Stef Mariani

"Over 41 years the Na Hoku Hanohano Award show has evolved into a momentous evening for Hawai'i. We are honored to continue to help showcase Hawai'i's talented entertainers while perpetuating the culture of our beautiful aloha state," said Pali Ka'aihue, president of the Hawai'i Academy of Recording Arts. "All of those celebrated here tonight are ambassadors of aloha and this is reflected in the beautiful music they share." - K5 The home team

Finding Gold
07/25/2017 10:49 pm ET
Stef Mariani makes me do things I don’t usually do with positive results. She is a soulful singer/songwriter living in Honolulu, Hawaii and we met through the Grammy community of independent artists, finally after some e-mail exchanges, face-to-face during the February 2017 Grammy weekend festivities. I found myself, as usual, at LA promoter and Grammy nominee Al Walser’s event, The Soiree. Being an introvert by nature and prone to leaning against walls, pillars and whatever borrowing James Dean’s solitary slouch I have of late forced myself to mingle at events and parties. I saw Stef in the crowd with two young women I did not know. Having talked to her briefly at a party the night before I approached. I was greeted with Stef’s usual warm smile and upbeat personality. A mutual Grammy friend described her recently as happy. She told me she and her friends were headed over to the red carpet to take photos and asked me if I wanted to join them. Yes, but, of course, the little voice in my head said no. I have never stepped on the red carpet at The Soiree although I have attended every year. I am self-conscious about red carpet photos of myself and selfies with me in them. But I wanted to join them and Stef’s invitation seemed so genuine I said yes. I was nervous but as we got in front of the photographer Stef and her friends just started to have fun and included me. The resulting photos show four happy people having a good time and I was one of them. Later I found out we are all of Italian heritage, something I didn’t know at the time that the four of us share.

Stef Mariani
Stef Mariani
Shortly after meeting Stef in February I was back in Portland, OR where I spend much of my time alone. It was a difficult day and my thoughts were with a personal matter. There was no one I wanted to call and I did something I never do. I turned Facebook’s chat on thinking maybe someone would show up I might want to talk to. Stef was there and we started exchanging messages. In the course of our discussion I saw an unexpected side of her and I think she saw an unexpected side of me. She was a good listener, kind and considerate and, most of all, helpful. I actually felt better and got a clearer picture of my situation with her input. That day I knew I found a real friend, who through her own personal adversity, was optimistic about life. She could relate to me and share that optimism.

Stef has scheduled release of her third recording, “Stay Gold” for the end of August, 2017. “Stay Gold” is a full length CD produced by Grammy Award winning producer David Tucciarone. A full length documentary about Stef’s life and musical career is in the works with anticipated showings on the film festival circuit. Stay Gold was born out of plea to a close friend to maintain her goodness and not to allow the hardships and the world around her to harden her. Stef gives us some insight into her new work. “It can be really hard to Stay Gold or to stay kind and soft-hearted when faced with difficult trials in life. But by doing just one little thing each week, or each day, you can spread a dash of light and a reflection of universal love. I truly believe that. The record and the documentary highlight that in the small, practical ways you can be the change.”

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Born to Northern California based folk singer songwriter Carolyn Haley-Murray, her biggest musical influence comes from her family. Stef tells us “I don’t recall a time when my mama wasn’t composing and performing. I wish I had her bravery and stage presence.” From folk to folk pop and Americana to acoustic rock, Stef also finds her inspiration in artists like The Doobie Brothers, Crosby Stills & Nash, Joni Mitchell, John Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen.

Ever the unerring optimist, Stef’s goal is to uplift the spirits of people so they can feel hope in a tough world. It is Stef’s belief that all things are possible. Mine too. No wonder we each found a new friend.

For more information about Stef Mariani and “Stay Gold” please visit her website:

www.staygoldhawaii.com - Susan SurfTone

Mariani won Album of the year for "Stay Gold" also a title track that has deep meaning for her. - KHON

Stay Gold for your Grammy Consideration Ad- Folk Album of the Year 2017 - Billboard Magazine

PHOTOS, winners of the 2018 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards.... ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Stay Gold, Stef Mariani (Klever Kitty Records) -

The Na Hoku Hanohano Awards announced the star-studded lineup scheduled to take the stage at the 41st annual Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, which takes place May 19 at the Hawaii Convention Center. This year’s awards will feature the biggest lineup of performances in the event’s history.

