Interview with Stephanie Williams 2008

Ch.L.: Country Music has many new fans in Europe, who may be hearing about you for the first time. How would you describe yourself and the music you play to someone who'se never seen or heard you before.

S.W.: I just try to be myself and sing my songs the way I feel inside. Im very comfortable when it comes to music.

Ch.L.: How was the last year for you? What were the highlights?

S.W.: The last year has been very exciting and busy. I finished up Real Fire in September of 2007 and have been working on promotion since then.

Ch.L.: What's your latest CD and how's it doing?

S.W.: The album is called Real Fire and its getting great reveiws. Its steadily pushing up the Billboard top 150

Ch.L.: How did you choose the title for the CD, is there a story behind it?

S.W.: Track number 10 on the album is titled Real Fire and we just thought is would be a catchy title

Ch.L.: Do you write the songs yourself and if not, how do you go about finding the songs for the your CD?

S.W.: I have not written any songs yet however I would love to sitdown someday in the near future and do that.

Ch.L.: Please tell us about the songs on your album.

S.W.: Most of the songs on the album are fun upbeat and catchy. There are also some very nice ballads Im sure alot of people will be able to relate with

Ch.L.: What's the difference between your last CD and the current one?

S.W.: My last CD was a 3 song Demo that I recorded at Hilltop studios in Nashville. I sent that to Robert metzgar from capitol management and when he agreed to work with me we got started working on my 12 song album Real Fire.

Ch.L.: Your current single is being played by radio. What do you thing is specail about this song that makes people what to hear it?

S.W.: Real Fire is a very catchy kind of song that alot of people can relate to.

Ch.L.: What will your next single be?

S.W.: Im not sure yet. I guess that will be up to the lable.

Ch.L.: What kind of songs do you like to record the most?

S.W.: Songs from the heart. The kind that you can relate youself to. It just makes the emotion in the song so much more powerful.

Ch.L.: What's your favorite song among all the songs you've recorded and what's the story behind it?

S.W.: Hand me down heartache Its about a woman who is with a man whos has his heart broken before and this woman is just not willing to deal with it. She basicly thinks it makes the relationship to complicated.

Ch.L.: How much creative control do you have over your music?

S.W.: Half and Half. I like to get my producers opinions but if its something I really want they will usually work with me.

Ch.L.: Do you have any interesting stories about how fans have been affected by your music?

S.W.: I get emails from fans all the time that love my songs. They always ask for autographed pictures and say the hope to meet me someday. I am so greatfull to have fans.

Ch.L.: Who do you look up musiccally and how deep do your musical roots run?

S.W.: Martina Mcbride is my favorite artist. Her voice has so much power and control.

Ch.L.: What do you think about today's Country Music versus its roots and where do you see it going in the future?

S.W.: I love todays country music as well as yesterdays but todays country has a little more of a rocky edge to it. Im not sure where country music is going but hopefully it will only get better.

Ch.L.: In your opinion, what is the biggest difference between „traditional and „new country music?

S.W.: In my opinion todays country has a deeper rockier edge to it.

Ch.L.: If you had the chance to change something about the music industry, what would it be?

S.W.: I would give the people more options and ways to further their careers musically.

Ch.L.: As an artist you have to do so many different things such as recording, touring, doing interviews etc. What do you like best, what's your favorite activity?

S.W.: I love recording because for me thats where all my passion for music comes into play. I feel so comfortable in the studio and on stage.

Ch.L.: Are you doing anything to take country music beyond it's courrent borders or are you happy where it is?

S.W.: I love the way it is now. I wouldnt change a thing.

Ch.L.: What was your big break that got you into the music business?

S.W.: My husband Ronnie and I contacted my Manager Robert Metzgar of Capitol Management Group and he agreed to work with me. Since then we recorded a 12 song album and the sinle Real Fire is rising the charts.

Ch.L.: What inspired you to become an artist?

S.W.: I have been singing since I was 10. Everything from Mariah Careys Dreamlover to Martina Mcbride.

Christian Lamitschka ( Ch.Lamitschka@t-online.de )

www.MySpace.com/ChristianLamitschka