Steffi Burns

Steffi Burns is channelling a young Miley Cyrus in her attempt to break into the music industry.

The 13-year-old already has her own website, songs and pop-style video clips and now she is trying to tap into the US music market.

The Benowa teen could be the next big thing in pop ranks if music heavyweight Harvey Cooper is right.

He has asked Steffi and her team - manager Andy McCutcheon and producer Josef Horhay, who worked with The Veronicas - to produce a six-song EP which he will promote across the US in a test sample to 100 top 40 radio stations as well as 60 Radio Disney stations and Sirius XM.

"Based on produce consumer response Steffi would be looking down the pipe of several offers from major US labels within four to six months," Mr Cooper said.

Attempts to make superstardom doesn't come easily though and Steffi has had to throw all the spare time she gets into her music.

She doesn't even have time to see her friends outside of school.

The Benowa State High School student said she spends two hours each day after school writing lyrics and all day Saturday in the recording studio.

"I have a lot of homework too so there are a lot of late nights," she said.

"I usually spend a lot of time by myself but I have my music so that is all I need."

"My friends are still always there for me when I need them though."

Steffi's latest song, Love Is Blind, is in the works and is based on a friend's troubles with love.

Her last song "You're Amazing" was released to raise money for the Premier's Flood Appeal. - GOLD COAST BULLETIN (30 April 2011)

'Andy your right on your take.....with this kind of talent you don't have to take chances..only great songs should be required.' 'Yes, Steffi Burns has talent!' '"You're Amazing" gives me chills. The emotional resonance of the lyrics is really paid off by the performance. This recording makes me want to sing along. And since you can hum the hook (the chorus) after only one listen, guess what -- you CAN sing along! Just terrific stuff here.' 'Yup, she's a "find."' 'You're right! A female Bruno Mars...what's her story?' 'I think all this is great but "You're Amazing" is the bomb! 'No question on potential..need to pick the right side..a no brainer.I sent songs and video on to my CHR guy in New York, my Distributor & Retail Rep, and my Music Director All music industry 'heavyweights' - Harvey Cooper" - Via email March 2011

Australian and international musicians alike are donating tracks, new and old to raise money for the Queensland flood relief efforts.

Ex-Oz Idol semi-finalist, Casey Barnes (no relation) has released his new single 'Never Break You' early, with all proceeds going to the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal,.

There are a number of up and coming artists also joining the cause, among those is thirteen year old Gold Coast singer, Steffi who has released her new song 'You're Amazing' to raise funds- it is available now via iTunes. All funds raised are going to the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal.


- LIVEGUIDE (25 January 2011)

This 13 year young lady from Queensland Australia is definitely one to keep an eye on. Her voice is strong and her talent excels beyond her years. I love that she goes the extra mile in her stage wardrobe as she moves through establishing her identity as a performer. I'm interested in following the course of this young artist's career and hope continues to make huge strides that her work ethic and devotion to her passion for music deserve - ANRGIRL (1 February 2011)

At an age when most teenage girls are only thinking about fashion and boys, Gold Coast singer Steffi Burns is a seriously dedicated musician who is using her talents to help the needy. The thirteen-year-old entertainer was so amazed by the high spirits of the Queensland flood victims that she decided to release the song You’re Amazing onto iTunes, with all the proceeds going to the Queensland Premier’s Disaster Relief Appeal.
The singer-songwriter loves the piano and guitar, and is so obsessed with her craft that she listens to music constantly and wishes she could live in a recording studio. When she isn’t writing music, the teenager loves art and is a little bit of an actress, winning the “Search For a Filmstar” competition in 2006. We had a chat to the bubbly Steffi about her future in music and how the Queensland floods affected her.

