Meet Stefanie

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stefanie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stefanie below.

Stefanie, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

I believe success is something each person must define for themselves. I try not to rely on the world to determine my level of success. In our society, the goalpost never stops moving. Following trends, trying to keep up with the algorithm, and always needing to be in the right place at the right time can turn any passion into work. I celebrate the wins no matter how big or small and practice gratitude in the present. Striving for more is human nature, but the trap lies in diminishing our achievements and treating our milestones as if they were never enough. We all have a unique combination of qualities, talent and skills. I am passionate about the music I produce. When I am creating music, I feel a connection to the universe and higher power. When I am performing for an audience, if feels amazing to communicate to their soul through sound. I am blessed that I am able to practice this art. I can’t imagine there is a numerical value of success to define that.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am a multi-instrumentalist and song writer who performs throughout the Houston area. Currently, I am co-leader of a funk-rock R&B band called Omnilucid. Omnilucid includes 5 incredible musicians who come together to create a powerhouse of sound. Our music includes a blend of soulful rhythms, gritty guitar riffs and infectious hooks. Omnilucid’s focus is to deliver a fusion of groove-driven psychedelic funk-rock, and R&B to the audiences ears. Our members are known for their technicality and electrifying energy. The members of Omnilucid combined, create original music that’s both deeply expressive and impossible to stand still to. Omnilucid offers a versatile sound blending smooth with edgy and keeping audiences locked in from the first note to the last. Audiences can watch us perform our newest original song “Daydream” on YouTube.

I also perform keyboard, saxophone and vocals in an indie pop band called Dito Delirium led by Dito Saenz. Dito is a talented songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose original tracks, including “Deadly Disco” and “Party’s Over,” captivate audiences and ignites the dance floor.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

First quality I recommend to have is curiosity. When I was 5 years old, I would sing for my family on a toy karaoke machine my parents bought me for Christmas. I began taking piano lessons at age 6. I started mastering the alto saxophone in middle school. My advice is to try different activities and hobbies to see what lifts your spirit and makes you feel more connected to yourself or the world around you.

Second quality is perseverance. Things that are worth while in life are rarely given to you or earned quickly. The journey can bring you happiness just as much as the achievement itself. Give yourself grace when you revert to old habits. Give yourself a pat on the back even if the leap you thought would occur from efforts turns out to be a small shuffle towards the finish line. Be proud of yourself for even just setting the intention to start something new on day one. Small steps create progress overtime. Keep at it.

Last quality to harness within yourself is bravery. Just start. Start at any age. Start nervous. Start even though you don’t have all the answers and expertise in the field. The most difficult part of achieving your dreams is starting. If you revert back to stagnation, find what you need to care for yourself in that moment, and start again. Living as the person you aspire to be is a practice so I recommend to consider it as such and avoiding an “all or nothing” mindset.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

I am so grateful for the music colleagues I have met and collaborated with over the past year. Our professional relationships with other artists and venue managers has allowed us to have opportunities to perform for audiences in pursuit of bringing entertainment and beautiful music to the Houston community. In the last 12 months, I have performed at music venues around the Houston area such as Dan Electros, High Volume Music Live, 1810 Ojeman and Montrose Live to name a few. I would love to continue to connect with others to showcase our sound to as many people as possible. I believe overtime, our stage presence and confidence will continue to grow which means more impactful performances for audiences to enjoy.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Cphoustonxd
Mediadoxed
RuvixPix
Dito Saenz

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