INTERVIEW: Stephanie O — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Sam Copeland

Stephanie O

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ONE looks at Stephanie O and gets a sense of Joni Mitchell…

PHOTO CREDIT: Sam Copeland

which is no bad thing, that’s for sure! There is an elegance and sophistication that reminds me of her; a way with melody and beauty that evokes the legendary songwriter. I speak with Stephanie O about her attachment to Paris and the differences between the French capital and London. She discusses the artists that have inspired her and her musical upbringing; working with Doctors Without Borders - and the new artists she recommends.

I ask whether there are plans cemented for the New Year and whether there are any gigs coming up; whether a permanent stay in Paris is a possibility and the advice she would give new songwriters – and whether she feels the modern scene has potential and quality.

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Hi, Stephanie. How are you? How has your week been?

Hi Sam. I’m very well, thank you. This week has been intense (with the run-up to Christmas) but I’m finally back home and plan on taking it very easy (at least for a few days!).

For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please?

Hello. I’m Stephanie; a singer and songwriter from London, living in Paris. The music I make is reflective of the people I’ve met, the places I’ve been and the stories I’ve collected - and I’m currently working on a new release for 2018.

Your music has progressed over the years – I’m in the Mood for Love was unveiled earlier in the year. Have you noticed your songwriting change? Do you have plans for new work in 2018?

I think an artist’s songwriting naturally evolves as time passes – all the changes that life brings – in terms of the environment, people; circumstances; they fuel the music that’s written and I can hear those changes present in my work. I’m in the Mood for Love was recorded as a homage to Jazz - a style of music I love, which has influenced me over the years. This year, I’ve been working with an incredible producer and musician, Peter Lyons (who I’ve been recording with in London).

I love what we’ve captured and can’t wait for 2018 (when the songs will be released).

It seems Paris has been in your heart and life the past few months. You have been working alongside Doctors Without Borders. How did you get involved with them? How special is Paris to you?

Paris has, indeed, always been in my heart…

Since moving, I’ve completely fallen in love with it in a way I could never have imagined – inspiration is everywhere and I’ve met some wonderful people that have shown me incredible kindness and warmth. Early this year, I began fundraising for MSF and the year will end with a second project to support them once again. I, like so many people, have been deeply affected by the war in Syria - such trauma and atrocities on an unimaginable scale.

I wanted to do something and contribute to helping in whatever way I could - and found that MSF was one of the charities that travel there to deliver aid. I hope to raise as much as we can for them and, as I write, would like to thank everyone that has made a contribution so far. I am so very grateful.

Will you be remaining in Paris - or splitting your time between there and London?

I’ll be remaining in Paris but I’m hopping back to London for special projects and performances.

Tell me how you got into music and the artists that struck your ear at a young age. Did you grow up in a musical household?

I was always fascinated with instruments as a child - so I let my curiosity guide me. I started playing the violin; then moved onto harp and guitar. Playing instruments has always been the thing that relaxes me most and makes me feel good. Performing came a bit later on - but I’d been singing from an early age. I grew up in a very musical household: my dad was a D.J. for many years and has a huge record collection that is hugely mixed; from Kate Bush to Deep Purpl...and everything in-between. I remember my sister and me listening to Wuthering Heights on-rotation and being equally unsure yet intrigued by it. We’d always play the music out of these huge speakers my dad had from his gigs – they were bigger than us!

My eldest brother is a pianist and orchestral composer and would play the piano for hours on end in his room above mine; so I’d be singing along to all sorts of Classical pieces. Sometimes, I’ll hear one of those pieces play somewhere and it triggers this childhood memory; then I find out who actually composed it and it’s a really poignant discovery. My younger brother and sister love to sing, too, and we’d always be singing together.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sam Copeland

Looking at you – and the romance you put into your music – you have an air of Joni Mitchell. Is she someone, stylistically or musically, you take guidance from?

Thank you; that’s a real compliment! I greatly admire and respect Joni Mitchell as a musician and painter. I remember searching to find a way to express myself in my songwriting in my late-teens in a more meaningful and true way - and she certainly influenced me in this respect.

Authenticity resonates through her work, and equally, that is what I strive to underpin in my own work.

Already; you have covered a lot of ground. What have been your fondest memories from music – either special songs you have recorded or a great nation that stuck in the mind?

Yes. It certainly feels that way yet I feel there is so much more to be discovered. One of the most incredible moments of my career to date was recording with my former band - a collaboration with Michael Buble at Capitol Studios in L.A. It was a track for his Christmas album so, every year at around this time, I’ll be out somewhere and it will be playing - and it brings back this lovely memory.

What is your opinion on the current music scene? Do you feel it is as strong as previous years? Any albums that have really stuck in the mind?

I look at the scene objectively; viewing it as having two parts - one whose primary concern is the art and the other that is more focused on a formula. I have to separate the two when I speak about it. The former gets me the most excited and the latter is an inevitable part of the industry and machine.

I think the scene is strong and eclectic and there are many independent labels bringing through artists that are bringing new dynamism and style to the market. Some of my favourites include King Krule’s E.P.; Melody Gardot’s most-recent album, Currency of Man, and an absolute gem of a track called I Spy by Mickhael Paskalev.

IN THIS PHOTO: Palace/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?

I’m not sure how ‘new’ they are - but they’re new discoveries to me! Lately, I’ve been listening to Palace, Pauline Croze and Woo.

That’s quite a mixture right there - so I’m sure there’s something for everyone.

PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

If you had the chance to select the three albums that mean the most to you – which would they be and why?

I could spend hours on this question…but will go with the following:

Tapestry by Carole King

This album inspired me to begin songwriting when I was in my teens. I had no idea that, later into my career, I’d have the opportunity to perform with her.

It Could Happen to You: Chet Baker Sings by Chet Baker

I was introduced to this album my I was sixteen and it really got me hooked on Vocal-Jazz. I’m still amazed at how beautifully lyrical and smooth his style of singing is. It’s a true classic.

Grace by Jeff Buckley

It’s perfection.

Is there any advice you would give to fellow artists coming through right now?

Be yourself and, if you don’t know who that is yet, don’t be scared to take time to find out.

Can we see you perform anywhere soon? What gigs do you have coming up?

Absolutely! Plans are being made for gigs in Paris early-spring - and I’m certain that we’ll arrange a few London dates too. You can find updates on my website.

The New Year is not too far away. Do you have plans already - or will you be busy working?

For New Year; there are a few ideas flying around but I’m favouring being somewhere low-key with a few close friends. It’s the days between (Christmas and New Year) that will be super-busy as I’m recording the project A Song for MSF with an excellent Jazz trio - and need to finalise the arrangement of the song.

Shortly after, I’m in the studio for the last time this year with Peter; working on the final track for the new release in 2018.

I know it is cheesy; but do you have any resolutions for the next year, either music or personal?

Eat more fruit.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

Moi Moi by Albin de la Simone and Emiliana Torrini, please. It’s been my soundtrack to Paris...