A Quick Chat with Steph Strings
Can you tell us a bit about your inspiration for your album ‘Feel Alive’?
Feel Alive was inspired by conversations, dreams and the overall sense of longing. I remember having a conversation with a friend years ago, explaining how I sometimes wished I didn’t have to ‘feel’ so much. They replied back saying I should never wish that, because the ability to express and feel emotions reminds you that you’re alive. This record explores twelve emotions, and dances between genres just like Ed Sheeran’s first album ‘Plus’. Whilst recording the album, I made sure to draw inspiration from the earthiness of Ben Howard, Norah Jones, Joni Mitchell and the passion of Coldplay, Missy Higgins and Julia Jacklin.
What are your influences and how do they affect your songwriting?
Lots of the deep conversations I have with my friends and family directly influence my songwriting. I like to put myself in other people’s shoes, relating their worries and triumphs to my life and finding connection somewhere in the middle. The land and nature around me also plays a major role. I find myself most days sitting on my balcony finding similarities between music and the environment, it helps me find my flow state whilst songwriting.
What’s the creative process like for you?
To write a song, the space has to be quiet around me, no humans, no chatter, just me and my guitar. At the start, I don’t begin with a preconceived idea that I’m about to write a song, instead I let myself enjoy the art of creating, with no pressure to make something meaningful. Once I start tinkering on the guitar, I get into ‘flow state’ and find the sounds that feel and sound good, then I’ll start muttering words and humming melodies and words start flying at me. It feels a bit like magic.
If you could change something about the Australian music industry what would it be?
I think there should be more funding for festivals as it’s one of the biggest ways for artists to be found, and an integral part of Australian culture. The lack of festivals directly impacts artists’ trajectory and potential income, making it really tough to showcase your art and make a living! Australian music needs more funding. Music is the strongest form of magic and it deserves some more love.
What do you think life would be like for you if you didn’t have music as an outlet?
Without music as an outlet, I think I’d be totally lost and anxious. Music is the main thing in my life that has helped me be myself, stuck by me through the hardest times and taught me the most lessons. Thank the lord I have music!
Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with? Why?
I’d love to collaborate with this Portuguese artist called MARO. She has the most beautiful voice and guitar style. I also think she’d just be a totally gorgeous human to chat about life with!
What’s your advice to young people who want to make a career for themselves in the industry?
Young people starting out in the industry need to remember to always be genuine. My favourite musicians are the ones that are true to themselves, someone who you’d want to have a beer with. This goes for the music too. Songs should be authentic and true to what the artist believes in – it will also make it more enjoyable if you actually love the songs you are singing every night!
Who’s the most interesting person you’ve worked with or met?
Ollie McGill from the Cat Empire. He is a piano prodigy, can play guitar with both hands, has perfect pitch and is the kindest, most gentle human. The Cat Empire took me around the world in 2023, so I was able to watch Ollie perform every night and pick his brain during the day. He’d stay up until the sun came up, playing on his portable piano in the tour bus. I’ve never seen anyone love music the way he does.
Any plans for a tour on the cards?
YES! I’m touring North America in March, then Europe & UK in April. I’ll be sure to come home to Australia to showcase my album, stay tuned for that announcement!