Stephanie says, “’So High’ was written to dance to and to feel good about the days ahead. It’s an adventurous and free-spirited celebration of life after enduring difficult times. Ultimately, it’ll make you want to release stress, cut loose, and enjoy the party.”
Stephanie Hatzinikolis is an artist and songwriter with a focus on creating personal, yet catchy and mesmerizing indie pop rock. With a new EP set to be released in late 2022, her second single, “So High,” is a free-spirited celebration of life as well as an invitation to release the stress brought on by a chaotic world. Stephanie’s sound combines diverse influences ranging from artists such as Elliott Smith and Broken Bells, to Sufjan Stevens and Aimee Mann. “So High” was written to dance to. This song has an adventurous energy and an earthy backdrop; painting the image of cutting loose and enjoying the party.
Tell us about the genesis of your project. How did you get to where you are now?
Steph: I’ve been playing keys and writing songs since I was 3 years old. Inspired by a creative writing class in high school, I started putting more effort into my lyrics. Towards the end of high school and getting into college, I started performing my original music at talent shows and coffee shops around Spokane, WA. I eventually worked my way to making performing my full-time job and releasing my first album in 2012. In August 2013, I moved to Los Angeles to learn even more about becoming a better songwriter, artist, and performer. Since an EP release in 2016, I’m now in the beginning stages of releasing my 2022 EP and plan to get back to performing this summer.
What is the favorite song you wrote and why?
Steph: Well, I don’t like to play favorites and I probably never will, but right now I really enjoy playing “Love of Mine.” But, some days I hate playing a certain song and then the next week I love it again. It’s just kind of whatever mood I’m in at the time.
Who are your all time musical icons?
Steph: On man, that’s a long list. Definitely Elliott Smith. Sufjan Stevens for sure. Brian Burton (aka Danger Mouse). I’m a pretty big fan of The Beatles. I know that’s like a cop out answer to every question like this but they are The Beatles (laughs). So many others but these are always at the top of the list.
What are some things to do to keep your inspiration alive?
Steph: I gotta constantly listen to music I’m not familiar with. So whether it’s checking out a new record or just something that I haven’t heard before, I think listening to fresh music helps me a lot. When I can, I try to go to local shows too. Also, expanding my perspective through different genres.
I haven’t done this in a little bit, but trying to play new instruments and finding different sounds I think is fun. I definitely want to start exploring some more vintage synths and keyboards. I’m kind of on that wavelength right now. That shit’s expensive though, so you just have to enjoy it when the opportunity arises (laughs).
Who are you binge listening to these days?
Steph: Definitely been bingeing The War On Drugs lately. I love Lucius as well who I discovered on the new Drugs record. They (Lucius) sang background vocals on “I Don’t Live Here Anymore,” and it sounds so beautiful. Then they released their latest album on the same day we released “Runnin’ to You,” my first single off this EP, and I thought that was badass. It’s an amazing record that they did, so I’m really into that right now. Also, and I’m kind of late to the game on this, but Deep Sea Diver is amazing. Super awesome. Of course, I’m always playing Elliott. He’s just on repeat. When there’s nothing else I’m feeling, it’s like “Elliott time!”
Favorite movie or TV show?
Steph: Ooh. My favorite of all time is The Office, but I really really love Better Call Saul right now. And then when I’m feeling neither, it’s Chopped.
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about
Steph: “So High” was written to dance to and to feel good about the days ahead. It’s an adventurous and free-spirited celebration of life after enduring difficult times. The goal is to release stress, cut loose, and enjoy the party.
Do you have any peculiar pre or post show rituals?
Steph: I mean, when I played in Spokane years ago, I used to play “All You Need Is Love,” by The Beatles on my way to the gig. That was my Spokane ritual, but like I said, I haven’t played in a few years so I don’t really have a ritual right now.
I used to have a beer or glass of wine after, and most of the time during (laughs). But since I’m sober now I’ll have to figure something else out.
What I never did before was warm up, like physically warm up my hands and arms and warm up my voice. I guess my new rituals will revolve around that. Trying to take better care of my body and my mind.
What’s the future looking like for you?
Steph: Rainbows haha. I don’t know the future but my hope is to just keep being able to write music and share it. I want to keep improving myself as a songwriter of course. Like I mentioned earlier, I’m looking forward to playing live again. The lifelong dream would be to go on tour, play some festivals, you know? Have an adventure.
Who inspires your style and aesthetics?
Steph: Who do you think? (laughs) Definitely ES (Elliott Smith). Florence Welch, of Florence and the Machine, Arcade Fire, Sharon Van Etten, Deep Sea Diver, and Broken Bells.
What is the achievement or moment in your career you are the most proud of and why?
Steph: Getting to record and produce this project at New Monkey Studio (Elliott’s former studio). You know, it’s special to me ‘cause it’s the closest thing I have to meeting my musical hero. I feel like this whole interview is just me talking about Elliott (laughs). But his music has been this constant soundtrack to my entire adult life. But yeah, we got to incorporate his gear for many of these sounds and I had the honor of playing his Kawai MP9000 keyboard. Also, tracking through his Trident A-range was magical.
What do you think is the best way to make it as an artist nowadays?
Steph: Go get that college degree. (No just kidding, but seriously). I don’t know, we’re living in such different times now where so many people are trying to become artists. It’s difficult to pinpoint the best way for everyone, but if I had to give just one piece of advice that is universal for anyone trying to get into this world, I think it’s to work really hard on your inner thoughts first. Learn to control your inner parasite. Really working on you and knowing that it’s all going to have to fall on your shoulders most of the time. It’s gutting but you will have to feel that sense of loneliness a lot. I think if you can cultivate that really strong sense of self-confidence, then you can really start working on your artistry little by little. I’ve also known a lot of people, myself included, who jump in head first, gig full time, and then just burn out really quickly. I think it’s just all about pacing and maintaining energy levels. Mentally, physically, spiritually. It all factors in.
What would you change in the music and entertainment industry especially after this past year?
Steph: I mean, I’m still learning a lot about the business side right now, but it can be confusing as hell for artists. It is really complex. I think it’s wise to have good legal counsel in your corner to help you navigate a lot of it. But even then, I think if we could simplify some of it a bit that’d be great. If an artist is working multiple jobs, going to school maybe, and then trying to learn to create great art on the side, they can’t really sit down and fully absorb all of what goes into the business. I guess it would just be nice to see more light shed on some of those innerworkings for independent artists.