We hear you are only thirteen! When did you first start writing music?
I wrote my first song No Surprise when I was eight and recorded it when I was nine. It was selected for airplay in the U.K. and Europe and just two weeks ago selected for airplay in Ohio in the US. I’ve been writing ever since, I have about 30 full songs ready and I also have hundreds of other uncompleted songs that I haven’t finished yet! Just trying to save up to have these recorded. Really randomly, a few weeks ago my Grade 7 teacher was in a Tesco’s Store in Ireland and my song No Surprise was playing!!!
When you grow up, do you want to be a musician?
If I could do this for the rest of my life and keep entertaining people, I will be the happiest girl alive. I love it and I enjoy it so much when I’m performing or recording or even just singing around the house!!!
What kind of music do you like?
My favourite singer and number one inspiration is Adam Lambert! I have a really long list of artists I love but Taylor Swift is definitely another along with Miley Cyrus, Allison Iraheta, Mika & Short Stack. Tommy Joe Ratliff (Adam Lambert’s bass guitarist) inspired me to teach myself guitar and not give up!!! But the person who has made all of the hard work and sleepovers missed totally and completely worth it is Mr Taylor Green. You may not have heard of him, but he is one of Adam Lambert’s dancers. He watched one of my videos and tweeted to me, “Your video was fearless. I am YOUR fan now.” Even though it was just a few words it gave me even more will to achieve and do great things.
What inspired you to write a song to raise money for the Queensland flood victims?
I was watching the news about the floods with my family, and I found it totally gut-wrenching and horrific. I thought it was amazing how these people had just lost everything – their houses, their possessions, some of them have even lost loved ones – but most of them were saying, “There’s always someone worse off than me.” I saw footage of people sitting on their roofs with whatever they had left, smiling, laughing and waving to the camera after everything they had gone through! I decided that I just had to do something to help. I know that I’m not a big international star but I just wanted to do something! I want to donate money and I wanted to write a song just to tell them how amazing I really think they. At 1am I was up on my piano writing this song and the next day I decided that the way I could donate money to them by using this song was to sell it on iTunes and donate all the proceeds so that is exactly what I’m doing!!!
- Valleyarm 17 January 2011

The attached song "You're Amazing", which I have just written & recorded, is available on iTunes with 100% of sale proceeds to go to Queensland Premier's Disaster Relief Appeal. I ask that you please log on to iTunes, purchase the song & help the relief fund grow!
http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/youre-amazing-queensland-flood/id415183426?ign-mpt=uo%3D4 - TELEVISION - CHANNEL NINE (18 January 2011)

On the Gold Coast, local singer Steffi Burns 13, has written and recorded the song You're Amazing to raise funds for the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal. The track is available on iTunes worldwide (search for You're Amazing Queensland Flood), with all proceeds to benefit the appeal.

In Broadbeach, Australian Idol favourites Ricki-Lee, Casey Barnes and X Factor winners Random will headline GC 4 Qld, a Gold Coast Flood Benefit Concert at Kurrawa Park on Saturday from 9am. Other artists on the bill include Steffi Burns, Detroit Band, Les Wilson and a swag of local DJ's. - GOLD COAST BULLETIN - PLAY MAGAZINE (20 January 2011)

Hi Steffi, Great news, I need to tell you that I was walking through a Tesco store in a small town in Ireland and heard your song "No Surprise" playing, the other customers must have thought I was mad as I jumped around yelling "thats Steffi's song!" You cannot believe how exciting this was! Cheers Caroline - Facebook (DECEMBER 2010)

Steffi Burns was nine when she wrote and recorded her first song.

Now 13, the Molendinar lass has used the inspiration of Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez to start selling songs on iTunes.

Her single "No Surprise" has been selected for airplay and can be found at retail outlets throughout the UK and Europe.

Steffi will be entertaining crowds at this year's Gold Coast Show on the George Martin Stage, twice daily over the three days of the city's most popular community event.

She said she loved to sing, play piano and guitar, dance, act and was inspired by Disney stars.

She has performed for the past three years at the Gold Coast Show, Dreamworld, Palazzo Versace, Broadbeach Carols, Gold Coast Blaze games, the Surfers Paradise Festival, Movieworld, Nerang Carols, Carrara Markets and the Legends of Rock Concert - the talented lass is well on her way to success.

Steffi will be performing with guitar and keyboard on the Friday and Saturday of the show at 12.45pm and 3.30pm and on Sunday at 12.45pm and 2pm. - GOLD COAST SUN (18 August 2010)

Steffi Burns has been dubbed the Gold Coast's version of Miley Cyrus and today she will rock the night away at Broadbeach.

The 12 year old from Ashmore will perform at the Broadbeach Christmas Carols in Kurrawa Park from 5.30pm.

Steffi will perform a mixture of modern Christmas tunes, as well as some of her personal favourites including Beat It by Michael Jackson.

