Stephanie Rodd’s latest EP, “Recovered,” offers a compelling exploration of resilience and personal growth through a fusion of neo-soul, R&B, and jazz. The French artist from Aix-en-Provence presents a cohesive collection that showcases her musical versatility and emotional depth.
The EP opens with an immersive instrumental piece, setting the stage for a journey of soulful introspection. The lead single, “Worth It,” highlights Rodd’s exceptional vocals and delivers a powerful message of self-empowerment. “Stronger Than Ever” continues this theme with sultry R&B vibes, while “Wake Up In This City” introduces a jazzy, experimental edge.
Rodd’s linguistic dexterity shines in “Insomnie,” seamlessly blending French and English lyrics. The closing track, “Magical Notes,” is a minimalist composition that underscores music’s transformative power.
Throughout “Recovered,” Rodd demonstrates her ability to craft a narrative that resonates on a universal level. Her skillful genre-blending and bilingual approach create a rich tapestry of sound and emotion. The EP’s thematic coherence, coupled with its diverse musical influences, positions it as a standout release in the contemporary soul and R&B landscape.
“Recovered” is not merely a collection of songs, but a testament to Stephanie Rodd’s artistic evolution and personal journey, inviting listeners to embark on their own path of introspection and renewal.
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What is your stage name
My stage name is Stephanie Rodd
Is there a story behind your stage name?
Stephanie is my real first name but Rodd is actually a part of my real surname.
Where do you find inspiration?
I shortened my real last name and kept only these letters. I chose this name because I didn’t want to use my real name and I found it to be easier to pronounce and remember, especially for English speakers. Since I want to develop a career in English-speaking countries, it is easier, and it suits my music style better.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
I have been singing since I was very young and was surrounded by music from an early age, as my family listened to a lot of French and Italian music. I also used to watch many music shows with my mother.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
My family listens to a lot of music, but no one has pursued a career as an artist or musician. My sister sings, my grandfather used to play the harmonica, and I have an aunt who paints, but none of them made it their profession.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
One of my older sisters used to sing a lot when I was little, and I think she inspired me to do the same. But I quickly thought that becoming a singer wasn’t accessible to people like me, who had no family in the business, and couldn’t afford singing lessons. Acting courses were cheaper, and I was also drawn to acting, so I decided to pursue that career. But later, I realised it was a shame not to pursue music as well because I love singing and expressing myself through songs, so I decided to go for it.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
I’ve been singing since I was very young; it always came naturally to me. As an adult, I realised I needed more technique, so I started taking singing lessons. Now, I keep doing exercises and working on improving my skills. Even though I could sing before the lessons, the formal training has really helped me refine and enhance my abilities.
Regarding my writing, I’m still learning, but I draw inspiration from songs by other artists to improve the structure of my lyrics. The producer of my EP also helped me with that. As for instruments, I’ve taken a few piano lessons, but I’m still a beginner. I’ve also taught myself a bit of ukulele and guitar, but I’m still far from being proficient.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
I think the first concert I ever went to was by the contestants from the second season of a French music talent show called Star Academy in the early 2000s. I was about 8 years old. I used to watch the show a lot, so it was exciting to see them live in concert.
How could you describe your music?
It’s a mix of Soul/R&B, Jazz, and Pop, with a blend of both English and French. I like to convey positive messages in my music, or express something sad or frustrating, but then end with something positive. So I would describe my music as melancholic, joyful, and smooth.
Describe your creative process.
It varies depending on the song and the time period. In the past, I would write the lyrics and create a melody in my head, then a producer would build the instrumental around that. Now that I have some piano skills, I start by composing chords, then develop a melody, and finally write the lyrics.
Sometimes, if I’m inspired to express something strongly, I’ll write the lyrics first. It really depends. After that, I try to produce a basic track using software myself and then send it to a producer to refine everything.
What is your main inspiration?
To write my songs, I draw inspiration from my surroundings, what’s happening in my life, and how I feel.
What musician do you admire most and why?
The artist I admire the most is Amy Winehouse. She had an amazing voice and such a natural talent for music! It was clear that she was meant for it.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
My career started recently, to be honest. I released my very first single earlier this year. When we started working on my EP with my producer, the tracks leaned towards folk or ballad styles. I wasn’t quite sure which style suited me best. In fact, my EP features several different styles. We found that my voice works well with jazz and soul. I plan to continue with these styles and incorporate a bit of pop into my future projects as well.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
Myself haha. I don’t see myself as competing with anyone else; I think we’re all different and we all have our place. My only competitor is myself, I always strive to be better than I was yesterday.
What are your interests outside of music?
I love theatre and cinema. As I mentioned, I’m interested in acting. I also enjoy travelling, foreign languages, and literature.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
Acting, and I’m actually also a translator.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
I’m an independent artist, so I have to manage many tasks simultaneously. It can be overwhelming at times, especially while juggling another job, and it’s easy to overlook self-care. While I enjoy working on my music and developing my career, there are moments when the workload becomes too much, and I feel guilty for not making sufficient progress in certain areas, as I have to be involved in various aspects at once.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
It would be to ensure fairer compensation and better support for emerging artists, especially those who are independent or from marginalised backgrounds. Access to resources like affordable studio time, mentorship programs, and equitable streaming royalties could make a significant difference.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?I chose this title because in this EP, I refer to a difficult period of my life and share how I overcame it, detailing what helped me through it. Now, I feel “recovered” from that time, I’ve grown stronger and learned to love myself more.
What are your plans for the coming months?
My debut EP is coming out on June 28th, and I’m hosting a release party the day before. Over the next few months, I plan to perform my EP live, collaborate with other artists, and possibly release singles by the end of the year, although nothing is confirmed yet.
What message would you like to give to your fans?
I want to thank those who have supported me and continue to do so. Please feel free to keep reaching out to me on social media; I would love to connect with you. Keep sharing my music and spreading the word.
I hope my story resonates with you and that my music has brought comfort and a sense of connection. It’s one of the reasons I write songs. I hope that you will continue to follow me on this journey, and I hope to reach other people with my music.
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