FEATURE: Spotlight: Skylar Stecker — Music Musings & Such

FEATURE:

Spotlight

PHOTO CREDIT: Kigon Kwak for Wonderland.

Skylar Stecker

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HAILING from Tampa, Florida…

the amazing and hugely talented Skylar Stecker is someone that I want to recommend to everyone. She has a massive fanbase already, but I feel that she may not be that well-known to some in the U.K. The twenty-year-old is already an established artist and actor. In 2015, Stecker released her debut studio album, This Is Me. In March 2019, she independently released her second album, Redemption. I think that Stecker deserves a major label release, as she is an incredible artist who could penetrate and infiltrate the mainstream and stand alongside the biggest artists of today. There is no doubting her passion and commitment. Someone who I recently discovered, I wanted to bring in a few interviews so that we can learn more about the multi-instrumentalist and multi-talented Stecker. She has actually been releasing music since 2013, so here is someone who started out incredibly young! I think that she will be releasing music for decades more. It is always amazing finding these very young and prolific artist making an impact now. Those you know will only get better and grow bigger. I am going to finish with an interview from earlier this year. Before that, there are a couple of older interviews that are worth sourcing from to give us background, context and a sense of development.

Back in April last year, Wonderland. spoke with Stecker about her music. They were curious, being nineteen at the time of the interview, how she navigated the industry at such a young age. Redemption is one of the best albums from 2019. It is one that deserves new exposure now:

“The excitement and confusion that comes with newfound feelings can be overwhelming, to say the least. Whether you catch yourself smiling at your phone one too many times or overthinking everything your crush says and does, the process of liking someone can be both draining and euphoric. 19-year-old singer Skylar Stecker is here to remind you that you’re not alone with her latest track “Questions”. A display of pop perfection, the track has it all. From the singer’s ethereal vocals to the romantic lyrics – which are steeped in longing and complex emotions – we are provided with sultry sounds and an introspective look into Stecker’s love life.

“Questions is a special song to me because I wrote this song alone during quarantine with someone special in mind,” states the young star. “The words and melodies just fly out of me effortlessly and I was able to finish this song in one day. Then I sent it to my friend and producer Jordan Manswell who took the production to another level.”

At the tender age of 19, Skylar’s boasts an outstanding resume. From taking to the stage at The Today Show and shooting to the top of the Billboard Dance Charts in record-breaking moves to mastering the guitar, drums and piano from the confines of her own bedroom, the singer’s raw talent is evident. And, with a string of new music releases on the horizon, the young star shows no signs of slowing down.

Check our interview with Skylar below…

PHOTO CREDIT: Kigon Kwak

Hey Skylar! How has this past year been for you? How has it affected your creativity?

The past year has had its challenges, but it also allowed me the extra time at home to learn how to produce and produce vocals, as well as spend more time mastering the drums!

You’ve been performing and singing for years, how did you first get into music?

I entered a talent show when I was 9 to play the piano, which turned into me singing instead and from there on I was obsessed with trying to find venues where I could continue to perform and be around music in any capacity. That led me to performing National Anthems in College and then at Pro Sporting events. Eventually, I moved to California to pursue a singing career.

You’re 19-years-old and have already released your second album, what is it like navigating the industry at such a young age?

In many ways starting at such a young age was a blessing. Being young allowed me to be able to be like a sponge, and soak up knowledge

from people without judging where I was creatively. I explored different genres while also continuing to hone in on my writing and my vocal skills.

You were signed as well before becoming independent, why the change and do you prefer it?

What I have learned through that experience is that it’s more about the people involved and if it’s the right fit at the right time. As an artist, I have continued to evolve and the most important thing to me, regardless of being with a label or being independent, is that my voice and vision are heard.

Congratulations on your new single “Questions”, take us through the production process? What was the inspiration behind the song?

Questions is a special song to me because I wrote this song alone during quarantine with someone special in mind. The words and melodies just fly out of me effortlessly and I was able to finish this song in one day. Then I sent it to my friend/producer Jordan Manswell who took the production to another level.

What do you want people to take away from your latest single?

I want people to just enjoy the feeling of the song as a whole. It has a very sensual vibe that taps into the feeling we all get at the beginning of a relationship.

Looking back on your previous singles, how do you think this one differs from your last?

With every single I release I try to give the listener more snippets of who I am and what I am experiencing at that moment.

You’ve had so many accolades over the years! What’s been your biggest pinch-me moment?

Definitely performing on The Today Show!

You have more music lined up in the pipeline, what can we expect from your future projects?

You can expect a lot more music and my next single out this summer!”.

RAYDAR spoke with Skylar Stecker late last year when she was promoting her amazing E.P., Earth Signs. An artist who is so prolific and always impressive and original, there are few out there as promising and exciting as her:

“A self-taught multi-instrumentist, Skylar is one of the youngest artists to top the Billboard Dance Charts and saw early success from pop ballads such as “How Did We” and “Only Want You.” The rising artist is becoming widely loved for her honey-drenched vocals and occasional song covers. Her 2019 project Redemption was well-received and served as her first full-length release as an independent musician. Songs like “Let It Pour,” “Don’t Test Me,” and the title track rose as fan-favorites from the project.