Confirmed performers for the 41st Na Hoku Hanohano Awards are: Backwards Shaka, Beat-Lele, Deems Tsutakawa and Friends, Ekolu, Evan Khay, Greg Sardinha, Halemanu, Ho’okena, Jack Johnson, Jeff Peterson, Josh Tatofi, Kahulanui, Kamakana Kukona, Kapena, Kawika Kahiapo, Keahi Conjugacion, Keauhou, Ken Makuakane, Kimie Miner, Lance Takamiya, Larry Dupio, Mailani, Mango Season, Napua, Nathan Aweau, Pat Simmons Jr., Paula Fuga, Shawn and Lehua, Stef Mariani, Tsun-Hui Hung and Zach Manzano.

The show will be televised live starting at 5:30 p.m. on K5 and streamed online. - Arts & Entertainment

Kimie Miner. Kapena. The Green. Keauhou. Stef Mariani. These are just a few of the Hawaii artists who won big at the 2018 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. -

"Stef has an amazing, emotive and mesmerizing voice that really brings a song alive. I had worked with Stef last year on a single and it was an amazing experience working with her voice. I have listened to Colour My Soul multiple times, and I love this recording. The whole album works together so cohesively, and every song is beautifully performed by not just Stef, but her entire band. I wish Stef all the best." - 2015 Grammy Award Winning Producer Ricky Kej

"Stef's new album glows with tenderness, romance, and depth of emotion..... This fantastic release makes her an artist to watch as her career continues to blossom with great promise." - 2014 Grammy Award Winning Artist/Pianist Laura Sullivan (Loves River)

“Colour My Soul” displays an artistry that is refreshingly honest and soulful. Her passion comes through in spades in the songwriting and heart-felt vocal performances." - 2014 Grammy Award Winning Singer/Songwriter/Producer Jennifer Gasoi

REVIEW BY JOHN BERGER / jberger@staradvertiser.com

Stef Muzic Mariani
‘Tainted Love’

Versatile alt-rocker Stef Muzic is priming the market for her next full-length album with this download-only remake of a rock classic that has a surprising history.

Several generations of modern music fans know “Tainted Love” as a dark 1981 hit by the English vocal-and-electronics duo Soft Cell, but the English group wasn’t the first to record it. Muzic’s remake commemorates the 50th anniversary of the obscure original recording by American soul vocalist Gloria Jones for Champion Records in 1964 (Jones’ recording didn’t make the Hot 100 in 1964 but became popular in England in the 1970s).

Muzic makes the song her own with a fresh take on the familiar tune that conveys more in the way of intense emotion than Soft Cell did in 1981, and raw anger than Marilyn Manson radiated with his equally memorable remake in 2001.

We feel her pain, and look forward to the next album.

“Tainted Love” is available via iTunes. ——— John Berger has been a mainstay in the local entertainment scene for more than 40 years. Contact him via email at jberger@staradvertiser.com. - John Berger

If her songs are any proof, Stef Muzic wears her heart on her sleeve………. “This Wave” won rock album of the year at the 2013 Big Island Music Awards…. she hopes to go 2-for-2 as a Na Hoku Hanohano Awards nominee in the same category.
She has a distinctive singing voice — alto with occasional vibrato that might remind listeners of Grace Slick, and with emotional heft..….she will begin recording an EP next month for a planned release in early summer…..

-Gary Chun
Honolulu Star Advertiser
May 3, 2013 - The Honolulu Star Advertiser

Featured Artist May Issue Cherry Pop Revue
"I just listened to Stef's "This Wave" and felt transported back to the 70's. Actually, I was a baby back then, but I think Stef is channeling the smokey-folksy tones in this song. I also get a hint of 4 NonBlondes and Tracy Chapman in her style with "Walk Away." I'm pretty sure I've just become a fan. You should check her out."
-Cherry Pop Review Magazine (Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii) March 13, 2013
www.cherrypoprevue.com/Stef-Muzic.html - Cherry Pop Revue

Breathing Underwater Review by Daniel Bell

“I can’t think of a better title for StefMuZic’s debut solo release that This Wave because that’s exactly how it hits. With a consistent balance of crests and troughs, This Wave not only flows through the ears, but through the heart. Each song is a deeply personal and emotional ride. Despite this, though, StefMuZic’s unique blend of folk and rock appeals to listeners of all tastes. Even though songs like “Never Around” and “Ode to Tyson” are obviously very specific to stef and her experiences, their emotionality is highly relatable and it resonates in very honest ways.

Having played in a previous incarnation of Stef’s band while she was still on Maui, it is more than impressive to hear the simultaneously glossy and raw current iterations of songs that she’s been developing for a good while now. Stef is one of the most hardworking, honest, and passionate artists I know of and have had the pleasure of playing alongside.

These aspects of her musicianship really come across on this record. It’s tight, well structured, and groovy, but it also has a certain lose feel of playfulness. This gives insight into Stef’s island landscape that she uses for inspiration; This Wave’s sound is not what one would typically think of as island music, but it has steady undertones that create a sense of pleasures and relaxation, even while experiencing the intense emotions that encapsulate the songs. “Maui Song” is a perfect example of this in that it speaks of feelings of gratitude and yearning, but the jammy and playful instrumentation never let things get too serious.

StefMuZic has woven together a superb album of substance and style that never disappoints, and gives something new with each listen. This Wave is quite an achievement. Stef may be an island musician, but she has a global sound.”

-Daniel Bell, Breathing Underwater Media & Podcast (Richmond, Virginia) February 7, 2013 - Daniel Bell -Founder

‘This Wave’ Stef Muzic (Steftunes) With the songs of “This Wave” alt-rocker Stef Muzic (aka Stephanie Marie Mariani) documents an escape from a dysfunctional relationship. The first few songs cover issues we all can relate to — a lover who is inconsiderate or neglectful, and the gradual realization that we deserve better. Her voice, reminiscent perhaps of Tracy Chapman, effectively conveys the emotional turmoil experienced. With Shawn Moseley as her co-producer, Muzic sings her emotions out over a rich and diverse pallet of instrumental arrangements. Mandolele (a nylon-stringed mandolin with single rather than double strings) brings Hawaiian shadings to the title song. Cello adds to the gloom of “Ode to Tyson” as Muzic declares her love to a “baby boy” who is no longer with her — either taken from her or dead. On the other hand, the bright tune and bouncy rhythms of “Maui Song” close the album on an optimistic note. Contact Stef Muzic at www.steftunes.com ——— John Berger has been a mainstay in the local entertainment scene for more than 40 years. Contact him via email at jberger@staradvertiser.com. - John Berger- Honolulu Star Advertiser

"WEEKEND: PENINSULA VENUES TO WELCOME HAWAI-BASED FOLK, POP SINGER"
(click the pic to read the article online)

Hawaii-based folk and pop singer Stef Muzic is about to embark on a whirlwind tour of Washington state with her latest album, “This Wave.”

The recording, released last Saturday on iTunes, “is dedicated to all of you who have ever been held under by life,” Muzic writes, “much as a large wave does. You know it will let you up for air at some point and can only hold your breath until it does.”

Muzic will travel from town to town this weekend to play at these venues:

■ Sirens Pub, 823 Water St., Port Townsend, $5 cover charge, 9:30 Friday night.

■ The Oasis Bar and Grill, 301 E. Washington St., Sequim at 9 p.m. Saturday, no cover charge.

■ The Next Door gastropub, 113 W. First St., at 4 p.m. Sunday, no cover charge.

Born into a big family of rock, country, jazz and folk musicians in Santa Cruz, Calif., Muzic has lived in the Hawaiian Islands for more than a decade now.

She takes inspiration from the ocean and from her fellow musicians; she recently formed a five-piece band with Stan Melemai Combis of the Honolulu Lounge Lizards on Hawaiian-style ukulele.

“This Wave” received the 2013 Big Island Music Award for Rock Album of the Year and a 2013 Na Hoku Hanohano award nomination.

To find out more, visit www.StefMuzic.com and find her “This Wave” music video on YouTube. - Diane Urbani de la Paz

"Stef Muzic is simply mesmerizing with her acoustic guitar and smoldering soulful voice, a pure artist guaranteed to captivate the crowd– no smoke and mirrors necessary"... "I just listened to Stef's "This Wave" and felt transported back to the 70's. Actually, I was a baby back then, but I think Stef is channeling the smokey-folksy tones in this song. I also get a hint of 4 NonBlondes and Tracy Chapman in her style with "Walk Away." I'm pretty sure I've just become a fan. You should check her out."

