The Musician Spotlight Series shines a light on up-and-coming bands and solo acts creating heartfelt and original work across genres, giving them an opportunity to talk about their music, their collaborators, and why they do what they do.
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“From gracing the stages of Ottawa’s RBC Bluesfest and Folk Music Ontario showcases to earning recognition in the Canadian Country Music Association’s Discovery Program and a CCMA Award nomination, singer-songwriter Steph La Rochelle‘s star continues to rise. Steph’s artistry transcends both screen and stage. Audiences may recognize her from appearances in popular shows such as Disney’s Backstage, The CW’s In the Dark, and CBC’s Heartland, where she not only acted but also showcased her songwriting prowess by performing an original song. Recently, Steph took her talents to new heights, starring in the North American Tour of the Tony award-winning Broadway musical Dear Evan Hansen in Toronto as well as appearing in the West End production. Collaborating with Grammy award-winning Alex Lacamoire, she arranged and recorded an acoustic rendition of the hit song “Only Us” at the prestigious Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, TN. Her debut EP Wildflower was nominated for a JUNO Award for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year”.
When did you know you wanted to be a musician?
I started singing when I was around 5 years old and never looked back. I remember being so fascinated when American Idol first aired and idolized Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. When I was around 10 years old, the first legit concert I got to see was Kelly Clarkson. Funnily enough I also remember seeing a production of Mamma Mia around that time, and while they were very different musical experiences, I was so inspired by both and knew I had to be a performer.
Are you trained? How did you develop your skills?
I am not formally or classically trained. I begged for a guitar when I was around 11 years old so I could join the guitar club at my elementary school – where I got my first taste of playing an instrument – but for the most part I am self-taught. As a kid, I started in casual singing lessons at The Pop Shop in Ottawa which really helped build a quiet confidence and laid the foundation for my comfort on stage.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
My musical influences are all over the place and have really evolved over the years. Early influences included music my parents used to play in the house: Phil Collins, Supertramp, Elton John, and great female vocalists like Barbara Streisand, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion, as well as musicals like Annie and Wicked. I’ve always been so inspired by strong female vocalists. Today, I really admire Sara Bareilles – a brilliant vocalist and one of the greatest songwriters of our time!
How would you describe your sound?
I’d classify my sound as pop/folk singer-songwriter. Organic old soul meets cinematic backbone.
What’s your favourite tune in your repertoire and why?
It’s tough to choose a favourite but one of my favourite’s off of my EP Wildflower, would be the title track. It really is the root of the project and while I wrote the song years back, what’s been really special is seeing the evolution of its meaning to me, finding a deeper connection and understanding of it with time. It’s really special to me.
What can audiences expect from one of your live shows?
You will most likely catch me shedding a tear once or twice! I wear my heart on my sleeve with the emotional nature of my songs and pour my heart out in live shows. The beauty of music is its ability to evoke emotion and I want people to leave feeling connected and understood.
Where can we find your music?
You can find my music on most if not all streaming platforms! There are also physical copies available on my website.
Instagram: @steph_larochelle
Facebook: /LaRochelleSteph
Twitter: @LaRochelleSteph
Website: stephlarochelle.com