We’re looking forward to introducing you to Staci Griesbach. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Staci, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Losing myself in good music! Always a healer and something that brings me back to home base.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, my name is Staci Griesbach, and I’m a musician, composer, marketing and publicity exec, producer and wearer of a lot of hats. In the past seven years, I left my post as Vice President, Global Publicity at Sony Pictures and released four full-length albums celebrating jazz and country music, performed at iconic venues like Carnegie Hall (first paid gig in NYC – and a fun story!), the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Birdland Jazz Club. I helped produce a feature-length movie, and launched a small jazz festival in my home state of Wisconsin.
I’m most excited about my latest release, which is “Holidaze,” a four-track EP that features all original songwriting and composition with some catchy tunes perfect for the holiday season. The title track, “Holidaze,” is a catchy original that leads with the punchy chorus, offering a perfect upbeat original to add to your playlists this holiday season. “Holiday for Two” is another original that was featured in “A Cherry Pie Christmas” movie which premiered on Great American Family and can now be streamed on FAST channels such as TubiTV, RokuTV and Amazon’s Always Christmas channel. “Not Even Santa Claus Can Fix Me Tonight,” is a song that bares true honesty around Christmas and that reflective time at the end of the year — a balance to the upbeat, positive fun-loving nature of the EP. Finally, “Be My Santa Tonight” is a playful original that was released in 2023 as a single and now completes the “HOLIDAZE” EP. Find the music anywhere you listen and make sure to add to your holiday playlists or buy now to own on Amazon Music or Apple Music!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
This question brings back memories of growing up on the farm in Wisconsin, where I had acres of wide open spaces to roam, plenty of animals to keep company with, and an old upright Wellington 1920s piano, where I spent a lot of time. There was a simplicity to my childhood then that I hope to sometime find again in my lifetime. The space that allowed for discovery, without an expectation or pressure of what “could” be. I’ve always been curious and passionate about music. I’ve always loved people, hearing their stories and finding common ground or connecting on some level. I don’t think the world has ever “told me” who to be, instead, we allow our expectations or judgements to restrict or sometimes confine us. Perhaps the more appropriate question would be reflecting on self-limiting beliefs instead of the expansiveness that the world provides. Yet, I’ll always take the opportunity to think back and reflect on my time as a kid on the farm.
In fact, some of this reflection comes to play with my new holiday EP release, “Holidaze.” Christmastime was always a special one on the farm, whether it was making cookies or candy or just pulling out the classic Christmas albums like Elvis Presley. (Special note – for those interested, my 2023 Christmastime album features two covers from the classic Elvis Christmas including “Santa Bring My Baby Back” and “Blue Christmas.”)
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Fear is perhaps something that’s part of the human condition. I’d argue that every human confronts it on some level, and that’s something to really reflect and marvel at if you think about it. When I moved to Los Angeles in my early 20s, I knew I wanted to perform, sing, write and record music, but a few things came up for me. First, I didn’t know how to go about it. Second, I had no money to do anything, as I was just out of college. And, third, I was scared that perhaps someone would tell me that I wasn’t good enough to pursue music. I released my first album at 40, and very grateful that i’ve pursued my dream as diligently as possible. You can always go back and say “what if,” and hopefully, that will just propel you to double down on what you really want to do, what you enjoy doing in this life. For me, I realized that the fear of not doing what I loved was greater than the fear of doing it. Perhaps even writing this is a good reminder for me as well.
On my new Holidaze EP, which just came out for the holiday season 2025, I wrote a song called “Not Even Santa Claus Can Fix Me Tonight,” and it talks a little bit about being at a certain stage in life and taking stock. One of the lines in the song is “December feels like a finish line somehow, yet the race I keep running, doesn’t look like one now,” and for me, it translates to this sense of always running to get ahead but never quite winning the race.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Live music matters. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve been enamored with live performance. The music industry has changed so much with how people access music and the business model changing from ownership and collecting to subscription and access models. Yet, there is nothing like bonding with tens or even thousands of like-minded music lovers singing to the same song at a concert. And, the feeling that someone – the artist – created this experience. I walk away from nearly every live music event inspired and ready to sit at the piano.
All of the songs on my new Holidaze EP were written at the piano. There’s something magical about placing my hands on a chord progression and hearing the melody come alive in my mind. If you’re a fan of the music, be sure to check out my tour and events page on my website and come check out a show. Supporting live music is a way of upholding these venues and opportunities for artists to share their gifts.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I’d argue that everyone benefits from some version of validation on some level for hard work. This question is nestled under the headline of “legacy,” and I think that giving 100 percent is part of my current and ongoing legacy. In my lived experience, when I do the best I can, it’s much more satisfying in the end. No matter what anyone else says. That said, it’s nice to have a supportive community around you in any regard.
In terms of my music, one could argue that “legacy” is something I celebrate, as much of my jazz music is honoring artists who have made a deep imprint on my musical choices. From Patsy Cline to Shania Twain to Dolly Parton and George Jones, musicians and artists create their legacy with each release, each song and each tour. Each one of these artists continue to inspire me either through their music or their contributions to community. Shania Twain has her Foundation where she focuses on food insecurity in Canada, her home. Dolly Parton has been known to create libraries full of books for kids, offering an opportunity to read and build imagination. These icons show up and give their best back to their community, and that’s really inspiring.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stacigriesbach.com
- Instagram: @stacigriesbach
- Linkedin: @stacigriesbach
- Facebook: @stacigriesbachmusic
- Youtube: https://www.Youtube.com/stacigriesbach
- Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/stacigriesbach
Image Credits
Photos by: Kim Thiel
