Many people can probably say that they have never heard of the pop sensation STEFY. Although they have only released one album, there contribution has made them one of the most under appreciated bands this decade.
STEFY was formed by lead singer STEFY rae, who claims to have been inspired by both her grandma and her sister. "My sister was in a band, and I used to tag along to her practice". She eventually realized that she wanted to be an artist two, although at first it seemed as though it was an impossible doing. Eventually after some years of practice, STEFY became a very beautiful voice. Singing at local clubs around her Orange County root's she was discovered by an agent, and got signed to Columbia records in 2002. However the album never got off the ground, and she was dropped from the label before anything was released. It could of been the end of it right there, but no one expected her to return two years later, forming the band "The Lovely". They eventually caught the attention of indi band Wind-Up Records, and were signed. Along with the singing, came a name change to simply "STEFY". Using songs she had written in the years prior and her old diary as inspiration, STEFY worked with producer's Jimmy Harry and Glitch, during a year recording tracks for the debut album. Staying true to there Orange County roots, the album was named "The Orange Album", and consisted of 11 New Wave/Rock songs. In a later interview STEFY sated that the writing process took over three years to complete.
The album was promoted by the lead single "Chelsea" an 80's influenced club banger, which was critically acclaimed for it's re-birth in New Wave sound. The video would later have a cameo by Adam West. The single made the top 20 in the Billboard Hot Dance Club Chart although not seeing any other success. It was also added to the Abercrombie and Fitch playlist in 2006. To further promote the album, they recorded an exclusive track for the movie "John Tucker Must Die" titled "Fool For Love". The track was added to the movie's official soundtrack in addition to "Chelsea". The album was released via Wind-Up on August 29th, 2006 making the number 12 spot on The Dance Album Chart, but failing to appear in the Billboard 200. For there second single, STEFY released "Hey School Boy". The video was directed by legendary director Nigel Dick (Britney Spears) and was hosted during a 30 minute MTV 2 Special spotlighting the band. They later embarked on both a U.S. and U.K. club tour to promote the album. This would be the last of promotion Stefy would receive from there label, ultimately being dropped a year later, despite there 2nd album already in production. STEFY did not stop however, despite loosing most band members who moved on. STEFY created, along with her brother, two music videos to the song's "Orange County" and "Lucky Girl". She also hired a director herself to make a clay-animation video to "Pretty Little Nightmare".
After nearly a year of no updates and promotion, STEFY returned with four new Demo's added on her Myspace page. This came followed by her song "Fool For Love" being featured in another movie "Bride Wars" in 2009. Stefy also released a new exclusive song titled "Tear Me Up" which was featured on the 2009 movie "Sorority Row". It seemed as though, STEFY was in full swing again, even joining Twitter and posting a new v-log. However it was later revealed that she has no idea when another album would be released as she has still not found a label to call home yet.
Despite her voice being described as "foxy" and "similar to Gwen Stefani" (which is one of her music idols, hey there both orange county girls) STEFY has not found any big success yet. However she does have a strong cult following, that "can't wait to see what she does next".
Whatever is in store for the pop sensation that is STEFY, it is sure to be something brilliant.
Check Her Out On Myspace: Myspace.com/stefy
You can also currently listen to her critically acclaimed, debut "The Orange Album" at Rhapsody.
Chelsea:
Hey School Boy:
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