Born and raised in Montreal, Quebec, Stefanie Parnell is an insightful, refined, and melodically driven Canadian singer/songwriter. Her music reflects a mix of ambient progressions that recall artists like Sharon Van Etten and Perfume Genius, as well as a host of folk influences, including Phoebe Bridgers and Andy Shauf. Parnell sings from a place where her deep-seated anxieties lie beneath the surface as she expresses her heartfelt experiences. Her music will leave you feeling comforted by the dissonant chords and melancholic lyrics.
In 2011, Parnell met producer/engineer, Connor Seidel (Charlotte Cardin, Patrick Watson, Elliot Maginot, Matt Holubowski). The two would go on to record and release three independent EPs together. Parnell has since become known for her enthralling live performances and has recently won the hearts of the audience as a contestant on the Quebec version of The Voice.
More recently, Parnell has teamed up with Mishka Stein (songwriter/bassist for Patrick Watson) and producer, Samuel Woywitka (Half Moon Run, Luca Fogale, Teke Teke). After years of writing and performing, Parnell has finally found her sound and is eager to have taken on a slightly more experimental and shoegazing element that elevates her music and features her vocal range in a new and exciting way. Parnell will work alongside the production duo as they are set on producing Stefanie’s first studio EP that will be released fall 2021.
What’s your story as an artist?
Music has always been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was lucky that my parents always had great music playing in the house growing up. In High School, I sang in all the talent shows and once I graduated, my friends bought me an acoustic guitar. It didn’t take me very long to teach myself how to play and compose my own songs.
Over the years, I have collaborated with many different artists. I’ve had the opportunity to support and write with rock bands, hip-hop bands, country bands…I’ve pretty much dabbled in what feels like every style of music. It’s nice to be inspired by so many different types of music and in hindsight, my love for pretty much all genres allowed me to truly explore what kind of artist I wanted to be.
In 2011, 2014 and 2015, I released three independent EPs. A lot of my solo work that I was putting out back then mostly fell under the genres of folk, country, pop, rock. It wasn’t until 2015 when I released a collaborative project (Bound and Tethered) with frequent collaborator, Chris See Hoye, where I felt I was really starting to create something that felt more like me.
Fast forward six years later – while during those six years, personal growth and reevaluation was much needed – ‘Modern Tragedy’ was born. ‘Modern Tragedy’ is my first official EP that was released on October 15th. It is my proudest work to date because it is the closest thing to who I am and the person I’ve become over the last six years. The time away from music (although still quite active with performing and writing) allowed me to find the right team who essentially helped bring out the best in me, and helped develop my new sound that I had been striving for. I am beyond grateful to have taken the time with these songs as they mean everything to me.
What inspired this single?
‘Breathe’ started off as an instrumental track that my DJ friend, Morbin, sent me in hopes of a collaboration. Usually when I’m working on a song it often takes me several days, sometimes weeks, even months to complete, and what was nice about this collaboration is that I was so inspired by what Morbin sent me that I ended up finishing all the lyrics in one sitting.
‘Breathe’ took on many shapes and forms over the years since it was first written back in 2017. It went from the electronic version, to a live version, to its current and final version, where its structure changed to allow the song to really grab the attention of the audience for its full duration.
The words and emotions behind ‘Breathe’ are inspired by my struggles with mental illness. ‘Breathe’ explores my personal experiences while undergoing a panic attack or intense episodes of anxiety. The hook “let go of me” – my vocals being very aggressive, vulnerable and raw – is my way of letting out the anger and weight that anxiety holds in my mind and body. In the verses I talk about how I identify with anxiety, “you’re a part of me but I don’t need you”.
What are some sources of inspiration for your storytelling?
The majority of my songs and storytelling comes from personal experience and usually most, if not all of my inspiration happens to come from a dark place or a difficult experience that I had to overcome. I tend to appreciate artists whose songs demonstrate abstract songwriting and I try to tell stories in a way where people can make their own interpretations about them. I like to imagine that upon listening to ‘Modern Tragedy’, that these songs and the way the stories are told are almost like being in a dream, where usually it takes some time and reflection to determine what the message means to you.