Earlier this year, Stecker unveiled her EP aptly titled Earth Signs, a 7-track offering with a lone feature from Lucien Parker that the trials and triumphs of navigating a new relationship and learning about how to deal with feelings that she had never experienced up until that point in her life. Fast forward to now, Skylar is working on her next EP slated to arrive during the summer of 2022 with more content to follow. Keep your eyes peeled for the young promising songstresses as she carves out her own space in pop-infused R&B.

We spoke with Skylar Stecker about being an independent artist, new music, relationships, and much more! Check it out below.

I know that you’re originally from Florida but moved to Los Angeles to pursue music. How did the different cultures on top of being so laser-focused on music affect who you are today?

I feel like it helped me to adjust and not be too attached to things. The number one thing I take away from it is being able to live in the moment because I’m a forward thinker, but at the same time, I have to reel myself back in and really live in the present. Where I’ve lived, all these places have given me perspective and stories to tell in my music.

Prior to being an independent artist, you were signed to Cherrytree Records in a joint venture with Interscope at a fairly young age. Is there anything liberating about putting out music on your own now?

I think before, I didn’t feel as attached to certain things or songs because I didn’t 100% write them or they didn’t reflect how I felt for other political reasons. There’s always a sense of disconnect from not having full ownership. Now, with the music release, it’s definitely a bit more nerve-wracking because I can’t put that weight on other people’s shoulders. Obviously, I have a team around me, but the responsibility lies within me but it’s also really exciting because I get to create my own story.

Considering you decided to be more vulnerable on Earth Signs, how long did it take to perfect this EP? Did it feel any different compared to your previous works?

I was going through my first real serious relationship and basically “Superman” was the first song I wrote on that project. After that, everything just came so easy to me and I knew I wanted to use that as the blueprint for the rest of the EP. I created stories around my life experience and also that person that I was experiencing these things with. It’s funny I named it Earth Signs because I’m actually an Earth sign and I got into that stuff during quarantine as well.

Can you walk us through what your songwriting process is like?

It really varies, I definitely keep a tight circle of music creators. I really love to try to lock in with people and do as much as I can with them because it feels like a family and the music comes out more authentic. I think that’s translated in my music and songwriting, but I’m also starting to do a lot at my home studio as well. Due to COVID, I learned how to vocal produce and do stuff like that which has been really really helpful.

A good bit of your music focuses on love, dating, and intimacy—what is your definition of modern love?

That’s a very good question! I would like to know the definition of love! For me, my number one thing is that I lead with my brain. Love is being able to be yourself and have that person be able to see you who you are fully. Not the persona that you start off with because we’re always worried about saying the right thing. Love is that comfortability, and I know that I definitely fall in love with someone when they show consistency that matches me.

What are some key points and components of your music that you would like your fans to pick up on and enjoy?

I think the number one thing for me is that I’m trying to find my way. I feel like we’re all humans and no matter what we’re going through, we’re always trying to figure it out. I think my music reflects that whether it be love or tribulations in some other areas of life. I just want to be very transparent and honest about the mixed emotions and thought processes that we go through.

I see that you also have a pretty unique sense of style, what are some of your go-to brands or sneakers these days?

I love Jordans! I started with one pair and now I have a whole collection and it’s dangerous. Every time I see new pair online, I’m like oh god. My style is definitely comfort but I try to find shoes or accessories to spice it up a bit. I love Nike, Adidas, all the sportswear brands, and really nice jewelry whether it be hoop earrings or something of that sort.

I have a stylist that I’ve been working with lately and he’s been getting me out of my comfort zone lately. I think that’s the cool thing about fashion, you can always reinvent and evolve. I’m definitely a sweats person but when I wear a dress you’ll catch me in the car getting my flick on.

Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your younger self?

The number one thing I would tell myself is to be patient with everything. I think in life, to get the greatest reward you definitely have to have your fair share of work. Stay steady and look at every day as a way to grow. There are always going to be challenges but try to make the best choices. I’d also say listen to your gut because there will always be people with opinions and not in a bad way. Just take them as a grain of salt in comparison to your own.

Obviously, your younger years are in the rearview, so what are some long-term goals you have set for yourself?

Long-term, I want to do a lot. I want to do the GRAMMYs and hopefully I can get there. I really just want to continue to grow and evolve as an artist. I think embracing change is good and I want to be able to best translate that in a way that I can look back and have a sense of contentment that I was able to do all the things I wanted to do”.

I am going to wrap things up there, actually. I would recommend you follow Skylar Stecker on social media, as she is such a fascinating artist whose music cannot readily be compared with anyone else. I would encourage anyone to listen to her songs, as they are so engaging and memorable! There are videos and live tracks I am unable to include as I will run out of space and opportunity. For that reason, go and look at her YouTube channel and all the amazing videos on there! Sounding already established and confident, it is amazing to discover this in a twenty-year-old. I think, as she moves through the next few years, we will see more albums and E.P.s from this wonderful artist. As I said, I hope there is some interest from big labels – or a label that is a perfect fit for her and treats her with respect. Her work deserves as much love and attention as possible, so I do hope that the next E.P. or album spreads around the world and we see her hit the road. There are definitely going to be people in the U.K. and Europe who would be interested seeing Stecker in the flesh. Such a talent and loved artist – check out her TikTok videos for a start! -, we will hear a lot more from her. I am glad I discovered Stecker’s music, as I have got to know more about her career and start. Because of that, I have bonded with this truly stunning artist. I am predicting some immense and wonderful things for Skylar Stecker…