Steph La Rochelle – Wildflower

By starrymag | December 19, 2022

By: Francesca Fortino

 

 

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences? 

A) My parents always had music playing in the house when I was a kid so early on I listened to all kinds of artists from Celine Dion and Whitney Houston, to Aerosmith and Elton John. Sara Bareilles is a big influence now. She’s an incredible vocalist and one of the greatest songwriters of our time.

Q) What are some themes you explore on your new EP Wildflower?

A) At its core, it’s really about finding your way through love and life. You’ll hear love songs and breakup songs, as well as songs that touch on mental health. The title track “Wildflower” inspires self-reflection. The songs are very introspective in their nature.

Q) What songs from the EP are you most excited for fans to hear?

A) I’m excited for people to listen to it from beginning to end. The songs are strategically placed as they follow a story. If I had to pick favorites, “No Sleep Tonight” and “Wildflower” might be at the top of my list.

Q) Which tracks on the EP may have challenged you the most creatively when writing them?

A) A lot of these songs have been in my back pocket for a while and inspiration hit pretty quickly for most of them. I’m proud to have compiled a body of self-penned work. If I’m remembering correctly, “If You Change Your Mind” was a song that I’d written the chorus for but sort of lost my way and didn’t get to the verses until a few months later. I think it was good for me to have spent some time away from the song in order to have a chance to revisit it with clear perspective.

Q) Are there certain songs you are most looking forward to performing live off of Wildflower?

A) It’s been really fun performing the songs live. I’ve got a great band of musicians, including cello which we’ve added recently which really elevates the sound. “No Sleep Tonight” is a song I usually strip down so that’s been special to perform it the way it was written, just me and my guitar.

Q) What’s your writing process while working on your lyrics? Do you need music before coming up with words?

A) Generally, I’ll start strumming on my guitar and hum a melody. Often a melodic hook will pop into my head, and I’ll start the process from there. Sometimes I’ll start with a lyrical hook, but it all depends.

Q) What do you hope that listeners take away from exploring this EP? 

A) I want people to listen to the album and take what they need from it. Whether that’s comfort in trying times, or help finding their way, I hope it can be a shoulder to lean on.

Q) What do you love most about singing and what do you love most about acting?

A) Music has been a huge part of my life since I was really young. There’s something so powerful about music and singing that can evoke emotion and make people feel something. The same goes for acting. At the end of the day, it’s all about storytelling. An understanding of acting can really help an artist move an audience. I think they go hand in hand.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) I’ve been a big fan of Blue Rodeo, Jim Cuddy for a long time. His storytelling is so honest and I’m such a fan of his voice. I’d like to think our voices would blend so wonderfully, if I do say so myself! I think it would be incredible to get to collaborate with him.

Q) Talk about working with Alex Lacamoire on the recording of the song “Only Us.”

A) This was definitely a career highlight. I was on tour with Dear Evan Hansen and while still in the rehearsal period there was some time for me to work on that project. The tour was in Washington, so I was able to take a train to New York City to have a session with Alex and finalize the arrangement. Next, the tour stopped in Nashville – it was such an incredible experience to get to record in a Nashville studio. The cherry on top was performing it at the eminent Bluebird Cafe. Definitely a “pinch me” moment!

Q) What advice would you give to up-and-coming actors and actresses? 

A) You will undoubtedly face rejection. It’s tough to see in the moment but every trial really is there to carve your path or teach you a lesson. Keep your head high, hone your craft and remember why you do it. Work hard and take time to soak it all in. Enjoy the journey – that’s what it’s all about.

Q) Are there any upcoming on-screen projects that we will be able to see you in soon? 

A) I am currently working on a couple of music videos so stay tuned for those! You can keep in touch at: stephlarochelle.com

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Thank you, thank you, thank you. Your support truly means the world and I’m so thankful to have you on this journey.