Meet Stefani Sikora of Hermosa Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stefani Sikora.

Hi Stefani, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m Stefani Sikora, a Los Angeles-based Hard Rock/Metal singer, songwriter, and performer with a love for big vocals, heavy guitars, dark drama, and songs that actually make you feel something.

Music and I go way back. I started playing piano at five years old, and I fell in love with music. I tried singing at age fourteen and discovered a hidden talent, which changed my life. I studied Musical Theatre in college. Then I was driven to begin writing my own music and become a recording artist. I had to chase my dreams, so I left Oklahoma for Los Angeles in search of bigger stages, louder amps, and the opportunities I knew were waiting for me out West.

I’ve performed all over the Los Angeles music scene, including some of its most iconic venues—The Viper Room, The Mint, Saint Rocke, Whisky a Go Go, House of Blues Sunset (RIP 💔), and dozens more.

In 2023, I picked up the electric guitar and something else clicked in me. Writing on guitar unleashed a heavier, darker, more dramatic side of my songwriting—and I was completely hooked. I was hearing where my music wanted to go, and then I discovered a producer here in the South Bay, Steve Ornest at Total Access Recording, who could take me there and help me shape my sound.

Now I’m bringing those years of music, performance, storytelling, and a healthy obsession with heavy guitars together as I record my debut album. It’s loud. It’s emotional. It’s dramatic.

For me, music has always been about more than just writing a catchy song. I love empowering listeners, creating a little theatrical chaos, and taking people on an emotional ride—preferably one that’s loud. My sound lives somewhere in the world of Hard Rock and Metal, influenced by artists like Evanescence, In This Moment, Nothing More, Bad Omens, Ozzy Osbourne, and Papa Roach.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I played tons of gigs where I had to perform hours of cover songs. It created confidence in my performing as I honed my stage presence and live vocal performance. But my biggest struggle was continually playing other people’s music when I had a burning desire to play my own. I’m grateful for everything I learned by studying those songs, but it took some time for me to find my true voice and express myself through my own art. I went through several phases of different sounds and styles before I found the music I knew I was born to make.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In addition to recording, performing, and making music videos, I am also a Vocal Coach and Piano Teacher here in the South Bay. I usually have around 15-20 extraordinary students, young kids to adults. I’ve always had a strong desire to share my love and knowledge of music with others, and I enjoy working with students across a wide range of musical styles. I tailor each session to the individual rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

Every student has different strengths, challenges, interests, and goals, and I love figuring out what works best for each person. I keep it fun and exciting. Whether a student wants to build their technique, explore a new musical style, prepare for a performance or audition, or simply become more comfortable and confident making music, my goal is to help them grow while enjoying the process.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.stefanisikora.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stefanisikora
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StefaniSikora/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@StefaniSikora
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/stefani-sikora-redondo-beach-4?osq=stefani+sikora&override_cta=Request+information
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4ICCI0oOfxrDyng852IOJY?si=ZX_eMNtZQLO7dCBqJ_yuiw

Image Credits
All Photos by Michelle Shiers