Meet The Team: Steph

Name:

Steph

Smule Name: Stephaniegay1

Tell us a little bit about yourself... where were you born, where did you grow up, married with children?

I was born in Port Arthur, Texas and moved to Brazoria county to The Village of Jones Creek when I was four. (Yes, it's a village lol) I grew up in the country, shucking corn, snapping peas, collecting chicken eggs, and picking berries. I'm now happily married to my high school sweetheart with a two year old daughter and a bun in the oven!

Do you remember the first CD/cassette (or even vinyl) that you bought?

I think the first tape I probably bought was Mariah Carey. My parents were DJs and sound engineers for bands, so although I lived in the country, my music horizons were very broad. I listened to and loved anything and everything from gospel to R&B, classic rock and classical.

What are your favourites genres and era of music?

My favorite genre would have to be singer/songwriter. For example I love artists such as The Civil Wars, Clarensau, Damien Rice, and The Lone Bellow.

You competed in Season 2, and coached in S3... did you enjoy both experiences, and if so, what is it about Vocal Edge that you enjoy the most?

Vocal Edge was one of the very first competitions I entered when I first got a Smule account. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I am so glad I just jumped right in. I was nervous, and stressed out awaiting every critique. I appreciated and hung on every word of the judges and idolized Saralinda, who had won the season before. I worked very hard and received 4th place in the competition. I wondered if I had what it took to be able to help others grow as artists. I sing and play various instruments in a band and I have a musical background so I thought I would really like to see if I could be a part of the Vocal Edge team in any way. In season 3 I was honored to be asked to return as a vocal coach. That experience was great! I got to know and make more friends that had a common interest as me and I got to see artists grow their vocal and creative abilities. Now I am a Judge in the Vocal Edge spinoff, Country Crusade and that is one more fantastic experience that I have gained from this journey. I think the one thing that I have enjoyed the most besides meeting creative and hard working people is listening to the music. There are so many talented people and having the opportunity to listen to the arrangements that people create is very entertaining and humbling.

One final thing... sun or rain?

I would have to say the rain. I live by the beach and get plenty of sun and rain but nothing compares to a quiet rainy day - or a rain stick in a song with a minor chord. I love it:)