We were lucky to catch up with Maura Streppa recently and have shared our conversation below.

Maura, appreciate you joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

As the youngest of 5, my parents had a lot on their plates, but never failed to support each and every one of us in our passions. Growing up, my mom put me in dance classes. We both knew I was meant to be on a stage, so every opportunity to do so she made sure I was signed up. She’d drive me to musical theater rehearsal at 5 in the morning, drive me an hour to and from singing lessons, and be at every single show and performance. She was the ultimate fan without overstepping into a “stage mom”. I have no clue where I’d be if it wasn’t for her love and support. My dad always loved music and made sure he instilled that love in us. We had a sound system in our house that was connected to his “random music machine”. Between my 4 siblings and I, a dog, and the music, our house was never silent. He bought my mom a piano for one of their anniversary’s and encouraged us to play it as much as we could. That’s the same piano that I used to start writing songs. My parents gave their all to my siblings and I, making sure we had the resources and support to follow our dreams. They are our #1 fans and we couldn’t be more grateful to have such incredible parents.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

There is a place where country meets soul meets pop. That sweet spot exists in the heart of singer/songwriter, Maura Streppa.

Heavily influenced by Bob Dylan, John Prine, Lowell George, Levon Helm, Amy Winehouse, Kacey Musgraves, and more, Maura uniquely and effortlessly creates a home for lovers of the old and the new alike.

Hailing from the suburbs of Chicago, Maura discovered her love for music at a young age. After a move from the city to the south lands of North Carolina, Maura found that her mother’s piano keys helped her express her deepest emotions. It was from that moment on that she decided she wanted to share these cathartic songs with the world.

Maura continued writing, singing, and sharing until the age of 18, when she was asked to play the Carolina Country Music Festival and to open for country music star, Jimmie Allen. It was in that opportunity that Maura became more sure than ever that singing country music for thousands of people was what she wanted to do with her life. She promptly packed her bags and made her way to Music City.

Since making the big move to Nashville, Maura has been performing almost every single night, sharing her soulful songs with those who cross her path. She recently won Tennessee Songwriter’s Week and made her debut at The Bluebird Cafe with her song, “Singer and The Song”. The eclectic artist has a strong conviction to create music with authenticity, love, and purpose and works hard to carry out that calling every day.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is finding new ways to connect with people. When I write songs that explain my personal journey, it is extremely rewarding to hear from audience members about their own journey and how they were able to relate to what I wrote. Music has a unique way of bringing people together, and it has been an honor to learn about so many people’s stories, ultimately creating a very strong bond.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Social media can be extremely frustrating. What I’ve learned is that people connect best with authenticity. I make my social media extremely similar to my day-to-day and try my best not to filter out my reality. My audience appreciates being able to connect rather than seeing a “highlight reel”. I’ve also learned that comparing your own social media presence to others is useless. There will always be someone with more followers, more likes, more engagement. It’s difficult to ignore, but it is the healthiest way to continue your personal goals and aspirations. Comparison is the thief of joy, so my biggest advice is to post things authentic to you and your goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.maurastreppa.com
• Instagram: @maurastreppamusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maurastreppamusic1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maura-streppa-020400149/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MauraStreppa
• Other: TikTok: @maurastreppamusic

Image Credits
Kenzie Maroney Ed Rode