FEATURE
Stephanie Owens Exclusive Interview with Muzique Magazine
Stephanie Owens is a Country singer based in Nashville Tennessee. She has just released her latest single ‘Work For Shoes’
When did you discover your love for country music singing and what made you realize you wanted to pursue a career in it?
I always knew I wanted to be a singer, but my love for country music was inspired by Martina McBride! My friend gave me one of her albums when I was in 6th grade, and that was the first time I really heard country music. I was captivated by the storytelling in the songwriting and how the lyrics really grip emotions! I decided then and there that I wanted to write and sing country music!
To what or whom do you accredit your sense of style?
My sense of style has definitely developed over the years, but I’ve always loved clothes and fashion. My parents legit had to lock my closet as soon as I figured out how to change clothes by myself as a little girl because I would change my outfits multiple times a day.
The right pair of shoes can really make an outfit, so I like to plan outfits around a pair of shoes. I love going with either a flowy top and more form-fitting pants/leggings or wearing a dress that has a more fitted top and a flowy skirt.
I’m also all about bold colors and anything sequin! I grew up with role models that inspired me to also be considerate of how I dress in the sense of valuing and respecting my body. I strive very hard to dress in a way that is trendy, yet reflects modesty.
When and why did you decide to move to Nashville?
I knew that I wanted to move to Nashville right when I started college. I thought for a minute about moving to NYC to pursue theater since I performed in a lot of shows going up, but I had always wanted to pursue an artistic career since I was a little girl.
When I started college, it just became very clear that Nashville was the right path because I had peace about that being the right direction. I finished college as quickly as I could and graduated in three years because my parents wouldn’t let me move until I had my degree haha!
I served tables for a few months after graduating to save up some money and then moved to Nashville in the fall of 2013.
On your most recent single release, Work For Shoes how did you come up with the concept?
So I’ve always LOVED shoes. I used to sing on the Praise Team at church while in high school and college, and people would always laugh at how I wore super high heels. The right pair of shoes just have always made me feel confident and like I could take on the world!
One of my co-writers on the song, Melissa, had joked several years ago that we should write a song about my shoe obsession. When I met John, who was the other co-writer on the song, I felt like the three of us were the perfect co-writing team because of our sense of humor. I’m super spunky and love playing eccentric characters, so we kind of wrote the song with the music video already in mind too.
What are some of your greatest challenges, and what is your greatest attribute when it comes to your work ethic?
This might sound weird, but my greatest challenge is probably getting out of my own way! I tend to worry way more than I should. I have a “control issue”, as I call it haha. I really have to pray and give situations to the Lord. I know I’m not in “control”, so I really have to fight to not let worry get in the way. It’s not healthy to live in fear and with anxiety.
When it comes to my work ethic, I think my biggest attribute is my drive. I love working hard and am dedicated to pursuing my dreams and making them happen. It takes a lot to get me down because I have learned to view “setbacks” as launch pads toward future accomplishments! I just have to balance my drive with knowing that, at the end of the day, I can’t worry and spin my wheels. I have to work hard, do my best, and leave the results up to the Lord.
Are you the best at what you do in your opinion?
I would like to think so haha! But in all honesty, there are so many talented artists out there with incredible gifts. I don’t really focus on being “the best” because I’ve found comparing myself to others just makes me discouraged and is a never-ending spiral.
I think everyone has been blessed with unique talents and strengths, and I just want to be faithful in working hard and developing the gifts that I’ve been given so that I can maximize my personal potential as an artist and reach as many people as possible with my music and story.
What are your plans for the near future?
With the pandemic, a lot of live shows have been canceled for the near future, but I’m not letting that stop me haha! I’m currently working with my team to brainstorm creative and safe ways to do some performances. I’m also always thinking ahead about my next single release, so I’ll be spending some time in the studio soon!
Is there anyone you’d like to thank, any shout outs?
Yes! I have a business mentor and dear friend, Mike Allen, who really encourages me and is full of wisdom. He really prioritizes people and relationships, which always inspires me to be about other people too. I also have a really supportive fan/friend in Finland who named his custom guitar after me! He calls it the “Stephcaster”!
How can fans find you?
You can follow me everywhere on social media @stephowensmusic! I love chatting with my fans, so please feel free to send me a DM – I’m especially active on Instagram! My music is available everywhere digitally, and my website is stephowensmusic.com.
What suggestions do you have for other artists like yourself?
Be yourself! It’s easy to sometimes get caught up in comparing yourself to other artists and what they are doing in their careers, but, at the end of the day, comparison just steals your joy. Create songs that tell your story, and this will resonate with people. Fans become true fans, I believe, when they recognize and relate to authenticity!
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