Check out our interview with Nashville based, electro-pop queen Stef, who just release her new track “sicc”. The track touches on the need for emotional control and hook up culture. Mastered by Grammy award-winning engineer John Greenham (Billie Eilish), the single feels rich with her tender, intimate voice sitting on an intense, minimal soundscape. There is a beautiful contrast between her soft, Madison Beer-esque voice and prowling, power-charged bass, with muffled motifs and touches of synth-pop embellishments.
Follow Stef @stefanicolvin & TikTok @stefanicolvin
Hi Stef, please tell us a little about you?
I am a 21 year old singer songwriter based out of Nashville. I am equally obsessed with expressing myself through fashion as I am music. I run a successful online vintage clothing store as well as started to release my own pieces under stef the label.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Hard working, creative, and caring.
How did you get started in the business?
I have been involved with some type of music my whole life; whether it was church or theatre I was always singing. I moved to Nashville after I graduated highschool in 2018 to pursue a career in country music. I quickly decided that is not the route I wanted to go. Top of 2019 I started to write pop and explore my artist project and the rest is history.
How has this changed your life?
It has given me a platform to express my creativity and be something bigger than just myself. I want to help and inspire people and I am happy I can do that.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I somehow stumbled into it but how I have sustained myself in the industry is just putting myself out there, getting out of my comfort zone, meeting as many people as I can, and building real genuine connections!
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Forward, dark, interesting.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I’ve always just wanted to be on stage my whole life, even if being on stage makes me slightly nervous still, it always comes natural to me. I really love Dua Lipa as I feel she embodies being a “pop star;” sound wise, look, vibe, everything. Billie Eilish is also super cool I really enjoyed her first album. Love Taylor swift, Harry Styles, all the big performers. I also fell in love with songwriting as well.
Do you play any instrument?
I have taken guitar and piano lessons but can not play well enough to accompany myself.
Do you ever get nervous?
Yes! I think nerves mean you care. I get nervous about living up to my own potential. They aren’t the nerves where I care about what others think.
Tell us about your new single “sicc?”
music is just a fun take on hookup culture. The girl singing it is tired of f*ckboys so she just steals their clothes instead of being with them. It’s not a super deep song, just something fun and flirty.
What’s the story behind the song?
Like I said it is just a fun song! Me and my friends were just hanging out having a few drinks and writing and that’s what came from it!
How was working with Grammy award-winning engineer John Greenham?
He is so great! Tess, his daughter, works for him as well and I have grown close to both of them.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
When I get messages or dm’s saying how much they love the songs or how inspired they are by me!
What book should every entrepreneur read?
I am not much of a reader, I would say- anything you wanna know how to do is on youtube. Turn your passion into income.
What would say are the greatest lessons you learned so far?
Wow there are so many- I think something relevant to my life right now is to make sure you don’t speak or act off emotion. Give it space to breathe so you can speak with a clear mind and tongue.
How would your best friend describe you?
I think they would describe me like I describe myself; I think they look up to me for my drive and that I am a hard worker and good business woman.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
I am not really sure! I feel like my EP titles so far have been a representation of chapters in my book thus far.
What’s next for Stef in 2021?
I am working on releasing an indie pop EP! That’s about as much as I can say- such in early works right now. It is completely different from anything I’ve done before.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I eat whatever I want but sometimes I crave a house salad with blue cheese…
And your favorite cheat food?
I eat whatever I want like I said but pasta and bread are my favorite food.
How would you explain your fashion style?
A mix of trendy items paired with vintage items from the thrift store I am drawn to. Very 90s and 00s.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Loving every single part of your life and being content with your journey knowing you will reach your destination eventually.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to have a day in the life of a super famous band in the 70s. None in particular I just think that era is so interesting.
Best advice ever given?
Don’t be a part of the problem, be a part of the solution.
Do you support any charity?
Yes! I support homeless organizations heavily- first stop, and hope on the row. Organizations associated with the BLM movement I have supported heavily as well (there have been a few)
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Selling out a world tour and also being nominated for a Grammy.
Favorite song? Why?
I don’t have one! It changes every day.
What do you think of Social Media?
I personally like it and think it is fun. Of course it is toxic and has toxic parts but when I am getting wrapped up in that I try to catch myself.
Where we can follow you?
@stefanicolvin on all platforms!
