What is your genre of music?
Rock/Soul/Pop
Give us a little bio about you.
I’m a singer-songwriter, originally from Minnesota, but I currently live in Tulsa, OK. I get compared a lot to Florence Welch, Fiona Apple and even Regina Spektor. I play the piano and sing with my live band, the Midnight Sun. They’re pretty cool. I recently had my new single “Trapeze Artist” premiere on Billboard, which is a big highlight of my life and career. I love to connect with people through music and the songs that I write. I really love cats… actually animals in general. Oh, and I’m single. o
What made you go into music?
My family. My grandpa played the trumpet, sang and wrote songs. My mom plays piano and writes her own songs. My aunt sings. As soon as they found out I could carry a tune, it was piano lessons and singing at church. Ha!
You set to release your new single ‘Trapeze Artist’, tell us more about the single.
It’s a song that was written from scrolling through social media and seeing it all from engagements to recounting stories of racism. It felt overwhelming. Like I didn’t really know what I could do to make a difference. And that emotion turned into Trapeze Artist. Keep hoping and pushing forward with love with simple things can add up. That’s what I choose to focus on.
What is the meaning behind ‘Trapeze Artist’.
Trapeze Artist is just a reference to how I felt. Like I was trying to sort through all of this emotion and felt like I was utterly failing or falling. Swinging back and forth between hope and confusion, love and frustration.
Describe the track in two words.
Big hope
What was the writing process like?
Tricky. I wanted it to end on a hopeful note without coming across too cheesy. That’s when I decided it was going to end on a melody with no words. I think sometimes that’s all you can give… is melody with no words.
What was the recording process like?
Really smooth. Justin Streck, who produced it with me, was great to work with. He worked with me and the Midnight Sun to take our version of it that we played live and make it tighter and fit better in the recording world.
Who did you work with on the Single?
Justin Streck is an up and coming producer in Tulsa, OK. He’s doing some cool stuff with a porject called Qinn and also some stuff with NASA. Some fabulous musicians from Tulsa graciously played on it. That contributed the strings, horns and BGV’s. And then the Midnight Sun, which is Ryan Graham (drums), Sean Ammons (bass), Tye Slagle (guitar) and Amira Al-Jiboori (perc) did the bulk of it.
Listen to Trapeze Artist below
Will we see an EP or Album this year?
Working to get an EP out this year! Super excited!
Do you have any shows coming up?
Yes! I have a celebratory single release show at Philbrook Museum on March 6th and then heading to SXSW to play as an Official Showcase Artist.
If so where will you be heading?
So Tulsa and then Austin!
You are the Co-founder of ‘MisFEST festival’, tell us how you came up with the idea.
I’m the co-founder along with Amira Al-Jiboori. We came up with the idea because we saw a lack of female representation in festival line-ups and saw incredible female talent in Tulsa. We wanted to showcase that talent and we’ve done so for 3 years!
What and when can we expect from the next MisFEST festival, any spoilers?
Ha! No spoilers. We’re working on some new ideas. You’ll just have to see. 😉
What else can we expect in Early 2020?
Working on putting together a great show for the upcoming single release concert. It’s going to be more of an art piece than anything I’ve done before.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
Not at the moment, but I’m open. 🙂
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
I would be totally open! They can contact me at mgt@casiistephan.com
Do you play any instruments?
I do! I play piano/keys.
Who are your influences?
Disney/White Stripes/Motown/Celine Dion
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
One of two ways: My emotions get built up until they absolutely have to come out and then I write a song. Or something is said that really inspires me to create a story that creates a song.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Hopefully, doing music and working with other creators/musicians.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I scroll through social media or binge Netflix. I really should read more.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
That’s a tough one. It’s never just one song. It’s a culmination of songs over my life. The high I get when a melody, lyric or hook just hits me and I want to create that feeling for someone else.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Just go do it
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Just go do it. Don’t overthink it. Get out there and learn by doing.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“It will be okay in the end. And if it’s not okay, it’s not yet the end.” – The Great Exotic Marigold Hotel
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
Black Sheep Coffee – really good coffee and pastries.
Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first? My bed
2/ Who do you see first? No one. I need alone time. Ha.
3/What do you eat first? Fresh food.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
1. Water 2. Amira (my manager/percussion player) 3. My piano 4. My in-ears 5. Spanx
Do you have social media for readers to follow you?
I Do ,
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
