Stephanie Hatzinikolis is a talented woman! It is not talent which makes you stay, though, but it is magic! When I heard her last single my mind touched the sky! I kept it playing on my Youtube once and over again! You see so many exclamation marks in here. Trust me, I really mean them. I am a music lover, and when I found out this magic music playing I could not do anything but to approach to her and actually asking for an interview, since the world’s got to know her even more! Again, sorry not sorry for the emotion. You will be on the same page once you listen to her music.
Honestly, I just want people to feel good, to feel their own stories through my music (like a shuttle taking them into space). I want people to feel understood, heard, and loved. I hope the songs I write take people to places in their mind and inspire love within.
Stephanie Hatzinikolis
Here we go Stephanie!
Where were you when Runnin’ to you hit you for the first time? How were you inspired?
In early April 2021, I was at home playing my keyboard and working on an old song idea from a couple years before then. The old idea was only the chorus part for “Runnin’ to You,” but it was a slow ballad; same chords but different lyrics altogether. I sped the old idea up and a whole new idea came to me..make it a love letter song about being there for loved ones going through a difficult time.
Runnin’ to you, a love letter song about being there for loved ones going through a difficult time.
Stephanie Hatzinikolis
What came first the melody or the lyrics?
Kind of both. They basically became a ladder for each other, the chords inspired lyrics and the lyrics inspired chords but if I had to choose the very first one, the melody.
How long have you been into music?
I’ve been into music all my life. I know that sounds cliché but I really have been drawn to music ever since I can remember. I had to hear it, had to get my hands on musical instruments, had to dance to it. It was and still is everything to me.
Which is the most memorable moment you remember during the recording of Runnin’ to you?
Oh man, that’s a good question. I loved it all to be honest. Recording at New Monkey Studio was a dream come true on it’s own. If I had to choose, there was one day we were recording vocals and on the spot, my producer, Greg Cortez, stopped me. He told me my entire verse 2 needed to be rewritten. I was very nervous to scrap it but I trusted the process and we wrote a completely new idea in 20 minutes and it became the verse 2 you hear in the song. That was an incredible moment among so many others.
Who plays the piano and drums?
I play the piano and all the synth parts on “Runnin’ to You.” My dear friend, Alex “Gonzo” Gonzalez played drums on this track as well as the others on this EP. And shout out to Nico Barouhas who played bass on this song.
Are your songs mostly based on your personal stories or experiences?
100%. I take the emotions and lessons I experience and try to translate them into a universal and relatable story. Transmuting pain into love.
Stephanie Hatzinikolis
A strong woman, born in Oakland, California, U.S.A., grew up in Washington state, she is now writing her story through music. Each time I listen to her I dive into true love, beacuse that is what she represents through her work. A pure and charming voice next to the piano makes you come back to life when you need it the most.
All people out there! Aren’t you amazed at these responses? I mean, freshness is so hard to get found these days, but we’ve just found it. What Stephanie is doing is real music! Real feelings put into art.
Lately, everybody has been in such a rush but listening to her is like taking a breath and getting new energies for hoping better.
THANK YOU FOR READING!
Sincerely,
AmpaRoar Cribas ⚡️
Go listen to Steph:
IG: hatzinikolis
Amparo Cribas Cruz 