Steph La Rochelle’s Wildflower Earns Juno Award Nomination
Ottawa-based singer-songwriter Steph La Rochelle has garnered a nomination for a Juno Award for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year, for her debut EP, Wildflower.
Wildflower, self-penned and funded by FACTOR, is a testament to her artistry and vision. Each track is imbued with Steph’s unique blend of vulnerability and strength, earning her praise for her vocal purity and quality.
Steph remarked
“I truly feel as if I am dreaming. To be recognized in this way is the highest honour, especially as an independent artist. A massive thank you to everyone involved; filled with gratitude.”
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Steph La Rochelle. I am a singer-songwriter and actress from Ottawa, ON. Most recently I was involved in the National Tour, made an appearance in the UK, with Dear Evan Hansen, and also released my debut EP, Wildflower.
Congratulations on your JUNO Award nomination for Adult Contemporary Album of the Year with your debut EP, Wildflower! How does it feel to receive such recognition, especially as an independent artist?
Thank you so much! I still can’t believe this is happening! This EP really was a passion project for me and I went into it with no expectations, just wanting to share songs I was proud of, hoping they might mean something to someone else. To be recognized in this way is the highest honour, especially as an independent artist and on my first release. I truly feel as if I am dreaming!
Your EP, Wildflower, showcases a range of emotions and experiences. Is there a particular song on the album that holds special significance to you, and if so, why?
It’s always tough to choose a favourite, I think I go back and forth between a few. The title track, Wildflower, is really special to me. It really is the root of the project and while I wrote the song years back, what’s been really special is seeing the evolution of its meaning to me, finding a deeper connection and understanding of it with time.
What does it mean to you to have your EP funded by FACTOR, and how has their support impacted your musical journey?
It takes quite a bit of money to get a project like that off the ground so I am very grateful for Factor’s financial assistance, especially as an independent artist. Factor’s impact on my journey started years ago when I received an artist development grant. It’s also just a really nice feeling to know you are on the right track when an industry jury is in support of what you are working on.
You’ve not only made waves in the music industry but also in acting, appearing in popular shows like Disney’s Backstage and The CW’s In the Dark. How do you navigate between music and acting, and do you find that they influence each other creatively?
I definitely feel that the two art forms bleed into one another. At the end of the day, it comes down to storytelling. I think singer-songwriters are actors in their on way, by sharing stories at the most authentic level, hoping that what you are saying reaches an audience in a meaningful way. I think it is the most magical thing when a piece of art, whether it be a scene or a song, can evoke emotion.
What can fans expect next from Steph La Rochelle? Are there any upcoming projects or performances you’re particularly excited about?
I’ve got an upcoming hometown performance at Red Bird Live in Ottawa, ON on April 27th. It’s a beautiful listening room, excited to be back there!
Connect with Steph La Rochelle:
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