Stephanie Cheape

Scottish rising singing star talks new music and working with Glasgow’s Twin Atlantic

How would you describe your musical style?

Pop music for goths basically. I was coming up through that phase of emo, rock pop. That was a huge influence for me. It’s a darker pop sound, it’s the kind of thing that I wanted to listen to when I was younger.

What is your single Queen about?

I wanted to embody the confidence of male artists like Mick Jagger, performers who just exude confidence on stage. I was keen to send a message that it’s completely acceptable as a female to be that confident.

What was it like having Sam and Ross from Twin Atlantic produce the track?

The guys are awesome. They’re off the wall with their creativity and meeting two people who were excited to do something new was great. They really helped me find who I am as an artist. Incredible producers, they should do more of that.

What’s been the best gig you’ve played?

I did a headline show before the pandemic in The Garage in Glasgow and that was really special. I remember seeing artists I loved there when I was younger, so that was a weird moment for me.

What is your favourite song to perform?

Here I Am, which I wrote with Sam and Ross. It’s about breaking into the music world. I loved that as I am quite anxious before a show, and was able to go from nervous into having a good time, trick my mind into it.

How did you first get into music?

From 14 I was home-schooled and super got into music. I wrote music and played gigs in pubs. Then I heard on the radio they were looking for Scotland’s best unsigned act and I won it! Next thing I knew I was opening the Scottish Music Awards and that night I met my management.

What was the first album you bought?

Hard-fi, Stars of CCTV. I know that album like the back of my hand, I was such a fan. I think it was the storytelling on it that got me hooked on song writing.

What would you tell aspiring singers?

I used to worry about what kind of artist I would look like. If I performed without an instrument, would people think me a lesser musician? That’s so silly because people aren’t thinking that. They’re thinking “do I like this song?”.

Who else would you love to work with?

Sam Fender is incredible. His writing is political and that goes back to my roots of realism. There’s a power behind the message of his songs. There are also so many hidden gems in the industry that you don’t hear enough about so hopefully I’ll get to work with one of those.

What are you listening to now?

My friends laugh at me because I listen to every genre! I listen to Annie Lennox remixes, Grimes, N.E.R.D, Echosmith, Beth Ditto. One day I’m listening to classical and then the next it’s silly pop.

Stephanie’s single, Queen ,is out now.