Stephanie Rice – Pages

By starrymag | June 18, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) What is the message behind the song “Pages.” 

 

A) “Pages” is not an anti-religious song, but I have personally experienced people using religion to justify cutting me out of their lives and I struggled for a long time in coming to understand that that wasn’t okay. I never had the chance to make certain memories. I have lost family based on a book and this song will hopefully empower anyone who has gone through something similar to pick up the pen and write their own pages. 

 

Q) You created the song with Justin Tranter. What was your process like for creating the track?

 

A) I wrote the original version of the song without intending to. I was hit with a wave of emotion, triggered by a specific event that reminded me of the memories I never got to make and the song just came pouring out of me.

 

When I was given the opportunity to work with Justin, I struggled with which song to show him. But after hanging together for a while at the studio, I felt really at ease and told him my idea behind the song. The process from that point was super organic and really exciting to be a part of. Justin was incredible to watch and I learned so much from that session. It was like watching someone perform surgery on a song, extracting the weak lyrics like dead tissue then transplanting in better lines and melodies. 

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think that people connect to it because it’s a true story. I’ve found that stories are what move us because there’s a part in them that we identify with and something about it being real makes us feel. Like I said, I wasn’t really intending on writing the song, but I myself was super emotional when I wrote it because I wrote it from the darkest corner of my mind and the furthest depth of my heart. 

 

Q) You are a part of social media. What kind of feedback have you received from your fans?

 

A) The very first message I got was, “One day when I have the strength to come out to my father, I will have this song by my side.” That broke me down. It felt like I got punched in the gut, being sent back in time to the moment where I came out to mine and how alone and scared I felt. I hope this song makes that person feel less scared and more hopeful. It felt like a full circle moment and that I reached a place in my life where I’ve made it to the other side. Now I can reach back and let others know it’s going to be okay. I’ve received a lot of similar messages as this and I’m so glad I didn’t second guess releasing the song. 

 

Q) You worked with your brother, producer Benjamin Rice on the song. How did this collaboration come about? 

 

A) My brother and I have always talked about making music since I was a teenager. We’ve worked on other songs before but this one felt extra special.  

 

Q) Will there be a full EP or album coming in the near future? 

 

A) YES! I’ve got a couple more singles coming before I release the full EP. 

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Stephanie Rice performance? 

 

A) I love to give fans variety. I love to have high energy songs where I can embrace my inner rocker, but I also have a soft spot for more intimate moments where it’s just me and the piano. 

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you? 

 

A) Hotel Cafe is my favorite place to perform in LA. It’s always full of music lovers and I’m able to try out new material in a place where it’s fully appreciated. I also love performing in Houston because it’s where I started my band and I get to see the people that supported us since day one. 

 

Q) Your brother helped produce the Lady Gaga Oscar winning song “Shallow.” How did that make you feel? 

 

A) My chest almost explodes with pride every time I think about it. I’ve always believed in him and never doubted his ability and talent. I personally think “Shallow” will be around for a long time and it makes me so happy that he’s getting to work on music that will have a lasting mark. 

 

Q) What artists are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

 

A) I’m loving Billie Eilish and Finneas. The writing in and of itself is brilliant, the production is also brilliant. It’s enjoyable to listen to and also packed with inspiration. 

 

Q) What advice would you give up and coming artists? 

 

A) Figure out what it is that you want to say and work really hard to translate that message in the most clear and most authentic way possible. 

 

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

 

A) Music is my passion and every one of you gives me the opportunity to keep doing what I love. Thank you.

 

 

Listen to “Pages” on Spotify

 

Watch “Pages” Lyric Video: