Biography
A seasoned music producer of 25 years tears-up after she performs for his approval at a songwriting competition. Her song is about a pile of rocks. She wins the competition. Since then, Stephanie has continued to garner accolades for not only her voice, but also her beautifully constructed songs that move and effect audiences.
In July 2006, Stephanie’s debut album Brand New Skin launched to a rousing full-house in a place known for grooming world-famous Canadian musicians – Sarah McLachlan, Rita MacNeil, Great Big Sea, Jimmy Rankin and Denny Doherty of the Mammas and Pappas all started out in hometown Atlantic Canada.
“I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t singing or playing an instrument,” says Stephanie, adding she would often sing for anyone who would listen. “I always knew music would be an important part of my life in some way.”
Brand New Skin, is an impressive body of work that includes 10 original songs co-written or written by Stephanie. Singles Waiting for the Tide, Long Time Coming and Wonder Why hit the #1 spot on the nationally syndicated, Internet-based East Coast Countdown before entering heavy rotation on regional broadcast radio with Innocence currently on the charts making it’s way to #1. In December 2006, Stephanie also released an original Christmas single “The Baby King” which was broadcast on several dozen radio stations all across Canada.
Stephanie’s vocals are transparent and coolly controlled. Her range and tone release just enough emotion to carry the song; making each single distinctive and memorable. A true professional, Stephanie makes it all feel easy and natural; like the beginning of a long friendship.
Stephanie has performed for the Dixie Chicks, opened for Chantal Kreviazuk and George Canyon and played alongside gifted musicians Gordie Sampson and J. P. Cormier. In August 2006, Stephanie taped a second CTV tourism ad for Destination Cape Breton featuring a self-penned song. She was also featured in the network special Celtic Angels, which aired last Christmas on Vision TV. In 2007, this special is set to be aired on BRAVO, CBC and VISION channels.
Stephanie says she’s been blessed by many different experiences these past few years. “It has helped me grow and understand the world much better than I ever had,” she says, “My writing has been greatly influenced by these changes; my style is much more honest. I think this makes my songs easier to relate to and for the listener to feel like it’s their own voice.”
Stephanie’s ability to carve an emotional path with music is sometimes attributed to the rugged character of her Atlantic Canada hometown of Bras d’Or. “It’s impossible to grow up there and not have an appreciation for music,” says Stephanie, “Music is evident in every corner of Cape Breton Island.”
Stephanie’s songwriting engages mind, body and place. Her music willingly explores corridors in our minds that we seldom allow ourselves to visit. As an artist, Stephanie invites us to rest awhile and linger in a suspended place of shared experiences. The result is a meaningful journey into “us” via each song. Most recently, Stephanie was the winner in Songwriters Universe international songwriting competition “Best Song Of The Month” for Wonder Why.
This quote best sums up Stephanie’s ability as a musician, writer and entertainer:
Stephanie’s honest and heartfelt song style is a great representation of the pure music that comes from the stable of fine young Nova Scotia talent, in particular Cape Breton. With sincere haunting vocals reminiscent of the Rankin family I look forward to her return to the west, I only fear & hope I have to go to the Saddle Dome to see her.
Patrick MacIntyre- Owner of “Alberta’s Best Live Venue- Ironwood Stage & Grill”
Instrumentation
Stephanie can perform as a solo act or with a full band if the event requires.
Discography
Brand New Skin - Stephanie's Debut Release!
Original Tracks "Waiting For The Tide", "Wonder Why", and "Long Time Coming" all reached #1 consecutively on nationally syndicated radio show and are currently being played on several radio stations across Canada.
Canso Causeway Anniversary CD featuring Stephanie's winning song "The Canso Causeway".
"Back To Your Shores" - Original song recorded on Cape Breton Fiddling Sensation Jennifer Roland's Sophmore CD, "Wings".
Links
| http://www.stephaniehardymusic.com |