though the music is very pop I think some elements work but on paper aren't supposed to; I feel like it's a little experimental sonically as well.
Speaking of visuals, those are super important to you, and one of my favorite things about artists as well. While making music, what visualizations do you see? Is it more colors, music video ideas, or something completely different?
A lot of lyrics I write are inspired by the visions that come into my head when I hear the track the producer is working on. I really like to use a lot of imagery in my song writing. I see scenarios like “this guy walks in takes his shoes off leaves his wallet on the counter and walks through the back sliding glass door” (i don't know just thought of that) So I try to incorporate as much imagery and “setting the scene” scenarios as possible. Visuals are one of my favorite parts about being an artist. I love thinking of what I want my cover art to look like or my music videos or whatever falls into that realm.
Music videos are one of my most favorite things about being an artist, and if I could I would have one for every song. Most times when we are writing a song I start thinking about and am able to see what the music video could look like- a few times it has dictated lyrics.
Your fashion sense is amazing! What trends/pieces are you currently loving?
Thank you!! I am loving colorful crochet pieces right now, as well as summer layering. I am always inspired by 90s high fashion from Japan and other designers like Issey Miyake, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Anna Sui. I like Miu Mius new collection too.
There’s sort of like a space theme going on with your songs, so if you could play a show on any planet, which one would it be?
I am obsessed with space. I am so intrigued. This is not a real planet but a movie that tripped me up is Interstellar. The ending scene on the new planet I would play there. (I think because it has a lot of surrealism elements to it from that era in the 50s and 60s) or something from that art era like this- (this isn’t from the movie but it’s so cool)
We’re always looking for new up and coming artists! Do you have any favorites at the moment?
I really like spill tab. She's cool and smaller ish… girl in red and BENEE as well (I wouldn't call them up and coming but I really like them.)