STEFY Set to Explode

Musical newcomers ready for the spotlight

Stefy Rae may not realize how bright her star is about to shine. During a recent interview, the 20-year-old songstress chatted happily about her tomboy roots, her love of performing and her Friday night dates with Blockbuster.

She sings the praises of her band, STEFY, and her mother, a hair and makeup artist, and says despite the fact she calls Orange County home, she’s really not into the Hollywood scene.

“I don’t want fame,” she confesses. “I love music. It’s my passion. I love to perform and do shows and make people laugh and smile. That’s why I’m doing it.”

As she speaks, it’s clear she has yet to realize the extent of her talent, or the effect her music has on people. Whether singing about moving on from a torrid relationship, or lamenting about innocence lost, Stefy’s ability to tell a story through song is strong, and will surely leave an imprint on the minds of listeners long after the music stops.

The ’80s new-wave, electro pop sounds of STEFY, the band, are only equaled by the energy they unleash onstage together. To Stefy, the performance is almost as important as the music itself. She says she’s inspired by the showmanship of acts like David Bowie and Prince.

“Nobody does that over-the-top, go-big thing anymore,” she says. “I wouldn’t want to go see somebody in jeans and a T-shirt. I want over-the-top, ripped clothes and costumes.”

In fact, Stefy herself can often be found onstage emitting a bad little girl vibe she refers to as her “performing style,” complete with ripped nylons, short dresses and really high-heeled boots.

“If Prince can jump around in four-inch heals, then I certainly can,” she laughs.

At home, however, she prefers a more laid-back style of jeans and vintage tees. And glasses—big sunglasses. She also says she can’t leave home without her phone and loves renting movies.

“Everybody knows me at Blockbuster,” she laughs. (Her fave movie is Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion.) In fact, she says her ideal date would be going to the grocery store, cooking dinner and then watching a movie together.

The only problem, she says, is she can’t find the right guy to do this with.

“I have the worst luck. Especially being so close to Hollywood. It’s hard to find someone down-to-earth and humble,” she admits.

Somehow it doesn’t seem like that will be the case for long.

With her star rising, it’s a safe bet that Stefy’s regular routine is about to change. Her Friday night Blockbuster dates will soon be a distant memory: her days will be filled with interviews and photo shoots, her nights with shows and parties.

But despite the fact that her life is changing at a rapid pace, it’s clear the strong-willed, free-spirited girl inside will remain. Music has long been her passion, and she’s worked hard to get to this point.

“Never give up,” says Stefy, of realizing her dream. “You can do it. Anything is possible.”

Click here to listen to the first single from Stefy’s debut album from Wind-Up Records, in stores August 29.

Jami Moran

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