The young songstress has been singing since she was six, and said she had always loved music.

"I have a pop/rock style, but I do lots of different genres, like country and ballads," she said.

"My inspiration comes from Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus, oh and Michael Jackson too".

"I love the girls' style and Michael Jackson was a legend - I have all of his songs on my iPod."

Steffi plans to become a professional singer when she grows up and at the rate she is going, she is well on her way.

"Christmas is a time for being together with family and friends and they'll be out there watching" she said.

"I don't really get nervous anymore because I've been doing it for so long."

The Broadbeach carols are set to attract massive crowds, with special performances by Australian Idol finalist Casey Barnes and Danielle Everett of The Phantom of the Opera.

The Australian Youth Choir is also performing. - GOLD COAST BULLETIN (19 December 2009)

Steffi Burns has been dubbed the Gold Coast's version of Miley Cyrus and today she will rock the night away at Broadbeach.

The 12 year old from Ashmore will perform at the Broadbeach Christmas Carols in Kurrawa Park from 5.30pm.

Steffi will perform a mixture of modern Christmas tunes, as well as some of her personal favourites including Beat It by Michael Jackson.

The young songstress has been singing since she was six, and said she had always loved music.

"I have a pop/rock style, but I do lots of different genres, like country and ballads," she said.

"My inspiration comes from Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus, oh and Michael Jackson too".

"I love the girls' style and Michael Jackson was a legend - I have all of his songs on my iPod."

Steffi plans to become a professional singer when she grows up and at the rate she is going, she is well on her way.

"Christmas is a time for being together with family and friends and they'll be out there watching" she said.

"I don't really get nervous anymore because I've been doing it for so long."

The Broadbeach carols are set to attract massive crowds, with special performances by Australian Idol finalist Casey Barnes and Danielle Everett of The Phantom of the Opera.

The Australian Youth Choir is also performing. - GOLD COAST BULLETIN (19 December 2009)

Steffi has lots to sing about. Move over Miley Cyrus because our home-grown talent Steffi Burns is on the rise.

The 11 year old Ashmore State School Year 7 student has her own website, has recorded her own single and loves to sing.

"I recorded the single about six months ago, so I recorded when I was 10-years-old," she said.

"I wrote No Surprise myself and I've got some others I've written as well, but I'm saving up the money to record them."

"I write the lyrics and do the music but then the guys at Bignote Productions help me to make it a bit better."

"I like the beat and that style of music - pop cross technoish. But that's the kind of music I want to do."

Steffi started singing lessons when she was six-years-old and began writing her own music three years later.

Her first song No Surprise was inspired by her idol Miley Cyrus.

"It's about how much I like Miley's music and how much I want to be like her," she said.

"I love Miley Cyrus and Hannah Montana's music. I really like Lady Sovereign as well."

The rising talent performed at the Dreamworld New Year's Eve 'Party in The Park' where local star Ricki Lee also performed.

She is a finalist in an international songwriting competition, busks at the Carrara Markets and sings the national anthem for some of the Blaze games.

In August she is set to perform twice a day at the Gold Coast Show.

"When I write songs, I just write some things and put the bits together," she said.

"I've written one about being a normal girl and just a few others that I write in my little book."

"I just want to keep entertaining people and put out more CDs and write more songs. I just want to keep performing."

Steffi's website was launched about a year ago and keeps an update on where she's performing, her hobbies and links to buy her CD and merchandise.

"I came up with the theme myself. I had more ideas but Dad said they were a little too creative," she said.

"I wanted to have my own diary and messenger, like a chatroom, but he said that might be a bit too much for now."

Steffi's website can be found at www.steffiburns.com.au - GOLD COAST BULLETIN (21 April 2009)

Special mention goes to 11 year old Steffi, who's got the voice and the moves to make it! - THE NIMBIN GOODTIMES (February 2009)

Steffi has lots to sing about. Move over Miley Cyrus because our home-grown talent Steffi Burns is on the rise.

The 11 year old Ashmore State School Year 7 student has her own website, has recorded her own single and loves to sing.

"I recorded the single about six months ago, so I recorded when I was 10-years-old," she said.

"I wrote No Surprise myself and I've got some others I've written as well, but I'm saving up the money to record them."

