Meet Stevie Vanoosten

We were lucky to catch up with Stevie Vanoosten recently and have shared our conversation below.

Stevie, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

Is it too easy to say I was born with it? In a way, I was. I discovered what I was and who I wanted to be at a very, very young age. Like, as soon as I could walk and talk. My parents have documented almost all of it thanks to technology, hah! I have always felt this deep longing, it feels like a burning in my chest. An ache of jealousy sometimes for those too who are getting to do it while I stand and wait for my turn. I’ve known my whole life I want to be a singer, known since I was 8 that I wanted to be a rockstar. Everything I’ve done, even when my path deviated because I let others tell me “music isn’t a real job, what are you going to do as a real job so you can do music on the side?” Those people think too small. My biggest mistake in life has been listening to those people. But I was young, I have forgiven myself for learning and being impressionable. Life is small, it’s short and then poof you’re gone. Are you going to spend your life doing things that other people said you SHOULD do?? No. But it’s not too late, you can always start now, like right now, like don’t waste another second. And you HAVE TO BELIEVE in YOURSELF and WHAT YOU’RE DOING. I believe in myself no matter what, I KNOW I deserve this. It’s never been IF, only WHEN. I believe in myself so much I’m going to MAKE you believe in me too.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

Hi! I’m the lead singer/lyricist of the progressive rock band called Fervence. The most exciting part of my work is doing what feeds my soul. Everything we do is for the the climax of our 30 min on stage. The song writing, the T-shirt design, the music videos… In the end, the real rush is the live performance. Fervence in itself is very special. If I had asked God to make the perfect band for me, boy he would have really delivered giving me this one. We have been touring alot this year, with a big west coast tour announcing here soon from the end of April to beginning of May!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Be nice to people. Music is all about networking. Go to shows, make new friends, watch everyone’s set.
Be genuine! People can tell when you’re inauthentic, and honesty, it’s kinda annoying. Just be yourself, I know it’s corny but also, you’ll feel a lot better. And, you will be able to unlock your fullest creative ability!
And to touch on the first point: Yes, learn your craft, yes find a band, yes practice practice, but when it finally comes time for you to play shows, please, for the love of god, stay for the whole show. Or at least most of the show, say bye to your new friends, or best case, leave one or two of your band members and your merch until the end. Especially if you’re getting paid for your show. Think of this as a job, if you clock out early, you shouldn’t get paid while everyone else does the work. And we’re all going to make fun of you for it lol.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

Honestly it’s been my family and my peers. I don’t know, but I got really realllyyyy lucky being born into a life where I believed in myself and everyone around me believes in me too. At least, to my face hah! They are always supporting me and giving me affirmations. Coming to my shows, sharing our music and videos, buying and wearing our merch. They see what I see. I think my biggest supporter though is my fiance. He won’t let me ever waiver. He spends hour after countless sleepless hours with me creating and supporting this project. He really is my rock.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Band Photos: Sterling Stetar – @sterlingstetar
Live Photos: Kimbrell Studios – @kimbrell_studios

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