Artist of the Month March 2011- Stephanie Cester
Band/Artist name:
Stephanie Cester
Where are you from?
Melbourne
What’s your musical background? When did you start playing?
I’ve loved music ever since I was a little girl. I would sing a long with my dad as he played the piano and dance around singing along to all my parents old records. The first song I ever learnt to sing with my dad was The Carpenters “Close To You”. I had my first singing lesson when I was 17 and that’s when I decided that I wanted to make music my life.
What is your creative process?
Most of my songs start off in my car. I’ll be driving along, completely in my head, over thinking something and then it’ll hit me, I’ll have a lyric idea. I’ll need to pull over and record something on my phone, bring it home and make it into a song.
How would you describe your music to people?
I would describe my music to people as my life in songs. My songs are so personal to me, music is my way of expressing my feelings. I say a lot of things in my music I would never admit to in every day life.
Does your music convey a message?
I like to think my music sends a message about knowing your worth, about not putting up with crap and knowing what you deserve.
Do you ever play covers?
I do play covers but only songs I can relate to. I don’t like playing a song just because someone wants to hear it; I like to connect with what I’m singing.
What has been your biggest highlight in the music industry?
In 2009 I was the International Grand Prize winner in the Show Me The Music songwriting contest in Nashville, which was a massive thing for me. I love making music and it was touching knowing people like what I’m doing.
What has been your biggest challenge as a band?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced is trying to get past my fears.. it’s not easy.
Where can we hear your tunes online?
Hit up my website, www.stephaniecester.com there are links to facebook, myspace and a bunch of other places.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
I would love to write with Claude Kelly; he is one of my favourite songwriters.
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