Hello Stephanie, what have you been up to today?
I started my day at the gym, been working on some of my youtube videos for my channel mccourtofficialtv and ran through my Soul Acoustic tour set a few times, all in all it's been quite a productive day!
How long have you been singing and performing for?
I've been singing since I was two years of age! Performing properly since I was nine, it's something that I have always been drawn to and it has always come to me very naturally.
What is your earliest musical memory?
Probably standing on top of a chair in the middle of my a living room in front of my family belting out Celine Dion and Whitney Houston hits, because I was to short at the time and wanted feel like I was on a stage.
You sang at the Royal Albert Hall when you were just eleven years old. What was that like and how did that come about?
It was probably one of the first serious performances I had done in my life at that point, an incredible experience, a memory I will carry for life. I did auditions for it at my school for the solo part as there were going to be quite a few schools going for it I didn't think I would get it, but when I did it was a much needed confidence boast which encouraged me to further explore a career in music.
How did studying at the Brighton Institute of Modern Music help you and did you study alongside any famous alumni?
It was overall a great experience they recently did a story on my success at the Urban Music Awards winning Best New Comer and I must say that felt good. I know there have been many successes from BIMM more recently James Bay and George Ezra who are equally amazing! Some of my friends have found success working with some of the biggest artists in world like Calvin Harris, Lional Richie and the lists go on, some are working with indie labels. It's a bit of luck and what you make of it really - network network network! Bimm taught me the basics I needed to further myself in music, it showed me how to use the tool kit! I was fortunate enough to be managed by the original co-founders, Kevin Nixon and Sarah Clayman, for fews years which gave me a wealth of knowledge and experiences. All in all I enjoyed my time there made some life long friends and a great foundation for my music!
What can we expect from your set when we come to see you live?
Heart soul and the truth I have written all my songs from real life experiences so when I sing its always from a real place, and of course you can a expect a diva filled performance because all my major influences are just that, true Divas (Aretha Frankilin, Etta James, Whitney Houston to say a few) and I'm not talking about the demanding divas that want 50,000 things on their riders I'm talking about the ones that take you one a musical journey the definition of a true Diva in my mind.
You are performing at the Glee Club here in Nottingham. Have you visited Nottingham before or will this be your first time?
Yes - I can't wait to perform at the Glee Club, I did a gig in Nottingham many moons ago and it was a great night, my memories are pleasant of my time there.
Do you know any of the other artists on the Soul Acoustic Tour?
On a personal level no, I've checked out some of there music of course and its all of a high standard! I must say I'm very excited to meet them and see them perform live I'm sure it's going to be a great tour.
Why should we listen to your music?
Your always going to get musical comparisons no matter how high up you are on the musical food chain, but I really don't think there is anything exactly like me out there at the moment so if you want to hear something new with a old twist, I'm your girl.
How can we find out more about your music?
I have an EP out now on iTunes called Stripped Back which you can purchase. You can also visit me on any of my social networks which I update daily and would be more than happy to answer any questions!
What do you like to do when you are not singing and performing music?
I like to travel, I'm a big fan of food and I love spending time with my family and friends.
Any final words for the LeftLion readers?
Make sure you make your way down to the Glee club on Friday 6 March - it's going to be a show to remember so don't miss out.
Stephanie plays as part of Soul Acoustics at Glee Club on Friday 6 March
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