Daily Inspiration: Meet Zelma Studebaker

Today we’d like to introduce you to Zelma Studebaker.

Zelma, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin? 
Hello! My name is Zelma, and I go by the artist’s name, Zelma Stone. I am originally from the Bay area and lived in San Francisco before moving to LA almost two years ago now. I started writing music when I was 14, after my brother died suddenly in a car accident. He was an incredible musician and is the reason I started playing guitar. I started Zelma Stone as a band in 2017 after my mom passed away. I have experienced a significant amount of grief, and it shows in a lot of my songwriting. Songwriting has helped me a lot in my grieving journey. I still play with a band, and I also love to play more intimate shows where I play solo. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Grief has been a major obstacle along the way. In addition to my mom and brother, my dear friend Jenny was killed in a fire. That was devastating. Jenny was also a musician and had a dream of being a touring musician in a band. It really makes you think that life is too short to not go after what you want. I think there is a lot of pressure as an artist to “make it.” But no one really knows what that means. Of course, there are so many incredible musicians, especially in LA, and they all deserve to succeed. Although I would love to be a full-time touring musician, I have yet to actually make any money from it, and it’s really hard to get a tour agent. I make an income working with kids. Most of that income, and whatever I do make at a show or from selling merch, usually gets spent on recording, paying bandmates, music videos, etc. 

I’ve had to think long and hard about why I continue to pursue a career in music even with it feeling so challenging sometimes and I’ve come to the realization that I just have to because if I stopped playing and sharing my music, it just would feel so wrong deep down in my heart. What is most important to me is that the people who are supposed to hear my music will, however big or small the audience is. 

Mental health has been a huge struggle. As an independent, unmanaged artist, there is so much more that goes into it on top of actually playing and writing the music. I am also dyslexic and have ADHD, so something like writing an email or even posting a social media post takes me double the time as others. 

Social media is not good for my mental health, but as an artist these days, you have to have it as it’s pretty much the only way to promote. 

So yes, it definitely has not been a smooth road, but no life is. I’m extremely grateful to get to play and share my music and I will continue to! 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a singer/songwriter and I’ve written and released music inder the name Zelma Stone since 2019. I am very proud of each release, especially my most recent EP called A Dance. I will soon be releasing a series of videos accompanying the EP that I am extremely proud of. I think what sets me apart from others is my vulnerability in my music. While writing, I pull from a lot of my personal life experiences and grief. 

I also really love the visual aspect of my art and it’s really important to me. I have made and released many music videos and have collaborated with other artists and dancers. 

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
One can listen to my music on any streaming platform and can watch my music videos on YouTube. Follow me at @zelmastonemusic on IG to be updated about when I play a show next near you. You can visit my website to buy any music or merchandise. Zelmastone.com My next show is on April 13th at Permanent Records Roadhouse in LA. 🙂 

Contact Info:

• Website: zelmastone.com
• Instagram: @zelmastonemusic
• Facebook: @zelmastonemusic
• Twitter: @zelmastonemusic
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/@zelmastonemusic
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6zCGW0ocbATOowwaED1mbs?si=vOdP8a0PT3ezfzCAlE_IUA

Image Credits
Alex Bulli
Westley Werner
Andy Hoffman