Interview with Stefy
October 17, 2006
Some bands have a knack for taking the best from the past and making it even better. Case in point is spunky Orange County, CA outfit Stefy. Formed around singer Stefy Rae, this group pays homage to the great sounds of the '80s on their poptastic debut "The Orange Album." After Stefy was dropped as a solo artist by Columbia Records due to political turmoil, her dream of fronting a band and finally has become a reality. Inspired by Blondie, Queen and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Stefy's music not only celebrates the sunny side of life but also discusses more serious issues like teenage pregnancy. I chatted with Stefy a few weeks ago about her album, '80s music and gay fans. (Stream the entire "The Orange Album" here.)
Arjan: How did you get started as a band?
Stefy: Initially, it was just me and my producer. But I had this vision of being a female lead singer with guys playing the instruments. Much like Gwen Stefani of No Doubt, Debbie Harry of Blondie or Karen O. from The Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I just love those bands with their strong, confident front women. We found two members of the band through auditions, and we recruited the keyboard player through my friend JC Chasez. I am so happy that we all fit so well together.
Did you ever think about being a solo artist?
Oh yes. I was signed to Columbia Records when I was fifteen years old. I was signed by Tommy Motola, but things didn't work out for me. Now, I have the chance to do what my dream was and start a band.
How did that hot '80s sound of this album come about?
Well, I love a lot of artists from the '80s like David bowie, Queen and Prince and my producer introduced me to a bunch more. Bands like Berlin and Blondie, it was both of our styles combined.
Are you tired of being compared to Gwen Stefani just because you are a singer from Orange County too?
We get compared to the early No Doubt a lot, which is really a huge compliment. They are so amazing. But I do want to separate the two because we are two completely different people and it is not like I'm trying to copy her.
If there is one fashion item you could bring back from the '80s, what would it be?
The big hair! I absolutely loved it. That was freaking amazing. And how about those leg warmers and Nike high tops with different colors? So cool!
(Continue reading after the jump.)
What's your favorite lyrics on the record?
That is a lyric from the first song I ever wrote called "Love You To
Death." It is the beginning line, "No one will ever love me the way you
love me. Deep down inside I know you belong to me but this remains
unspoken." It means so much to me because I was with a guy who broke my
heart and left me. And I thought he was the love of my love. Writing
the song was like therapy for me.
What is the main message in Stefy's music?
Our music is really about having fun and having a good time. After all
the grunge, it is okay to lighten up and have some fun with things.
But what compelled you to write about the serious issue of teenage pregnancy on the song "Orange County"?
I was so tired of hearing lovey-dovey songs. There are so many teenage
girls out there that go through pregnancy. I wanted to write a song
about some of the things that really happen in life. I wanted to have a
song that is more real than songs that have a fairytale ending.
How important are gay fans to you?
I really don't make a distinction between gay fans and straight fans. Everybody's the same, so everybody's important.
So what's up with all the orange references on this album
Besides the fact that we are from Orange Country, we have two songs
that have the word "orange" in the title, and we use the word here and
there on the record so we felt that it was appropriate to name the CD
"The Orange Album."