Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stephanie Staples. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Stephanie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

We live in a world where music is almost as accessible as air. It’s everywhere. 100,000 songs are uploaded every single day to digital platforms. As a singer/songwriter it often feels like the market is overly saturated. Not only that it is becoming increasingly difficult for any artist to earn a living from their work. So why do we continue? This is a question many of us ask ourselves daily. Apart from the discouragement that stems from a lack of monetary affirmation, we often wonder what could we possibly add to what is already out there?

I truly believe what sets an artist apart is not their talent or skill or even the amount of instagram followers they collect—it’s whether or not they have something of substance to offer. Anyone can write a song or play an instrument. But to create something lasting requires the artist to dig deep. A veteran songwriter once told me not to worry about the seasons where songs don’t flow easily. “That’s when you’re living your life; and you have to live your life in order to have something to say.” He was so right.

Substance sets an artist apart. Substance—and calling. Some people are just made for this life, and I’m one of them. I have voiced my desire to quit so many times but I always come back around because I can’t quit what I’m made to do. I can’t stop writing. Melody and lyric flow like a fountain.

The call to create doesn’t necessarily go hand in hand with the call to share it. Some people will paint the most beautiful pictures, pen the most beautiful poems, and write the most intriguing of melodies and will never even attempt to share their work. Others, like me, will exhaust ourselves in order to share some of what we create with others. Art is valuable whether it is shared or not and it can have plenty of substance whether one person hears it or one million.

Those of us who feel compelled to both create and to share must do so knowing that we aren’t signing up for fame or fortune. Art is a service—a gift. I love the words of Jesus, “freely you have received, freely give.” I think about that a lot when it comes to sharing what I write. If it’s truly meant to be shared I must share it generously, hoping that whatever I send out into the world will shine some light into it and maybe help someone remember that beauty and truth exist.

Isn’t that what art is meant to do anyway?

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.

I began writing music and sharing it when I was just 14 years old. A piano teacher skilled in helping folks who preferred to play by-ear vs reading music showed me three chords and I went straight home and wrote several songs. Next lesson, he showed me a few more and I wrote more songs and haven’t stopped. It’s been a wild journey. Over the past twenty five years I’ve played just about every venue you can imagine, have slept on top of my hard piano case about two inches from a van ceiling in the middle of summer, have played for thousands and for two, have toured in Europe and over the past twelve years so, primarily in the UK. I am passionate about singing light into the darkness. I have released 9 full records and some EP’s and am working on my next record right now. My favorite part of this wild indie artist journey has been the people I have met along the way. My least favorite part has been the physical discomfort of travel. Touring is not glamorous. It is hard work—the stage is the easiest part.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

People need to consider themselves patrons of the artists they enjoy. If you like someone’s music, buy their record. Give to their kickstarter. Send some cash. Show up to their concerts or events. Share their music with your friends. Artists flourish when they’re free to do their work.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I’m a Christian. Anytime I create something I am praying it brings some light into someone’s life. But all art is meant to do that, whether it’s labeled Christian or something else, art is meant to remind us of truth, light, and beauty. Even sad songs remind us of our need to search for light.

Contact Info:

• Website: StephanieStaples.com
• Instagram: StephanieStaples
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzjlDJTd5kD5dMrTTeNLXxdVr6MBd-76j&si=v3M_TUkmol51b-Uy

Image Credits
Elizabeth Joy Sanders is photographer for all photos.