Urban Muse Mag Interview
Stella Stephney – STEP’n Out On Faith
ALI CARTER on December 11, 2019 at 12:01 am
We got a chance to sit down with Chicago-born R&B/Pop recording artist Stella Stephney to discuss her upcoming single “I Miss You” and her forthcoming EP entitled Throwback ep take 1.
UMM: First off, thank you so much for taking time out to meet with us. We know how hectic things must be as you prepare for your upcoming release which we’ll dive into later.
Stella Stephney: You’re very welcome. Thank you for having me.
UMM: I see that you’re originally from Chicago but currently reside in Texas. What brought you to the DFW area?
Stella Stephney: Yes, I was born and raised in Chicago (Southside!!!). I had to do that! HAHAHAHA Due to a job transfer, I packed up and moved to New Jersey in 2011. After 3 years, I realized New Jersey just wasn’t for me. My BFF had moved to Texas and suggested I give it a try. I’ve been living here happily ever after since 2014.
UMM: That’s Awesome!! Now, you’ve released music prior to your upcoming project. Tell us a little bit about that.
Stella Stephney: Wow. Where do I begin? In 1996, I released my very first CD entitled “Stella Stephney – One Step At A Time” which I, along with three partners, executive produced. It was produced and recorded by Gee Pierce for U Be U Production House out of Saginaw, MI and mixed by Bernard Terry for Silversun Recording, LTD out of Flint, MI. The CD did exceptionally well in Chicago. Ummm, it sold out in the 28 stores we had it in. I performed throughout the city and surrounding suburbs/states. Unfortunately, due to circumstances out of my control, the project didn’t go any further.
UMM: Congratulations on the successes you’ve had with that album, but also sorry to hear about the outcome of that project. It sounds almost bittersweet. I’ve had a chance to listen to the songs and they are timeless. I can only imagine what your new project is going to bring. Soooo.. let’s talk about this new project. Tell us about your upcoming single “I Miss You” and EP Throwback.
Stella Stephney: Thank you for saying that. Yeah, that project is timeless…but I’m bias. HAHAHAHA. Throwback is an EP consisting of 5 songs…4 of which were written by yours truly and my BFF TLaroyce. We worked with some of DFW’s heavy hitters on this project. Norman “MouseQuake” Barrett at The MouseTrap, Carlos Ellis at 3-21 Studios and Ty Macklin at Alpha Omega Recording Studios. We wanted to bring that old school vibe back to the forefront but updated with a lil bit of today’s flavor. There’s something to step to, or as they do here in Texas, swingout, there are love songs, sad songs. Ummm…it’s a pretty well-rounded record. The first single to be released, “I Miss You”, is a remake of the girl group/band Klymaxx. I think we did a really good job on it.
UMM: Ok a lil steppin music too. Very nice. Well, let me be the first to say, you did a SLAMMIN’ JOB ON IT and Klymaxx will be proud so kudos! When will the single and EP be available?
Stella Stephney: Awww…thank you! I’m glad you like it. Well, the single drops December 15th and will be available on all digital platforms. We’re looking to release the EP first quarter 2020. We also worked with Charles W. Bush of Appointed Productions, Sheran Keyton of Sheer Heaven Ent., and Timothy Walker of Highlight U to shot a video for “I Miss You” which will be released the first of the year so be on the lookout for that as well!
UMM: Ok now, you’ve been very busy! I’m definitely going to have to share the link so the readers can purchase it! It’s well worth it!
Stella Stephney: Awesome! Thank you. I appreciate that.
UMM: I know you’ve gotta run. Just a few more questions.
Stella Stephney: No you’re good. Take your time.
UMM: Sweet. Not sure if you’ve ever thought about this before, but, if you hadn’t become a musician, what would you be doing right now?
Stella Stephney: Well, actually, I still have a “Day Job” and am doing exactly what I would be doing. I’m an Executive Assistant.
UMM: Wow! That can be stressful. How do you manage the two?
Stella Stephney: To be truthful, they balance each other out. I can have a stressful day at work but when I dive into my music it calms my nerves. It’s like therapy.
UMM: That’s pretty awesome. I love the way you describe it. I guess when you really look at it, music is a form of therapy.
Stella Stephney: Yeah. Yeah.
UMM: I’m sure you get this question all the time. What’s the biggest problem you’ve had to overcome thus far?
Stella Stephney: Self-doubt.
UMM: Whoa. Now that’s not the answer I was expecting. Please elaborate.
Stella Stephney: Well. I know I can sing and I know I can write. I just never thought I was “GOOD ENOUGH”. I’ve had people close to me tell me things like “You’re an amature writer. You need to stick to singing.” I’d constantly hear what “they feel” I can’t do but never get praise for what “they think” I can do. Just always trying to break me down and try to control me. So after dealing with that for a while, I allowed them to get in my head to the point where I started doubting myself. Hence my 10+ year hiatus from my music.
UMM: Oh wow! It’s unfortunate you had to go through that. I’m glad, and I’m sure your fans and my readers will be glad, you didn’t allow that to stop you from creating your music.
Stella Stephney: Yeah. This go-around, I’m in complete control of everything. Now of course I have my BFF who has been down with me from the beginning. She actually was the catalyst behind me getting back into my music. She’s the best writing partner anyone can ask for and is a BEAST in the studio. Also, this time I’m stepping out on FAITH. I can see it. I can feel it. Now I just want the world to hear it. It’s my time.
UMM: Stepping out on faith. I like that. It’s been a pleasure catching up with you. Again, thank you so much for taking time to sit and chat with us today. Final question then I’ll let you get out of here. If there is anything you could leave with our readers who are interested in getting into the business, what would it be?
Stella Stephney: The pleasure is all mine. The advice I’d give to someone trying to get into this business is…STAY TRUE TO YOURSELF AND YOUR CRAFT. Don’t allow anyone to distort your vision of you. Surround yourself with people who truly believe in you and are not just along for the ride because at the end of the day, when it’s time to dig deep, get dirty and put that extra work in, they’ll be nowhere to be found. Peace!
UMM: That is some REAL advise!! Well…. you’ve heard it here FIRST! Stella Stephney is back in the game and she’s here to stay! Doing it HER way and STEP’n Out On Faith! Be sure to grab your copy of her single “I Miss You” when it drops December 15th but don’t wait until then to cop your copy! Pre-Order your copy TODAY! See link below:
Also, be sure to follow Stella Stephney on all of her social media sites!
Ali Carter, Founder & Owner of Mind YOUR Body & Soul Lifestyle Transformation wellness programs, Founder / Owner / Handcrafter of Zoetic Essentials Natural, Holistic beauty and bath and Owner at B.A.M. Blog, TV, Radio. Ali practices holistic philosophy and therefore created Mind YOUR Body & Soul as a platform focusing on inspiring a health conscious lifestyle inside and out. Zoetic Essentials’ holistic, natural beauty and bath line is one component of this lifestyle and B.A.M. (Body and Mind) is the media outlet created to share wellness, travel, inspiration across the globe as well as her podcasts, radio shows, events and soon to launch Season 1 of B.A.M. Life with Ali, Written & Hosted by Ali. Blog – www.wherezali.blogspot.com Twitter – @wherezali LinkedIn – Mind Your Body and Soul