What is your name?
Steffi Jeraldo
What is your genre of music?
Country Pop/Americana
Give us a little bio about you.
I was born and raised in Sweden by immigrant parents from Romania and Chile. I grew up juggling languages but was always drawn to the universal language of music. I started singing in a choir and eventually started writing my own songs on the guitar. As soon as I was old enough, I began entering National music competitions and was even a contestant on Swedish Idol in 2011. I decided to make the move abroad to the U.S. the following year and pursue a degree in Songwriting at Berklee College Of Music. After graduating I headed for Nashville in 2016 to develop my craft and expand my musical family. By reaching out and collaborating with other musicians I was not only able to grow in my artistry, but also support, write for and with other artists. I’ve also written albums for Film/TV/Ads that have gotten albums placed in major sync libraries like Warner Chappell Production Music.
What made you go into music?
Genuine human connection. Music brings people together and makes you feel understood and less alone. It allows you to feel your feelings deeper and express what words sometimes fail to. It’s like pure magic.
Who are your influences?
Colbie Caillat, Kacy Musgraves, Taylor Swift and Alison Krauss are a few.
Are you signed?
I am unsigned but am a part of the Lady Savage PR and Management family.
You released your new single ‘Cartwheels’, tell us more about the single.
It’s a warm acoustic ballad in 6/8 that blends the styles of country, pop and folk. It’s innocent and soulful, soft and strong.
What is the meaning behind the single?
Cartwheels is about refusing to admit defeat. When you’re holding onto someone and bending over backwards trying to fix something that’s passed the point of saving.
What was the writing and recording process like?
Writing this song was therapeutic. Nothing makes you get to know yourself better than songwriting. Sean is a good friend of mine and a safe space to be vulnerable. Recording the song was a dream come true. We recorded Cartwheels in Nashville’s iconic Oceanway Studio. Hearing the song come to life was amazing.
Describe the track in two words.
Heart-wrenching and pure
Who did you work with on the single?
I wrote the song with Sean Trainor, who produced it alongside Brian Oakes who mixed the song. Sam Moses did the mastering. Sean Trainor plays piano, mandolin, organ and sings BGV’s. Steve Barnett plays acoustic guitar, bass and mandolin. Then we have Mark Deschner on lapsteel, Ryan DeMers on elecrtric guitar, Jason Chambliss on bass and Andrew Dorn on drums. Grateful to work with musicians I love and admire.
We see a Music video for the single, can you tell us more about the creative process like and the inspiration behind the making.
Music videos are so fun to make. Once I finish a song I can often picture what the music video could look like. Then I bring those ideas to my videographer. I’ve been so lucky to work with Nashville Film festival director, Jay Curtis Miller, and he takes my ideas and takes them to a whole other level. With Cartwheels I knew I wanted a more stripped down, performance video, because I wanted the lyrics to have room to land and be the focus. Cartwheels is all about wanting to be seen and heard and bending over backwards to reach the person you’re desperately trying to hold on to. I also wanted to incorporate spinning because it’s part of the lyrics.
Watch it here
Will we see an Ep or Album and if so, what can we expect from it and when can we expect it?
I am so excited to be releasing my debut full length album in 2022 and the singles leading up to it. The songs on it are an honest representation of how I see the world and I cannot wait to bring my listeners on this new journey with me.
Do you have any live shows or a tour coming up and if so let us know where we can catch you.
I have some private concerts coming up but apart from that I don’t have any shows scheduled. Some of my favorite spots to play writer’s rounds in Nashville are Belcourt Taps and Alley Taps. Now that live music is coming back, I am also looking forward to performing again
What else can we expect in 2021?
Before the end of the year I am releasing a music video for my Christmas song “As Long As We’re Together”.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Doing music full time is the dream and goal. Creating music for my solo career, for other artists and for film/TV/ads.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“Don’t worry ’til there is something to worry about”. When I’m overthinking and feeling my anxiety start to stir I always remind myself of this.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
I’m the biggest songwriting nerd and I love analysing everything from melody and lyrics, to form and rhythms. I also love hearing the stories behind the songs and getting to know the artist. Arrangements and transitions are things I notice and appreciate as well.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yes you can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube and TikTok