Any funny anecdotes from the time you were recording or writing the album?
Funny enough, the last song on the EP, ‘Your Friend’ almost didn’t make the cut due to a pre-existing timeline. I knew going in, it was ambitious on my part due to time constraints and scheduling conflicts for Mishka and Samuel (producers), and myself, however we were able to get the song demoed and recorded within 48 hours. I remember getting Samuel on the phone and the conversation started off with basically realizing that it wasn’t possible but with some convincing and problem-solving, we were able to get it done!
Tell us about the music video and the idea behind it ?
I really wanted the official video for ‘Breathe’ to highlight the uneasiness of the song’s meaning, and also paint a clear picture that demonstrates exactly how anxiety makes me feel. The entire video takes place in a bathtub where I essentially play a character who is portrayed in two different states of mind. The reason I chose a bathtub as the only location is for what I believe it represents in relation to this song. I imagine most people take baths to relax and this is portrayed by the first character depiction we see. On the contrary, referring to the secondary character depiction we see (black eyes), the bathtub simultaneously symbolizes panic for the simple reason that humans are unable to breathe underwater. Inevitably, most people who deal with panic attacks and experience severe anxious episodes will feel as if they can’t breathe and that’s where I made the connection to the bathtub and what the water symbolizes. The use of different props and colors were carefully selected and these elements help the viewers have a better understanding of the storyline.
What’s a record that shaped your creativity?
There are so many records that have inspired my current sound and creativity but if I had to name one it would be ‘Pleasure’ by Feist. What I love about this project is that it isn’t “perfect” and I appreciate the raw emotion and instrumentation that’s heard throughout the entire album. For ‘Modern Tragedy’, I went into the studio with those elements in mind and wanted to emulate those flavors found in ‘Pleasure’.
When I was younger, for whatever reason I was under the impression that finished recordings should be the closest thing to perfect – perfect tuning, perfect takes, everything lined up perfectly. I used to record each part (verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, chorus) individually and get about six good takes per part. I often found myself confused as to why I didn’t love recording as much as I loved performing or rehearsing. I came to realize that it was because of the lack of authenticity and the need to strive for perfection while in the studio. Perfect isn’t a thing and it’s nice knowing that the older I get, the more I appreciate flaws. There are so many beautiful and magical “mishaps” that have happened in the studio while recording live and I am excited about each one found in ‘Modern Tragedy’.
Who is an artist or band you look up to today?
Kacey Musgraves is an artist that I look up to. I’ve been a fan of Kacey since the beginning of her music career. The way her music has evolved over the years has inspired me to take chances with my own music. I’ve always appreciated how she incorporates wit into her songwriting and isn’t scared to talk about real life issues even if it exposes a vulnerable side of her life/personality.
Any future projects?
After having released my debut EP, ‘Modern Tragedy’ on October 15th, my goal for the upcoming year is to write and complete my first album which I hope to release by the end of next year or early 2023. In the meantime, I will continue to promote this EP with hopes to continue building my team and fanbase. I’d also like to go on a small Canadian tour next spring supporting ‘Modern Tragedy’ with my band.
Top 3 dream collaborations?
- Phoebe Bridgers
- Joni Mitchell
- Justin Timberlake
- Coldplay (you did say 4, right?)
What does music mean to you?
What I love most about music is that in a world where there is so much violence, opinions, discrimination and separation, music is the one thing that brings everyone together and there is something so special knowing that everyone is on the same page for once. On a personal note, music has always given me a sense of belonging which is so important for me because I’ve spent most of my life feeling like I never really fit in anywhere. That connection is essential for me and in turn, feeds my creativity.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?
I think my sound encapsulates a lot of raw emotion and vulnerability, all while staying unpredictable. Listeners can expect to hear dreamy soundscapes, mesmerizing synth sounds and enchanting, raw vocal performances, where comfort can be found in the dissonant chords and melancholic lyrics that ‘Modern Tragedy’ demonstrates.
