Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Stephani Ezatoff
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
My earliest memory of music is of my childhood in church.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
Music has always been a part of me from the time I was born. It is what I was created and called to do. Music is an inextricable part of me, and the passion has always been there organically from the beginning.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
“God Will Open the Windows of Heaven” was written by the amazing Gospel artist, Babbie Mason, and it is based upon the book of Malachi. It was truly a privilege to record her song, and it is a privilege every time I perform it live. This track has done very well for me, and I have received multiple awards for this song, for which I am very deeply honored. So, on a personal level, it is also of great significance.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
It’s Spirit-led. It’s a soulful sound with no earthly explanation.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
There was no change per se because this is something I have always known: my music must be Holy Spirit-led. And I’ve known this inherently since childhood. I’ve always had a laser-like focus on Jesus, and I have never departed. In my life and in my music, I have always followed Him, and that has placed me in very good stead.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
Traditional, high-quality instrumentation is very important to me. With this project, I have Brian Speer to thank for organizing the amazing instrumentation. Piano, Hammond organ, guitar, bass, drums. I also want the voices to be like instruments. An enormous, full, traditional, first-rate sound. And I was certainly surrounded by the very best, there’s no question about it!
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
From what the history books tell me, many traditional Gospel artists were, and still are, independent. And I have enormous respect for all those in that tradition who came before me. The Blind Boys of Alabama, for example. I am greatly honored to be any small part of that tradition.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
My music and personal experiences are inextricably linked. The deeper I go spiritually, the deeper I go musically and artistically. It’s all connected; this symbiosis will go on for my entire life. It’s eternal. It is a wonderful, beautiful thing!
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
The message of my work is of the power and love of the God of Israel.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
When I sing, I am at once totally, completely myself and also totally connected to my Creator. It’s a powerful convergence of zero artifice and yielding entirely to Him. So, it inspires me perpetually to rely on Him. The result of this is a life of excellence!
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
I feel so blessed to have performed at so many amazing venues and festivals already. There is honestly no dream venue or festival. God has always led me to the most incredible places. Amazing theaters, awe-inspiring churches. Venues in New York City have been among my favorites. Many times, I’ve thought, in the best way possible, “This is too good! How on earth did I get here?” God is good, and the sky is the limit! I have been blessed beyond measure.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra. They lived and performed long before I was born, but they are my favorites. They are the masters, and I am grateful to them both. I feel like I was born in the wrong era!
Where can our listeners follow and support your music?
My merch store (www.stephaniezatoff.store) provides news, articles, press releases, etc.
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I have always set incredibly high standards for myself in every facet of my life, and I am incredibly thankful for all the success I have had. I do not ever take it for granted. I am so thankful for all that I have accomplished, and, in the most factual sense, God has already exceeded my own dreams and aspirations. In my life, God has quite literally gone above and beyond anything I ever dreamed of, and He has granted me the desires of my heart. And I enthusiastically anticipate more of the same!
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way? I am so grateful for my listeners! They are the best! I hope that my music makes them discover a closer walk with the God of the Universe.
