Underground Playlist Presents: Interview With Stefani Vara
If there was ever a “Do It Yourself” example out there Stefani Vara would fit the role. Growing up in Houston, Texas, Stefani always loved to sing but never pursued it professionally until high school. Jumpstarting her career Stefani made the big move to New York City and went on to hire backup dancers and a live band from her own pocket in hopes of getting her big break. That determination resulted in a record deal with Siri Music distributed through Universal Records as Stefani went on to release her debut album ‘Storybook Diaries’ in 2009. Fast forward to 2011 Stefani Vara is back with a brand new single, Latin/Pop influenced “Middle Of The Night”. We had a chance to talk to Stefani Vara about the her journey in music and what lies ahead.
UVN: IT WASN’T UNTIL HIGH SCHOOL THAT YOU DECIDED TO PURSUE MUSIC PROFESSIONALLY. WHAT WAS THE DETERMINING FACTOR THAT LEAD YOU TO A MUSIC CAREER?
SV: Education was my first priority, but I realized that I wanted to do something in my life that I love, and I love to sing and perform! I knew it wasn’t going to be easy but I also love and have enjoyed the challenge.
UVN: GROWING UP IN HOUSTON, TX AND MAKING THAT BIG MOVE TO NYC TO JUMP START YOUR CAREER HAD TO BE EXCITING AND NERVE RACKING AT THE SAME TIME. WHAT WAS GOING THROUGH YOUR MIND DURING THAT PROCESS? DID YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS?
SV: So many things went through my mind! What am I doing? Can I do this? How am I going to make this happen? I don’t know anyone!! I simply took a leap of faith and sometimes that’s all you can do to create your own destiny! Believe in yourself and continue to keep moving through anything! I have HARD times but I never doubt what I can accomplish. I simply create new paths to make things happen!
UVN: IN 2009 YOU RELEASED YOUR DEBUT ALBUM ‘STORYBOOK DIARIES’ THROUGH SIRI MUSIC/UNIVERSAL. HOW DID YOUR BIG BREAK COME ABOUT?
SV: I performed at few showcases throughout New York City and by the luck I was approached by a rep from an indie label. Talks and negotiations ended up with a one album deal with digital distribution through Universal Records.
UVN: YOU JUST RECENTLY RELEASED A NEW SINGLE, “MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT”. TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE CONCEPT OF THAT RECORD AND YOUR CHOICE FOR RELEASING THAT SONG OVER OTHER RECORDINGS.
SV: “Middle of the Night” was recorded in one night and it was so fun! It brought out a new sound for me that is what I wanted to explore and let people hear that there is more to my sound!!
UVN: YOUR LAST ALBUM ‘STORYBOOK DIARIES’ HAD AN R&B FEEL TO IT AND YOUR CURRENT SINGLE “MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT” HAS A LATIN/POP FEEL. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO TAKE THAT CHANGE OF DIRECTION? CAN WE EXPECT MORE OF A LATIN VIBE FROM YOU IN THE FUTURE?
SV: Yes Yes Yes!! More Latin/live sound with a mix of dance beats as well. I want to have fun and for people to dance to my music. I wanted to go back to my roots and bring in the complete me to my music! ‘Storybook Diaries’ didn’t entirely portray the REAL STEFANI VARA….. but stay tuned because you will definitely like what’s next!
UVN: YOU STATE THAT ARTIST LIKE GLORIA ESTEFAN, DIANA ROSS, AND MARIAH CAREY INSPIRE YOU. WHAT CURRENT ARTISTS IF ANY INSPIRE YOU MUSICALLY? ANY YOU WOULD LOVE TO COLLABORATE WITH?
SV: I have fallen in love with Adele….her music speaks to me–it’s so raw and in the moment! I am open to collaborate with various emerging and experienced producers/artists (ex: and David Guetta, Pharrell Williams, and even LMFAO)… actually my “Middle of the Night” remix is produced by an amazing emerging music producer named “Magnificent”.
My mother just met Santana at the airport and I have repeatedly said that I will one day do a duet with him…. soooo maybe her meeting him just means that I am getting closer!!
UVN: WHATS NEXT FOR STEFANI VARA? CAN WE EXPECT A NEW ALBUM SOON? ANY PERFORMANCES ON DECK?
SV: Right now I’m spending most of my time on a second independent EP album which will be a vast difference from my first album; but I am also accepting more acting, modeling, and hosting opportunities. I love staying in a creative state of mind!
Listen To Stefani Vara:
“Middle of the Night”
“Middle of the Night (Remix)”
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