"I write the lyrics and do the music but then the guys at Bignote Productions help me to make it a bit better."

"I like the beat and that style of music - pop cross technoish. But that's the kind of music I want to do."

Steffi started singing lessons when she was six-years-old and began writing her own music three years later.

Her first song No Surprise was inspired by her idol Miley Cyrus.

"It's about how much I like Miley's music and how much I want to be like her," she said.

"I love Miley Cyrus and Hannah Montana's music. I really like Lady Sovereign as well."

The rising talent performed at the Dreamworld New Year's Eve 'Party in The Park' where local star Ricki Lee also performed.

She is a finalist in an international songwriting competition, busks at the Carrara Markets and sings the national anthem for some of the Blaze games.

In August she is set to perform twice a day at the Gold Coast Show.

"When I write songs, I just write some things and put the bits together," she said.

"I've written one about being a normal girl and just a few others that I write in my little book."

"I just want to keep entertaining people and put out more CDs and write more songs. I just want to keep performing."

Steffi's website was launched about a year ago and keeps an update on where she's performing, her hobbies and links to buy her CD and merchandise.

"I came up with the theme myself. I had more ideas but Dad said they were a little too creative," she said.

"I wanted to have my own diary and messenger, like a chatroom, but he said that might be a bit too much for now."

Steffi's website can be found at www.steffiburns.com.au - GOLD COAST BULLETIN (21 April 2009)

Pocket Dynamo, Steffi Burns, 11, of the Gold Coast, belts out her Hannah Montana impersonation. - THE SUNDAY MAIL - BRISBANE (7 December 2008)

Pocket Dynamo, Steffi Burns, 11, of the Gold Coast, belts out her Hannah Montana impersonation. - THE SUNDAY MAIL - BRISBANE (7 December 2008)

Miley Cyrus may be Disney's Princess of Pop, but the hottest thing to come out of Dreamworld this New Year's Eve is Steffi Burns, a little Miss with a big direction.

With more sass than most 16 year olds and the voice of an angel, Steffi not only idolises Miley and her alter ego Hannah Montana, the 11 year old is following in her footsteps, having written and recorded an original song inspired by her idol.

The radio-worthy pop anthem, "No Surprise" placed Steffi in the final four of the primary school division of Q Song 2008, a state-wide search for Queensland's best and most innovative songwriters. It has also landed Steffi the biggest gig of her fledging career, launching the live music line up at Dreamworld's New Year's Eve Party in the Park.

Belting out two 20 minute sets of hits by her idols Miley Cyrus, Hilary Duff and Kylie Minogue, Steffi is counting down the sleeps until she explodes onstage on December 31 before a crowd of thousands.

"I'm so excited because I get to start 2009 doing what I love most at the coolest place on earth."

Steffi says she is keyed up to meet Australia's reigning Princess of Pop and Idol presenter, Ricki Lee Coulter who will headline the night's entertainment.

"I've watched Australian Idol since it started and I can't believe I'm performing on the same stage as Ricki Lee. I hope she'll give me some audition tips because I want to try out for the show when I'm old enough."

Under the tutelage of renowned vocal coach Venetta Fields, whose guidance set 2005 Australian Idol winner Kate DeAraugo on the road to stardom, Steffi is already a mini professional having performed for over 100,000 people at gigs throughout south east Queensland.

"I love singing. I've performed at two Gold Coast Blaze games, two Gold Coast Shows and Wakakirri Festivals so I've had lots of practice for Dreamworld on New Year's Eve."

Steffi is being coached for the big gig by her pet pooch Scooby who rehearses alongside the pint-sized pop star, and helps her to project her voice over audience noise.

"Whenever I sing my dog barks really loud and dances around, I think he wants to be in the show too. I guess he's getting me in shape for when hundreds of kids will be screaming all around me on the thrill rides."

Steffi will be followed by master puppeteer David Hamilton and Ricki Lee. Other festivities included in the entry price are face painters, roving artists and a spectacular explosion of rockets and sparklers in a New Year's festival of fire.

Tickets are $65 Adults and $45 children. - DREAMWORLD MEDIA RELEASE, (November 2008)

Miley Cyrus may be Disney's Princess of Pop, but the hottest thing to come out of Dreamworld this New Year's Eve is Steffi Burns, a little Miss with a big direction.

