Meet STACEY

Today we’d like to introduce you to STACEY.

STACEY, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I grew up in a small town called Carlisle, about an hour outside of Toronto, Canada. I started taking piano lessons when I was seven years old and worked my way through the Royal Conservatory of Music system. I loved playing everything from classical piano to pop songs. I’m a proficient sight reader but pretty slow when it comes to learning by ear. I didn’t really start writing or singing until I was 18, after my first heartbreak. Since then, I’ve been obsessed with honing my artistry, whether it be songwriting, singing, curating an aesthetic, learning new instruments, and anything I feel is necessary in the music world I’m creating. My parents always had the radio on growing up but they weren’t really music people per se (no record collections or memories of concerts etc.).

I started to find 60s and 70s music in my 20s for the first time and felt an overwhelming need to make up for lost time. I felt late to the party. I wanted to dive deep into that classic era in every way I could and still feel like I’m on that journey, discovering incredible songs and fashion of the past every day. I think that’s reflected in my songs, now more than ever. I’ve released a few EPs, which I’m proud of, but with every release I’m always feeling like “wait no THIS is ACTUALLY me” – which I’m of course feeling the most right now. Those EPs afforded me some awesome opportunities like synchs, showcases in Canada and the US, and an O1 VISA to uproot and head to Los Angeles. I’m currently putting the finishing touches on my debut full length “Saturn Return”.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It’s hard to be an artist, any artist will tell you that. It’s a lot of work. I’ve had my share of bumpy parts of the ride whether in creative collaborations, on the business side, or simply sustaining belief in myself. It comes with the territory. At the end of the day, I’m always a Taurus so… steady as she goes. Let’s work!

Can you give our readers some background on your music?
I make 60s and 70s inspired pop songs and created visual extensions of those songs. First and foremost, I’m a songwriter. I think parts of my audience know me for different things. Having a retro vibe overall and writing songs that are very much unique to me, often melancholic, dreamy, contemplative or psychedelic are probably the main pillars. I’ve had some luck with placements in TV shows such as Lucifer, Orphan Black, Wynonna Earp, Degrassi, etc. so some listeners have found me through that which is neat! I also feel like primarily playing a Wurlitzer is cool and memorable but maybe I am just biased because I love it so much. I’m proud of the ecosystem of art that I have built up over the years and continue to hone. I think just trying to be my weird self as much as possible is where authenticity lies.

What were you like growing up?
I’ve always been an introvert extrovert mix. Social butterfly at times but also kind of a weirdo and a nerd. I was never a part of any clique but more so floated around, wanting to be friends with everyone. Very curious, driven, somewhat competitive. I was always obsessed with music and took the train into the city for as many concerts as I could. I worked on a strawberry farm for most of my teens. I worked hard in school and ended up getting an Engineering degree from the University of Toronto. So pretty much 95% the same as now (sadly, I do not work at the strawberry farm anymore).

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/staceymusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/staceymusic
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/STACEYmusics
• Other: https://linktr.ee/staceymusic

Image Credit:
All photographs by Kristy Benjamin. Single art by Peri Levin.

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