Stefanie Michaela is no stranger to the power of music. Growing up in Los Angeles, she was drawn to the soulful sounds of pop and R&B, crafting songs that blend deep emotion with relatable storytelling. For her, music has always been more than just a passion—it’s a way to connect with people, offering clarity and comfort through heartfelt lyrics. After stepping away from her career to focus on family, Stefanie has returned, more inspired than ever, with a renewed sense of purpose and an upcoming EP, Turning Pages.
Her journey has been anything but ordinary. While she always knew music was her calling, life took her in a different direction, leading her to marriage and motherhood. But even as she built a family, her love for music never faded. Instead, it evolved, becoming an even more significant part of her identity. Watching her children pursue their own passions reignited her creative spark, inspiring her to return to the studio and tell her story through song.
Recently, Stefanie made her return to music with the brand-new single, “Found in You.” The song marks the start of a new chapter not only in her music but also in her life. It is a deeply personal reflection on love, commitment, and the path that led her back to the studio. Furthermore, “Found in You” also reflects on the foundation of her relationship with her husband and the profound impact their love has had on her journey.
Now, with Turning Pages set for release, Stefanie is ready to embrace this new chapter fully. In this exclusive interview, the singer opens up about her return to music, the role of motherhood in her creative process, and the powerful message she hopes to share with the world.
How would you describe your music?
I would describe my music as a little bit of pop and a little bit of R&B. Combined, it creates a soulful and emotional sound that is relatable to people seeking clarity through lyrics. Authenticity is what people are drawn to, and my hope is that through my raw and real sound, along with emotional lyrics, it will truly resonate with others.
Can you describe the moment you realized music was more than just a childhood passion?
While performing on stage and feeling the energy from the crowd at a young age, I knew that my sound and music were meant to touch others, and this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. To me, there was nothing better than getting up on stage, pouring out my emotions while singing, and having people feel what I was feeling.
Could you elaborate on your musical journey and the path that led you to where you are today?
Music has always been my world. No matter what kind of day I was having, I could always turn to music as an outlet—a place to create and be purely authentic. After taking a step back from music due to some setbacks, I decided to get married and start a family. But as you know, passions never die; they wind up creeping back, and if you keep pushing them aside, you’ll never truly be at your full contentment. I am so grateful to have music back in my life, which has truly fulfilled me in ways I never thought possible. Being able to incorporate my music with my family is the biggest blessing.
How did motherhood influence your creative process?
It’s so important to teach your children to never give up, and that hard work will pay off. Watching my children be so passionate about what they love has inspired me to dig deep in my songwriting. It’s created this whole new chapter that I’m so excited to share with the world.
Can you tell us about your new single “Found In You?”
“Found in you” is truly the foundation of my relationship with my husband. It is the driving force behind how our life has unfolded. Our relationship has created so many layers and different twists and turns, which have made me realize so many things. This story that we have created together has led me to the path that I’m meant to be on, which incorporates music into my life with my family, making me a better wife and mother. Feeling as though you are given the opportunity to pursue what you love while going about your day-to-day routine is the biggest blessing.
“Found in You” is such a deeply personal song. What was the moment that made you realize you were ready to return to music?
While presented with an opportunity in music, after taking a long break due to setbacks, I knew this was a sign that my music career wasn’t over for me. I’m all about signs, and when things are truly meant to be, I go for it. Found in You marks the beginning of the new Stefanie Michaela journey, and I wanted to start with a song that really delves deep into the feeling that drives it all for me.
You’ve spoken about how your children encouraged you to follow your dreams. What was their reaction when they heard “Found in You” for the first time?
My children absolutely love being part of the creative process. They love coming into my music office, hearing me practice, whether it be writing a new song, vocal warm-ups, or practicing a stage performance—they want to be part of it all. Found in You is the foundation of my relationship with my husband, which led to my beautiful children. This is the story of my family, and my children are the sole inspiration for this song.
Your upcoming EP, “Turning Pages,” is set to be released this year. Can you share what listeners can expect from this project?
This project is an authentic, real story of someone who has experienced
heartbreak, disappointment, trust issues, but has also experienced beautiful love. This is Stefanie’s story, and she’s ready to be authentic and lay it all out on the table. People may think they know someone, but they have no idea unless they truly are living in their skin. This EP is a lesson to everyone to truly just enjoy your life and focus on the path ahead. Stop looking around, because what truly is important is your life. It’s not about how others live theirs; it’s about the happiness you create within.
What is a message you would like to give through your music and why?
Tell your true and raw story; this is what people want to resonate with. We all have a story, and people want to hear it. It’s just about how relatable you are to others. No one is perfect. No one has the perfect life, and people have to stop looking around and just stay in their own backyard, focusing on what truly matters in your life and how you can bring joy to yourself and others.
Is there anything else you’d like people to know?
Don’t ever give up on your passion. Even if you incorporate a little bit each day, it can change your mindset and make you feel completely whole. By delving deep and really focusing on something that you love and still want to pursue, you will truly walk around feeling so much more happiness by incorporating something for yourself each day.
Listen to Stefanie Michaela’s new single “Found In You” on our Spotify playlist:
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