Album Premiere: Stef T - INTERACT EP

Besides being utterly beautiful, New Zealand is home of many great artists. I'm extremely stoked to share with you the premiere of an EP so soothing, it will make you day dream.

Today's highlight is Christchurch-based upcoming singer, songwriter and producer Stef T and her mesmerizing EP INTERACT. The 4 tracks release, created, written and co-produced by Stef is perfect showcase for the vastness of her talents. 15 minutes feel like a second. The seamless of her flow is just... pure perfection. I am still stuck between repeating "Humanity" and "Fionn's Song", but I reckon soon I'll be released from my repeat spell and focus on the rest of the EP too. However, when you do listen to this album for the first time, just go with the flow and Stef's choice. It's beautiful.

We also had a chance to talk to her a bit about the inspiration and work behind the release.

Hi Stef, first of all - could you share a bit information about yourself?

Hi ! Well, I make music. I've been singing since I was talking, producing for a couple of years and I write/record my tunes mostly from my bedroom. I'm from Christchurch, NZ (land of earthquakes) and when I'm not making music I am studying to be a yoga teacher and being Mama to a small baby and a big cat.

What was the inspiration and the driving force behind your work on the EP?

- The EP is all about exploring the interactions we have with others, drawn from my own personal experiences and from observing others. This year has been big for me - I had a baby, my grandmother got very ill with Alzheimer's disease. These events and others have shaped my main relationships and changed the ways in which I communicate everyday. I was compelled to create music based on what I know about "interacting" as music is such a powerful method of interaction; the method that I know best.

If you could imagine the perfect settings of listening to the EP, what would they be?

Outside! In nature, alone - that would be my ideal place. Conversely, I can imagine listening to these songs while people-watching, through headphones on that daily grind commute.

You're also producing - which part was more fun? Recording the vocals or the instrumentals. Did you get any help on that or its entirely recorded by you?

I love producing, but since having a baby I find that solid late night producing time is too rare! All but one of the songs (Out Tonight) on the EP were co-produced with GETSET. It was a treat working with another producer after making tunes solo for a long time, plus he lives with me so it was easy to bounce around ideas + collaborate smoothly. The vocals, I recorded in my bedroom. Bedroom producing all the way, there's something really special about recording with only you and the microphone about. No time limits or constraints. That's the most fun for me, recording the vocals and hearing the tune take shape.

What's ahead of you in 2017? What are your goals and dreams this year?

I have a few things in the process including a shared project of mine which involves putting musicians together with dancers to create a unique live show experience. That will be special! I'd like to take INTERACT EP on a tour, play some more festivals and mainly just collaborate with other artists I vibe to.