- The Cherry Pop Review (Honolulu) March 2013

"Ever the unerring optimist, Stef’s goal is to uplift the spirits of people so they can feel hope in a tough world." -The Huffington Post - The Huffington Post

For Your Grammy Award Consideration - Billboard Magazine

Stay Gold LP for Grammy Consideration 2017- Folk Album of the Year - Billboard

Finding Gold
07/25/2017 10:49 pm ET
Stef Mariani makes me do things I don’t usually do with positive results. She is a soulful singer/songwriter living in Honolulu, Hawaii and we met through the Grammy community of independent artists, finally after some e-mail exchanges, face-to-face during the February 2017 Grammy weekend festivities. I found myself, as usual, at LA promoter and Grammy nominee Al Walser’s event, The Soiree. Being an introvert by nature and prone to leaning against walls, pillars and whatever borrowing James Dean’s solitary slouch I have of late forced myself to mingle at events and parties. I saw Stef in the crowd with two young women I did not know. Having talked to her briefly at a party the night before I approached. I was greeted with Stef’s usual warm smile and upbeat personality. A mutual Grammy friend described her recently as happy. She told me she and her friends were headed over to the red carpet to take photos and asked me if I wanted to join them. Yes, but, of course, the little voice in my head said no. I have never stepped on the red carpet at The Soiree although I have attended every year. I am self-conscious about red carpet photos of myself and selfies with me in them. But I wanted to join them and Stef’s invitation seemed so genuine I said yes. I was nervous but as we got in front of the photographer Stef and her friends just started to have fun and included me. The resulting photos show four happy people having a good time and I was one of them. Later I found out we are all of Italian heritage, something I didn’t know at the time that the four of us share.

Stef Mariani
Stef Mariani
Shortly after meeting Stef in February I was back in Portland, OR where I spend much of my time alone. It was a difficult day and my thoughts were with a personal matter. There was no one I wanted to call and I did something I never do. I turned Facebook’s chat on thinking maybe someone would show up I might want to talk to. Stef was there and we started exchanging messages. In the course of our discussion I saw an unexpected side of her and I think she saw an unexpected side of me. She was a good listener, kind and considerate and, most of all, helpful. I actually felt better and got a clearer picture of my situation with her input. That day I knew I found a real friend, who through her own personal adversity, was optimistic about life. She could relate to me and share that optimism.

Stef has scheduled release of her third recording, “Stay Gold” for the end of August, 2017. “Stay Gold” is a full length CD produced by Grammy Award winning producer David Tucciarone. A full length documentary about Stef’s life and musical career is in the works with anticipated showings on the film festival circuit. Stay Gold was born out of plea to a close friend to maintain her goodness and not to allow the hardships and the world around her to harden her. Stef gives us some insight into her new work. “It can be really hard to Stay Gold or to stay kind and soft-hearted when faced with difficult trials in life. But by doing just one little thing each week, or each day, you can spread a dash of light and a reflection of universal love. I truly believe that. The record and the documentary highlight that in the small, practical ways you can be the change.”

Subscribe to The Morning Email.
Wake up to the day's most important news.

address@email.com
Born to Northern California based folk singer songwriter Carolyn Haley-Murray, her biggest musical influence comes from her family. Stef tells us “I don’t recall a time when my mama wasn’t composing and performing. I wish I had her bravery and stage presence.” From folk to folk pop and Americana to acoustic rock, Stef also finds her inspiration in artists like The Doobie Brothers, Crosby Stills & Nash, Joni Mitchell, John Mellencamp and Bruce Springsteen.

Ever the unerring optimist, Stef’s goal is to uplift the spirits of people so they can feel hope in a tough world. It is Stef’s belief that all things are possible. Mine too. No wonder we each found a new friend.

For more information about Stef Mariani and “Stay Gold” please visit her website:

www.staygoldhawaii.com

On the red carpet at Al Walser’s Soiree, February 2017. L to R: Stef Mariani, Susan SurfTone, Tantra Grillo, Rachel Terlizzi.
On the red carpet at Al Walser’s Soiree, February 2017. L to R: Stef Mariani, Susan SurfTone, Tantra Grillo, Rachel Terlizzi.
Stef Mariani
Stef Mariani
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