Q: I love the smooth soundscapes in “Falling.” Can you tell us more about this collaboration with Chiara Stroia?
STEMIN: I have always been a big fan of Chiara, her voice and her sound, as well as her artistic path and projects she has been working on. Not only is she a great artist and musician, but she is also a great human being. I am a big fan of her voice, and I always wanted to collaborate with her. Last year, while I was working on my new project, I came up with the idea and we started to collaborate on ‘Falling.’
Q: How did you two meet?
STEMIN: We met some years ago, at a music competition in Italy. We instantly clicked artistically and, since then, I wanted to work with her. The dream was always there to collaborate one day. In 2020 the time was ripe for this moment.
Q: What is the creative process like in “Falling”?
STEMIN: Since I live in the Netherlands and Chiara in Italy, we wrote everything remotely. We both came up with the melody and the lyrics as we mostly met for some intense writing sessions. It all came naturally, like an organic flow. We wrote most of the song within two days, and then produced the song with Italian producers Benjamin Ventura and Adriano Matcovich. The production has a bright and simple vibe, highlighting the feeling of the song. The lyrics talk about fleeing into a hidden world where two individuals find refuge in a protected environment ruled by love, freedom and vulnerability.
Q: What do you like the most about this song?
STEMIN: I love the minimalistic sound and production. We wanted to create a song that is minimal and underlines the storyline. ‘Falling’ is very minimal compared with the other songs of the album: in terms of production, you will hear the difference to the other songs. I love that our voices go along very well as you can feel that strongly on the track. I love how the song creates a special ambience where two individuals can escape reality.
Q: Who are your biggest influences or inspirations?
STEMIN: I guess this question has more than one answer, since I find inspiration in all sorts of artists, musicians and music genres: from classical to jazz, from soul to hip-hop. Music has always represented a safe place where I can run to and find an answer to my emotional needs. In this place I find acceptance: through this place I give voice to my deepest desires, I express inclusiveness, empowerment and acceptance. Of course, many great musicians such as Stevie Wonder, Prince, Michael Jackson, Lauryn Hill, Luther Vandross inspired and still inspire me to do music.
Q: Are you currently working on anything exciting?
STEMIN: I will be recording a studio session, both audio and video, for my upcoming album ‘Unspoken Dreams.’ It will be an acoustic version of some of the album’s tracks.
In 2022 I will release the album and, hopefully, tour and play live concerts with the new project. I am very excited smd look forward to this. I can’t wait to connect and meet people on the road. Share stories and mostly, share music with you all.
Interviewed by Katrina Yang
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