We at Mesmerized have been lucky enough to cover the eclectic and heartfelt work of Stefan West extensively this year. As Australia’s very own indie sensation, Stefan’s music has wormed its way into our hearts and souls, delivering absolute gems like ‘Happily Ever After’, ‘Take What You Need’, and ‘ALL FOR NOTHING’.
Intrigued to know more about the man behind the music, I was thrilled when West agreed to an interview! Chatting about working with his dad on his smashing new single ‘Hard Times’, his love of exploring the yogic practices, and why he’d “steal” a certain tune from Noah Kahan if he could, please give a warm welcome to our friend Stefan West!
Hey Stefan, I’m super excited to re-introduce you to our ever-growing audience! Now, we at Mesmerized have been fortunate enough to cover your last few singles but, for those unfortunate souls who have yet to discover your sound, what would you say they’re missing out on? How would you describe your music?
Hey Jeremy! Thank you so much for having me again. I love getting to work with you on these releases 🙂
So I like to say my sound is “a little punk, rock & folk” because these are the genres that I live within the most. But this latest track I would say is rock & roll straight from the ’90s. I kind of feel like it should be the intro of a ’90s sitcom haha.
Your brand new release ‘Hard Times’ is an absolute belter of a tune! It’s just so anthemic and punchy! I know you worked alongside your good friend Aaron Schembri as well as your father to concoct the track. What does it mean to you to have created such a rare father-child musical moment?
Thank you very much! Yeah, it’s quite a surreal experience. I didn’t ever think Dad and I would record anything together, but being able to collaborate on three songs together has been so special and now hearing some of those songs released and on the radio has blown my mind. Music has always been our biggest connection and I feel like this latest project and being able to work together has definitely deepened it.
You’ve mentioned legendary acts and artists like The Rolling Stones, The Eagles, and Jackson Browne as being influential on your sound. Is there anybody else you’d give a shoutout to for having helped shape your music?
Yes! Absolutely! This is going to sound on the other end of the spectrum but like, Blink 182, Brand New and Bring Me the Horizon are some of my other favourites that I pull an incredible amount of inspiration from.
Now, I’m sorry to pose such a tough question, but what song of yours would you select to skyrocket to the top of the charts and achieve massive success?
Haha, I don’t know. People seem to like the ones I’m not sure of the most and then the ones I think are the best aren’t necessarily a favourite. But I do have a very short little folk number that I feel may resonate with people and that’s coming out really soon, so keep an eye out for that one.
German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche said, “Without music, life would be a mistake.” What would your life look like without music and what fills your days when you’re not busy creating?
I think I would be a little lost without music in my life, but currently when I’m not creating I teach yin yoga. Just once a week now so I enjoy exploring the yogic practices and then being in a room with others while they practice. I love the beach and going down to the rainforests that are very close to where I live, and I love to read fantasy books, so I suppose I’d just do a little more of those things, but it wouldn’t feel the same.
If you were allowed to “steal” one song in the world and claim it as your own, what would it be and why?
Oh my god!!!! Right now it would be ‘You’re Gonna Go Far’ by Noah Kahan. He is an absolute wizard and if I can create something in my life that feels just half as good as his songs sound I will have succeeded.
What aspects of being a musician do you cherish most? And on the flip side, what would you say have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered?
Writing and performing songs. The feeling of coming up with something new and then the feeling of performing are two experiences I just don’t think I can live without.
My biggest challenge is having the belief that I’m capable of doing this. I think I establish more and more as I continue forward, but it still seems to be that darkness that always comes back.
Stefan, thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us! It’s been a treat getting to know you better! What comes next for you musically and do you have any words of wisdom you’d like to leave us with?
Thank you so much for having me!!!
Yeah, so I’ve got like 3 more singles to come before the album drops around May. Watch out for the next one in early Feb which is a really nice little folk number.
Haha and no, there is no wisdom I’d like to leave. But I would like to say that I hope whoever’s reading this is able to spend some time with loved ones over the holidays and I hope the transition into the new year is one of peace and happiness.