With more sass than most 16 year olds and the voice of an angel, Steffi not only idolises Miley and her alter ego Hannah Montana, the 11 year old is following in her footsteps, having written and recorded an original song inspired by her idol.

The radio-worthy pop anthem, "No Surprise" placed Steffi in the final four of the primary school division of Q Song 2008, a state-wide search for Queensland's best and most innovative songwriters. It has also landed Steffi the biggest gig of her fledging career, launching the live music line up at Dreamworld's New Year's Eve Party in the Park.

Belting out two 20 minute sets of hits by her idols Miley Cyrus, Hilary Duff and Kylie Minogue, Steffi is counting down the sleeps until she explodes onstage on December 31 before a crowd of thousands.

"I'm so excited because I get to start 2009 doing what I love most at the coolest place on earth."

Steffi says she is keyed up to meet Australia's reigning Princess of Pop and Idol presenter, Ricki Lee Coulter who will headline the night's entertainment.

"I've watched Australian Idol since it started and I can't believe I'm performing on the same stage as Ricki Lee. I hope she'll give me some audition tips because I want to try out for the show when I'm old enough."

Under the tutelage of renowned vocal coach Venetta Fields, whose guidance set 2005 Australian Idol winner Kate DeAraugo on the road to stardom, Steffi is already a mini professional having performed for over 100,000 people at gigs throughout south east Queensland.

"I love singing. I've performed at two Gold Coast Blaze games, two Gold Coast Shows and Wakakirri Festivals so I've had lots of practice for Dreamworld on New Year's Eve."

Steffi is being coached for the big gig by her pet pooch Scooby who rehearses alongside the pint-sized pop star, and helps her to project her voice over audience noise.

"Whenever I sing my dog barks really loud and dances around, I think he wants to be in the show too. I guess he's getting me in shape for when hundreds of kids will be screaming all around me on the thrill rides."

Steffi will be followed by master puppeteer David Hamilton and Ricki Lee. Other festivities included in the entry price are face painters, roving artists and a spectacular explosion of rockets and sparklers in a New Year's festival of fire.

Tickets are $65 Adults and $45 children. - DREAMWORLD MEDIA RELEASE, (November 2008)

Molendinar singer Steffi Burns considers it to be a big honour being labelled 'the Gold Coast's Hannah Montana'.

The 11-year-old happens to be a big fan of the pop star character played on television by actor Miley Cyrus.

"Hannah Montana is a good role model and her TV show is really funny," says Steffi, who admitted she loved everything about Miley Cyrus.

"I feel honoured when people compare me to her and I would love to be like her one day."

Steffi is about to tackle the Queensland music scene herself and has an arsenal of Hannah Montana-inspired pop songs at her disposal.

The talented Ashmore State School student was placed in the top four in the primary school division of the Q Song Awards for her original song, No Surprise.

"I love getting up and performing in front of people and singing songs," she said.

Steffi has been singing for about six years and has also learned piano and guitar.

Steffi will perform at Dreamworld's New Year's Eve Party in the Park on December 31, with Gold Coast singer Ricki-Lee Coulter.

"I've watched Australian Idol since it started and cannot believe I'm on the same stage as her, " she said. - GOLD COAST SUN (26 November 2008)

Molendinar singer Steffi Burns considers it to be a big honour being labelled 'the Gold Coast's Hannah Montana'.

The 11-year-old happens to be a big fan of the pop star character played on television by actor Miley Cyrus.

"Hannah Montana is a good role model and her TV show is really funny," says Steffi, who admitted she loved everything about Miley Cyrus.

"I feel honoured when people compare me to her and I would love to be like her one day."

Steffi is about to tackle the Queensland music scene herself and has an arsenal of Hannah Montana-inspired pop songs at her disposal.

The talented Ashmore State School student was placed in the top four in the primary school division of the Q Song Awards for her original song, No Surprise.

"I love getting up and performing in front of people and singing songs," she said.

Steffi has been singing for about six years and has also learned piano and guitar.

Steffi will perform at Dreamworld's New Year's Eve Party in the Park on December 31, with Gold Coast singer Ricki-Lee Coulter.

"I've watched Australian Idol since it started and cannot believe I'm on the same stage as her, " she said. - GOLD COAST SUN (26 November 2008)