Stefanie Michaela On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Music Industry

AUTHORITY MAGAZINE

Donna Block

20 February 2025

a part of our interview series with leaders, stars, and rising stars in the music industry, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Stefanie Michaela.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Stefanie Michaela discovered her love for her music at 2 years old. As a young child, she would watch award shows, point to the television screen, and say, “I want to do that and be on stage one day.” She would make up all her own songs as a young child and ask to perform them for her family, standing on the fireplace hearth and using it as her stage. Weekly performances became a tradition, with Stefanie entertaining her family with her original songs. As she grew, so did her passion for singing and songwriting, becoming a fixture at talent shows, dance recitals, and school musicals with a voice that earned the nickname “the littlest girl with the biggest voice” in her hometown.

With a blend of soulful pop melodies and heartfelt lyrics, Stefanie’s music tells the story of her journey — one marked by resilience, perseverance, and unwavering determination.

Studio sessions became her sanctuary by the age of 12, where she found solace in crafting melodies and pouring her emotions into her music. Her talent was undeniable, leading her to pursue her dreams at the Idyllwild Arts Academy performing arts boarding school and later at the Boston Conservatory for musical theater.

Despite her early successes, Stefanie faced setbacks in her journey, but with the unwavering support of her family, she refused to let those obstacles hold her back. A chance opportunity reignited her passion for music, prompting her to return to the studio with renewed determination. Now that Stefanie is turning a new page, armed with the support of her family and a newfound sense of purpose, she is once again writing and recording music. Her children, who have become her greatest supporters, continue to encourage her to share her gift with the world.

As she embarks on this new chapter, she is filled with a strong commitment to pursue her passion and is ready to release her EP, Turning Pages, this year.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit about your “origin story”. Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

I grew up in a small suburban town with my parents, younger sister, dog, and even an iguana. Music was always part of our lives — my dad could carry a tune, my mom harmonized with every song, and my sister was my backup dancer. From the moment I could talk, I was making up songs. I vividly remember long car rides, looking out the window and creating catchy tunes. Singing was my constant companion.

School didn’t always come easy to me, and in a town where grades were highly competitive, my confidence sometimes took a hit. But music was my refuge. My parents recognized that and enrolled me in musical programs and hired voice coaches to nurture my passion. They showed me that success isn’t solely defined by academics, a lesson I now pass on to my own kids when they face challenges.

Music has always been my safe space, giving me joy and strength during tough times, and I’m forever grateful for that foundation.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music, and how did your journey begin?

I’ve been singing since I could speak. In school, I jumped at every opportunity to perform — whether it was a talent show or a musical. I became known as the littlest girl with the biggest voice and thrived on the energy of an audience. My love for music has never wavered.

At one point, I chose to put music on hold due to the uncertainties of the industry. After carefully considering my path, I prioritized getting married and starting a family, always hoping to return to my passion. Now, I’m living that dream while being the best mom I can be and sharing my story through music.

Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

When I was 20 and eager to start my singing career, I answered an ad for performers, which led to a meeting with a music manager in L.A. My parents were skeptical — especially my mom, who initially refused to come to the meeting. After a positive audition, my father and I convinced her to attend the next consultation.

During the meeting, my mom asked tough questions that seemed to make the manager uncomfortable. He pointed to framed Britney Spears Gold Records on his wall and confidently claimed, “There’s no reason this couldn’t be your daughter one day. All she needs is a hit song.” He then connected me with a producer, and I recorded four songs.

The manager arranged meetings with record labels in New York, but when my mom and I arrived, it became clear the meetings were hollow. The people we met seemed disengaged and uninterested. Devastated, I called the manager to discuss my concerns — but he dodged my calls and never spoke to me again. I was left heartbroken and with a deep distrust of the music industry.

It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

The funniest lesson I learned early in my music career was believing there might be a shortcut to success. I quickly discovered that you can’t always trust what people promise — if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. That lesson shaped me, and I’m grateful for it. Now, I trust my intuition and stand my ground when something doesn’t feel right.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

My parents have always been my biggest supporters, believing in me and encouraging me to follow my dreams. Whether it was late-night drives to studios, endless songwriting sessions, or early morning recordings, they were always there. My mom never hesitated to capture videos and photos, while my dad was my go-to for pep talks, weighing pros and cons, and offering guidance. Their unwavering support gave me a sense of security and constant motivation to share my gift and inspire others through my story.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

I’m currently completing my EP with Grammy-winning producer Keith Thomas, who has worked with incredible artists like Vanessa Williams, Mandy Moore, and Amy Grant. Keith is incredibly talented, and together we’ve created something truly special. I’m excited for the world to hear it.

We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in music, film, and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?

