We were lucky to catch up with Stefani Morton recently and have shared our conversation below.
Stefani , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
Like a phoenix that rises out of the ashes, on August 25 of 2023 I was faced with a the near death experience in a hospital in South Carolina due to Sepsis. As I was lying helpless and scared in the ER/cardio ward I knew it then. The staff kept asking me if I had anybody that could come be with me, clergy to contact, did I have a will etc. I had just turned 56. Divorced, single retired school teacher with nothing but a cat, dog and some guitars/paintbrushes to my name. At that moment, I knew that life was way too short, and I’ve never regretted my move to Music City or my choices from that eventful evening. Moving to Nashville to chase a dream was a clear choice, no matter how long or hard it would be because nothing would be harder than coming back from a near death experience.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am a Nashville-based singer-songwriter, visual artist, retired art educator, and actor from South Carolina. Raised in a musically inclined family, I inherited a rich lineage, with my great grandfather having played the fiddle in the Buffalo Bill Cody Show and a distant cousin being none other than the remarkable Patsy Cline. My parents were involved in choirs and musicals in some capacity throughout their lives. During my younger years, I was deeply involved in community theatre, clogging groups, tap, ballet, and band. I play various instruments, including flute, guitar, manditar, spoons, harmonica, and more. My primary genre of music is bluegrass and country. My art and music reflect the essence and charm of growing up in a small southern town. I have also delved into commercial acting. Been in front of the camera from local to national ads, many with a couple of studios here in Nashville. Some of my most recent projects were music videos for Shaboozey in ‘Drink Don’t Need No Mix’ and for Dax on ‘Lonely Dirt Road’.
My introduction to Music City happened when I won a songwriting contest in Charleston, SC, leading to a performance on stage with renowned Nashville songwriter Danny Wells. Wells is known for his work with George Strait and Rascall Flatts. So, calling Nashville home to pursue my career goals just feels natural. . I am an active member of ASCAP, NSAI, AMA and ISSA. I possess an M.A.T. in Art Education and a National Board Certification. Teaching an award-winning art program in SC during my tenure really helped prepare me for the triumphs and challenges that await a songwriter here in Nashville. I am grateful for these experiences.
Since moving to Music city, I have been fortunate to cowrite with many talented singer/songwriters in town, play rounds in many unique venues, and work with local charities. I have had two releases featured in Lazie Indie Magazine and have been on a few podcasts and film. It is fun sharing my story for it is unusual. Starting this journey in retirement, not in my youth, is a monumental challenge, but age is just a number. And the fact that I almost passed away makes it even more unique. I hope to bring inspiration to others in retirement to follow their dreams and start new exciting journeys. There is a whole other life for people after retirement, Now in Nashville, I have many acting and musical friends my age and beyond killing it. Our generation is needed in so many projects all over the map. We carry wisdom, decades if life experience, and it shows in our artistry.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding part of being a creative, particularly in my journey , has been being vulnerable and authentic to the public. When you put your art, music, acting out into the public domain, you are revealing your innermost thoughts, emotions and soul. It takes a lot of bravery to do that. So I feel that authenticity is the key to success in this creative journey.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Many non creatives have the assumption that artists, particularly those who promote themselves, or put their artwork on social media, is all in vain. Self promotion and expressing yourself is not. Yes there are artists that take it to an extreme level, and that’s how they do very well in this industry. I find that creatives extremely into their craft, experience a lot of ups and downs in these journeys. This is where humility and grace come into play. I have experienced this personally in many arenas this past year. Part of the creative process is to be able to take criticism/rejection and that is something that non creatives need to understand. There is no instant fame or fortune . It is a lot of hard work, a lot of no’s, but God has a plan and when that Yes comes it makes all the tough work/PR worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stefanimorton.com
- Instagram: @STEFANI_MORTON MUSIC
- Facebook: Stefani Morton Music
- Twitter: @morton_stefani
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@stefanimortonmusic?si=SRH5Yu1PrVgO95Gs
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/Bouj9PGiSSq2eDe57
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4fWdc2zqYSlcK5bugW0HCL?si=ZdaRPjMeTDiMOUK-WiZrWg
Image Credits
Desmond K Ye Photography
Melanie Yergan
Bridgette Brooks
Rhythm & Lyrics Photography