Because I am a former music teacher, that art form will always be something that resonates with me on an intense level. When I happened upon this enterprising musician, Stephanie Grace, I chose to reach out to her for an interview, and in spite of her incredibly busy schedule, she was refreshingly prompt in agreeing to answer a few questions about her career and music. As I finally have a brief moment to breathe, I am thrilled to feature this young lady whose beauty and passion are matched flawlessly by her indisputable talent.
RH: What inspired you to become a singer?
SG: Singing was something I always enjoyed doing… around the house, in the car… gradually in the school choir and at karaoke nights… and eventually at local venues and singing competitions. The thrill of being on stage is what inspired me. The first time I sang in public, I was seven years old and three minutes on stage was all it took for me to fall in love with performing.
When/Why did you start writing music?
With Taylor Swift
I started experimenting with songwriting in elementary school. I got to meet Taylor Swift at a festival we both performed at in 2006. (I got to perform before her after I won a singing competition.) She strongly encouraged songwriting. It truly is an incredible outlet and that little push from her was all I needed to get into it and make it a regular and important part of my life.
What instrument (s) do you play?
It’s funny, I actually don’t play any instruments. (Unless you count the tambourine on occasion, HA!) So many people ask me how I’m able to write songs without playing an instrument and my answer is simple: I focus on the lyrics and I work with some incredible co-writers (who DO play an instrument, haha!).
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as country/pop.
When did you begin to seriously pursue your career in music?
I would say things became pretty serious when I started going down to Nashville and recording original material. I was fifteen! And have been working hard ever since (now twenty-one).
Tell us about your music that is available and what is coming up for you soon.
I currently have two EPs out (Stephanie Grace EP and Life’s Okay EP) and some singles (“Scared”, “Oh Well”, and a Christmas single called “Wherever You Are”) and I just released a new single in February of this year called “Nobody” which is on my “Private Pond EP” coming out later this year. All of my music is available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Google Play, etc.
Can you give us any tour info?
Right now I’ve got a few shows lined up in Pennsylvania. I always encourage people to check on my website, www.stephanie-grace.com under the “tour” tab, that’s where I update my show schedule!
Some singers like to be just that, but others also have an interest in acting and/or writing music for TV/movies. How do you feel about doing any/all of that?
What I find to be so fascinating about this industry is you never really know where you could end up or what you could end up doing. I’ll be honest…I don’t see myself as much of an actress but ya never know!
In five years from now, where do you see yourself?
I’d like to see myself happy and doing what I love in whatever form I am meant to be doing it in. Ultimately, I’d love to be touring the world!
If you could collaborate with one or two other musicians that you haven’t previously, whom would you choose and why?
I would love to collaborate with Miranda Lambert or Shania Twain. Both are major influences and I think they’re incredible singers, performers and songwriters. Girl power! Dream collab for sure!
If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would you choose and why?
My first choice would have to be The Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. There’s so much history and it’d be an honor to stand on that stage someday.
First of all, the fact that she has met Taylor Swift (I am a massive Taylor Swift fan, and my daughter and I have had the privilege of attending three of her concerts) is something that has already placed Stephanie in a more respected category (in my opinion, at least). Furthermore, the fact that she put Taylor’s advice into practice and has continued to pursue her career regardless of obstacles or disappointments along the way is another testament to this young lady’s persistence and fortitude. All too often, young people begin a music career with astronomical goals and utopian ideals only to have them smashed into oblivion before the first year is up. Stephanie has weathered that storm while continuing to be true to herself, her outlook, her talent, and her music. While her career is still in its infancy, I have a sense that she is on the very cusp of succeeding in a more notable and recognized way. And because I know she refuses to surrender to the naysayers and the negative messages that attempt to drag her down, my hope and prayer for her is that every one of her dreams and goals ultimately will come true, perhaps in ways she cannot even envision at this stage in her life.
I would invite everyone to visit all of Stephanie’s links below and consider following her on social media and perchance even purchasing some of her music, if so inclined. While I have never met Stephanie in person, I have a sense that she is a positive young woman who is making a difference in her corner of the world, and one of these days, I hope to hear of her performing at the Grand Ole Opry as well as to the far reaches of the world!
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she has a beautiful voice–wishing her a wonderful career!