Diversity is essential because it breaks down barriers and ensures that everyone feels represented and included. Music, in particular, is about personal connection, and people should have the freedom to enjoy any genre without judgment. Diversity allows for a richer cultural experience and encourages creativity without boundaries, fostering a world where everyone can discover and appreciate what resonates with them.

As a successful music star, you’ve likely faced challenges along the way. How do you stay motivated? How do you overcome obstacles in your career?

I’ve heard it all in the music business — people have boosted my confidence, lowered it, and told me I belonged in lanes that didn’t feel right. But I’ve learned that staying authentic and true to your story is the key to success. When you’re genuine, your audience can sense it and connect with you.

It’s tough not to read cruel comments online, but focusing on your goals and what truly fulfills you is what matters. My motivation comes from my family and showing my children that they should never give up on their dreams. If something fills your cup and brings joy to your life, that’s all that truly matters — regardless of what anyone else thinks.

At this stage in my life, being a mother is my greatest motivation. Seeing the passion and drive in my children’s eyes constantly reminds me to keep pursuing what I love. Having a dream or passion makes life feel more whole.

Of course, there are days when things don’t go as planned, and I question whether I should keep chasing my dream. But then I imagine my life without music, and I can’t fathom it. Music is my outlet — it always brings me peace and keeps me grounded.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?

Know Your Voice: Understand your vocal strengths and limitations. Embrace your unique sound and focus on perfecting it without comparing yourself to others.

Train Properly: Vocal training, combined with patience and perseverance, can take you places you never imagined. Growth happens with dedication.

Be Kind to Yourself: Progress takes time. As the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Focus on learning and improving without being too hard on yourself.

Give Life to Each Note: Every note you sing has a purpose. Don’t rush through them — let each one resonate naturally for a smoother, more engaging performance.

Stay Authentic: Be true to your brand and show the world who you really are. Manifest your destiny by believing in yourself. It took me time (and starting a family) to truly understand this, but it’s never too late to chase your passion and make your voice heard. Let the world know you’re here to stay.

Can you share some insights into your creative process? How do you approach songwriting? How do you approach musical collaborations?

I approach songwriting in two main ways. First, I’ll come up with a melody in my head, record it on my Voice Memo, and write the entire song. Sometimes I move forward with it, other times it stays in my journal for later. The second approach is when I hear a track and instantly feel inspired about what the song should be about.

I love collaborating with artists who share the same emotional vibe. As an empath, I’m naturally drawn to writing love songs because they connect deeply with my feelings. When I find artists with a pop-soul or R&B vibe, the creative possibilities are endless, and we can craft incredible emotional lyrics together.

When considering a collaboration, I always research an artist’s past work. If their music resonates with me emotionally, I decide if we’re a good fit. I prefer my songs to be rooted in life experiences and real emotions — that’s what drives the passion you hear in my voice and music. If I haven’t lived through something, the authenticity isn’t fully there.

When the vibe is right, we typically create lyrics and melody quickly, and if everything flows, we can record the next day. Once the song is complete, I like to sit with it for a while, refine it, and get comfortable before performing. I work closely with my vocal coach to really fine-tune the vibe and make sure it’s just right.

Your music has resonated with so many fans worldwide. What do you believe sets your music apart?

What sets me apart is the soulful quality of my voice, which brings an unexpected depth. The clarity in my tone allows listeners to truly hear the story I’m telling. I focus on enunciating certain words to convey the emotion I want the audience to feel, ensuring the message of the song comes across clearly.

How do you connect with your audience?

Through my emotional delivery and clarity, my lyrics resonate with listeners, often evoking personal feelings. If I can touch just one person with my music, I consider it a job well done.

With your busy schedule and demanding performances, how do you prioritize self-care and maintain a balance between your personal life and career in the music industry?

My family always comes first. I use the time while my children are in school and at activities to focus on my craft, ensuring I can be fully present with them when they’re home. I strive to be their backbone and biggest advocate while sharing my passion, which boosts their confidence. Balancing family and music has worked well for me so far, and if things feel overwhelming, I take a deep breath, go for a walk, and find balance, often writing a song about it. You can really write a song about anything.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

As people get older, it seems they forget the person they once hoped to become. Why should dreams be left behind when starting a family? I believe the world would be happier if people took just a few minutes each day to be creative, reconnect with their passions, and remember what they truly love. It doesn’t have to be a big goal — just a little joy, remembering childhood dreams, and weaving that into daily life. People would feel less bitter and more fulfilled, with a positive mindset and happier hearts.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why?

I’d love to connect with Kelly Clarkson because her drive, authenticity, and storytelling resonate deeply with how I aim to portray myself. Music should evoke real emotions, and when we hear a performer, we want to believe in what they’re singing. Kelly’s performances always make me feel something genuine, and that’s why her music is so special. It has the power to change a person’s mood in seconds, and I’d love the opportunity to connect with her.

This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!

For more information on Stefanie Michaela, follow her Website, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE