Stefani Colvin, professionally known as Stef, is a 21-year-old singer/songwriter from Nashville, the home of all great country music. However, Stef is bringing something new to the Nashville music scene with her indie writing style mixed with pop production sounds. Releasing her debut EP at just 19, Stef has gained recognition from many different streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music, by making it onto their editorial playlists. Stef has also used TikTok to express her love for fashion and clothing and has grown tremendously popular on the app. Stef is intuitively creative and her album artwork, visuals, music videos, and live productions are all intentionally curated to enhance her songs and her fans’ music listening experience.
SHEESH! was lucky enough to talk with Stefani Colvin about her musical journey, fashion choices, upcoming works, and much more.
How did you get started in music?
STEF: I have been involved in music since a very young age, my father can play guitar and sings so I grew up singing with that always surrounding me. I was highly involved in musical theatre in middle and high school, and at one point I thought I would find a home on Broadway. I started writing my own songs in high school and would travel up to Nashville every month to write with hit songwriters, which was a really great learning experience for me. I started more in the singer/songwriter/country music realm but I knew it was never what I wanted to do. I graduated high school in 2018 and instantly moved to Nashville to pursue my goals. I started to do pop music in 2019 and had never felt more like myself. I knew exactly what I wanted to say and who I wanted to be as an artist, so it has been an incredible process ever since then.
Do you think your music fits into a certain genre or category?
STEF: People always ask what genre my music fits in, and we both always have the same answer! It is a little taste of everything within the pop realm. I would say my writing style holds some indie writing values as it is very important to me that my songs have a strong hook, with a strong concept. Along with strong and unique songwriting, I also find production very important. Even though I do not produce my own music, one of my best friends Christian Fiore does it and he knows me so well and knows exactly what I want. I love a heavy bass and a progressive movement throughout the song, anything that I haven’t heard before I gravitate towards. I would say my music is a part of the new generation pop music and I am so grateful to be a part of it.
How do you feel your sound has evolved throughout the years?
STEF: I have been releasing music since September of 2019 and currently have 11 songs out, so I guess you could say it has all happened very fast. My first release was three songs at once under my debut EP titled, “Why Do I Laugh When I Cry?”. This project has very melodic cadences as well as a very forward pop production. I think my new songwriting and production is stronger but it still holds true to who I am as an artist. It’s kind of like growing up, I was 19 when I first released music and now I am 21 so my music has definitely grown with me.
Can you tell us a little bit about your latest release?
STEF: My last two releases have been a part of my upcoming EP titled, “A Glitch in Our Virtual Reality.” The EP is a concept piece where each song title is a sentence that makes up a paragraph. Each song can be summed up into the representation of one emotion that can be seen in the stages of love. “hi, my name is lonely” came out on October 23rd and has had immediate success landing on Spotify editorial playlists. “kickin’ all the pieces of my heart” just came out recently and I truly love that song so much. I think it is perfect for the Generation Z audience and is exactly what they need to hear from a new age artist.
How do you think your knowledge and passion for fashion correlate with your music? How do you incorporate the two together?
STEF: I think by tying in my knowledge and passion for fashion into my music, it makes my branding as an artist and musician even stronger. I think a lot of people, just like me, express themselves through their fashion and music taste. I am so happy my followers support my fashion as well as my music and I cannot wait to see how they grow together as a duo. I hope to be equally as successful in both my careers and “have the hype.” I never could imagine myself not being into both fashion and music, they go so hand-in-hand for me.
Who are some of your favorite style icons and fashion influences?
STEF: I am absolutely obsessed with Devon Carlson, Bella Hadid, Anna Winck, Elisa Park, Lin Mick, and all my internet friends of course!
As a multifaceted teen in artistic industries, do you have any advice for younger generations trying to break into music or fashion?
STEF: I think the best advice I could give would be to use your resources! We are growing up in the age of social media and we can’t ignore the benefits that social media can bring. If you want to do something just do it! There is always a way because you can teach yourself how to do anything. If you ever feel like you can’t do something that’s just your mind or the pressure of society. I truly believe in manifestation, if you are putting out positive energy in the world it will come back to you. Make a goal list and start taking steps in the right direction to complete them. Manifesting does not work if you do not put in the work! I know it’s scary starting something new but it’s a learning and growing process! Anything is possible. Use your resources, make connections, be yourself, put in the work, create an empire.
Does your music have a specific goal or intent?
STEF: Absolutely! Some of my goals are to go on a world tour, release an album, reach my target numbers on streaming platforms, play Coachella and Lollapalooza, have a worldwide fan base, and continue to make music I love. I love everything that goes into being an artist from branding, writing my own songs, interviews, interacting with fans, performing, and especially the business side of the industry.
What’s next? Anything fun or exciting you’d like to tell our readers about?
STEF: So many things are next! I am launching my personal brand, “STEF! The Label,” soon with two baby tees and a brown zip up hoodie. Eventually I want my brand to have success and look something like Unif, or even higher end like Miaou or Paloma Wool. I am releasing my EP titled “A Glitch In Our Virtual Reality” in March with 5 songs and intro and outro tracks, resulting in seven works total. My next single off the EP titled “I Use To Build Dreams About You,” comes out early February! It’s my first ever love song about my boyfriend now. I also just signed a management deal so I am excited to see what is next on my list.
