Stephanie Lombardo Interview | Respect The Artist
How did you get your Artist name?
I wanted to stay genuine to my birth name.
How did you get into creating?
I started piano lessons at the age of 3, which set the foundation for creating music. However, it wasn't until years later when I began composing original songs and fell in love with the process. I wrote my first single, "Get Out Of Bed," in 2010, released it with a music video, and received great feedback! From there, the songs kept pouring out of me, and I pursued a musical career as a solo artist. I continue to write ballads, piano instrumentals, and dance-pop songs in the self titled genre "Glam Pop:" a combination of jazz, rock n' roll and pop music.
In addition, I've performed as a keyboardist and vocalist in several different bands, which helped propel me into creating original music. I can write for days about the fun performance experiences I've had so far.
How has creating changed your life?
In so many ways... for one, I've learned so much about myself through the music I write. Composing is all about expressing your feelings, and sometimes I don't even realize what's inside of me until it comes out in a song. I love how creating music challenges me, pushes me to achieve greater things, and helps me grow as a person. I believe I have more to give as an individual, now, because I express myself through creativity. I'm a firm believer that expressing your creative passion is a key to life fulfillment, and should always be nurtured and honed.
Creating music has also led me to work with some amazingly talented musicians. The music community is so open to helping each other, and it's refreshing to be part of this culture. I've learned so much from working with various artists, and am proud of how far I've come as a musician in the last few years because of these experiences. I'm a more confident person and polished performer because of the lessons I've learned from them!
Where are you from?
I grew up on Long Island, but frequently work in the The Big Apple, NYC.
How did growing up in your neighborhood/city affect you?
New York Citi is plethora of creativity. The open mindset and blending of artistic culture is a great source of inspiration. Plus, NYC audiences are full of passion and energy, they're so much fun to perform to!
What did you do to advance your skills/knowledge?
My music composition skills definitely sharpened through my work with bands. Since creating music is such a collaborative process, being surrounded by talented artists evolves your musical levels in powerful ways.
Prior to working in bands, I classically trained on the piano in different genres from classical to Broadway tunes and contemporary music These fundamentals honed my ability to learn songs by ear over the years, which I use when composing.
Vocally, I trained with a few teachers before mastering solid warm-ups and techniques that work for me. I rehearse daily and always warm-up before a studio recording or live performance.
Ultimately, almost like any skill, it's all about repetition: you get better at it the more you do it. This remains true for me with singing, songwriting, playing the piano, and anything musical.
What does your current setup look like?
My recording setup includes a USB microphone with a wind screen hooked up to an ancient Mac Book with Garage Band. I play on two keyboards: An 88 weighted-key Roland and Medeli. My father's bass and rhythm guitar collection surround the recording space, so I'm always engulfed by musical inspiration!
Who inspires you? Why do they inspire you?
I can list a few artists who inspire me: Michael Jackson for his musical composing and deadly dance moves - I've learned a lot just by watching him perform; Lady Gaga who was a huge songwriting inspiration for me when I began writing music; And, of course, Mr. Showmanship, the Great Liberace for his magnetic stage charisma and piano skills.
The biggest musical inspiration I'm most proud of is my father, William Lombardo. He is my musical compass and the king of class and rock n' roll: An individual who honed the unique balance of creativity, compassion, diligence and hard work. He taught me good values and a lot about life in general. My Dad played bass and rhythm guitar for a few bands, so I have a close musical connection to him. I soaked up all that he taught me about music when I was little, like how to identify a good hook. I remember singing along to The Kinks and Paul Revere and the Raiders during our car rides. His musical intuition was sharp - When he said he liked an original piece that I played for him, I knew it was good.
What is your goal when you create?
One of my goals when creating music is to connect with listeners in a soulful way. I enjoy telling stories through music, so writing about something listeners can relate to is always key. I also love making the audience dance or feel inspired.
A great example of this is my song "Never Too Late:" a message that says it's never to late to go after your dreams no matter what. I believe that everyday is a new chance to be strong and seize a new opportunity no matter how old you are.
Why do you create?
Creating music makes me feel connected to myself. Music is the sound of feelings, so when I write, I express my feelings through that song. It's a very cathartic process and my way of expressing myself to the world. Life is a blank canvas, and music is what I use to paint it.
What's your go-to song right now and why is it important to you?
It always changes, but recently I've had "Jump" by Madonna on repeat. Along with the addictive dance beat, I love it's strong message to believe in yourself to create your own journey and never look back.
What is your dream as an artist and what steps are you taking to reach your dream?
I love performing and creating, so I would love to do more of both! Now that we're slowly creeping out of quarantine, I plan to perform in large venues. To do this, I'm always connecting with other artists and producers to work with. I currently have some new collaborations in the works.... so stay tuned!
What is the best advice you would give someone with a dream?
1. Always reach out to people/other artists: tell them what you do, send them your material, ask for help, collaborate.
2. Keep an open mind.
3. Follow your dream! Dreaming is nice, but doing the work to make it a reality, is even better!
Tell us about your most recent release
My latest Glam Pop single, "Adore," tells the story of a girl who wants to be sure that her beau is not just into her looks, figure, or anything superficial. This gal needs a deeper more soulful romance, and isn't afraid to let her man know what she needs!
I wanted a dance club vibe for this song, with distinct dynamics between a heavy bass beat and light piano arrangements. I wrote the melody, lyrics, and chord arrangement. Steven Shewbrooks, one of my musical soulmates, brought the track to life by mixing the synths and instruments together. Dan DelVecchio added extra spice with his rockin' guitar solo!
Watch/Listen to 'Adore' on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8jLnqIs6Vs&list=PL4QNJXpMAUTY7NoFqam5z-4u5H5EtMQL6
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/stephanie_lombardo_music
Facebook.com: http://www.facebook.com/Stephanie.Lombardo.Music
Website: http://www.stephanielombardo.com
Photography credit: Heartbreaker album cover photo: Alexander Zuckerman
My Father's Place live performance photos: Emily Sears & Mark Schoen
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