For my feature piece (it being my turn!) I decided to talk to Stefanie Michaela as her story was one I could connect to and whose music I enjoyed! So I’m going to split this up into the press release information followed by the interview we had and then my review of the single.
Here is the press release back story first.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Stefanie Michaela discovered her love for music at just 2 years old. As a child, she would watch award shows, point to the TV, and say, “I want to do that and be on stage one day.” She began writing her own songs and performing them for her family, using the fireplace hearth as her stage. Weekly performances became tradition, with Stefanie entertaining her family with original songs. Her passion grew alongside her, and she became a fixture at talent shows, dance recitals, and school musicals, earning the nickname “the littlest girl with the biggest voice” in her hometown.
With soulful pop melodies and heartfelt lyrics, Stefanie’s music tells the story of a journey shaped by resilience, perseverance, and determination. By age 12, studio sessions became her sanctuary, a space to craft melodies and pour her emotions into song. Her undeniable talent led her to pursue her dreams at Idyllwild Arts Academy and later the Boston Conservatory for musical theater.
Though she faced setbacks along the way, Stefanie—bolstered by her family’s unwavering support—refused to give up. A chance opportunity reignited her passion, and she returned to the studio with renewed purpose. Now, with the support of her children, who are her biggest inspiration, Stefanie is once again writing and recording music.
As she turns the page to a new chapter, Stefanie is filled with determination and heart—ready to release her upcoming EP, “Turning Pages.”
What follows is my chat with Stefanie, and I hope you enjoy the read!
“Anything Is Possible” feels like a statement of intent as much as it is a song — it’s confident, hopeful, and deeply personal. When you were writing it, was there a particular moment or experience that crystallized that message for you?
Stefanie: Once I returned to the world of music, I realized my journey wasn’t over, and that felt incredibly exciting. I began to see music differently and understood how I could pursue it at this stage in my life. I spent a lot of time thinking about how to balance music with family, and I realized that this was actually the perfect moment to reconnect with my passion.
I told myself that anything is possible when you set realistic expectations for each stage of your life, and right now is when music would hold the most meaning for me. I knew I would feel a lot of regret if I was given an opportunity and didn’t take that leap of faith. That realization became my “aha” moment, the reminder that anything is possible and that embracing it can open a whole new chapter in your life.
You’ve collaborated with some serious songwriting royalty — Steve Dorff, Michael Jay, Keith Thomas — names that have shaped pop and country radio for decades. What was it like stepping into the creative room with them, and how did that energy shape the final song?
Stefanie: I knew I was working with legends, and I’m not going to lie, I was very intimidated. I had to remind myself that if these producers didn’t see something in me, we wouldn’t be working together. Once I embraced that belief, I understood that as a collaborative team, we could create a deep, timeless piece of art. These songwriters and producers are truly geniuses, and I’m so grateful for this chapter in my life. I’m finally able to express my story through my lyrics, and I hope to inspire others through this process.
Your story — pausing a music career to raise a family and then coming back stronger — resonates with a lot of people. What surprised you most about returning to industry after time away?
Stefanie: The best part about music for me right now is having a true drive to constantly better myself. When I was younger, I didn’t have the same consistency or motivation that I do now, and my greatest inspiration is my children, which is why returning to music at this stage was the best decision I could have made for myself. I’m amazed at the stamina I’ve built with my vocal coach and the transformation of my voice into something raw and authentic. Over the past few years, I’ve really delved deep into my passion and discovered so much about myself through this journey.
The EP Turning Pages has such an evocative title. If each track is a “page,” what chapter of your life are we hearing in this record?
Stefanie: Breaking through — breaking through the boundaries I set for myself. Before returning to music, I thought this chapter of my life was over, but now I am truly breaking down that wall and discovering a new version of myself, one I’ve never been happier with.
There’s an empowering thread running through your music — belief, transformation, second chances. Do you see songwriting as a form of self-therapy, or is it more about reaching out and inspiring others?
Stefanie: I would say it’s a combination. I really enjoy telling my story and sharing my experiences through my lyrics. It’s incredibly rewarding to get my message across and hear it come to life at the same time. I want to perform as much as possible and inspire others to never give up on their dreams. Just when you think something might be over, it could actually be the start of a brand-new chapter, you just have to take that first step and not be afraid to fall.
You’ve worked with some major figures behind huge hits, yet “Anything Is Possible” feels very authentic to you. How do you strike that balance between big studio polish and keeping your own voice front and center?
Stefanie: This is my story, yet I know so many others can relate. We need to be truly authentic with ourselves, not just get stuck in the routine. Ask yourself what would genuinely make you happy in your day-to-day life. This song is inspirational and deeply touching, and I hope it moves people, maybe even brings them to tears because it reminds us that anything is truly possible. It doesn’t matter what stage of life we’re in; it’s about being yourself, shutting out the noise, focusing on your own growth, and reaching a place where you feel whole.
I’m not saying every day is wonderful and magical, but I do have many goals I’ve set for myself, and that excites me. I crave excitement that comes from something I’ve worked hard to achieve. I’ve worked tirelessly to better myself and become this new, mature version of who I am. While this may seem like a polished track, at its core, it’s raw and full of real emotion.
What are the challenges for you in reentering the music scene? Are you seeking world domination, or more localized impact?
Stefanie: The challenge I face is all the social media and constant comparison. Right now, I’m trying to focus solely on honing my craft and tuning out what I see online. It’s not about others, it’s about myself. I want to be the best version of me, and to do that, I need to focus my energy on myself, my family, and becoming a better person and artist. I want to make an impact on others, to inspire them to see that small, consistent effort each day can help them reach their goals. I want them to feel the excitement I feel, to smile more, and to experience how that positivity can change your whole outlook on life. Of course, I have my ups and downs when it comes to wondering where music will take me, but I’m really trying to live in the moment instead of scrolling, comparing, and worrying. I’m doing what I can, getting back out there determined, and showing my children that hard work pays off. For me, it’s all about life lessons.
Finally, if you could go back and speak to the younger Stefanie who first dreamed of being a singer-songwriter, what would you tell her now that you’ve lived, loved, and turned those pages for real?
Stefanie: I would tell her that nothing happens overnight. I would say it’s all about drive, determination, and setting realistic goals for yourself. It’s not about fame, it’s about working hard so that you can be proud of the gift you’ve been given. It’s up to you to create that drive and decide how you want to use your artistry. I would tell my younger self to really believe that things happen for a reason and that timing is everything. My time wasn’t when I was younger, my time is now, with the support of my family and close friends. This is my moment, and whatever happens, I am so grateful for the experiences I’ve been given.
So with that in our back pocket, wasn’t it interesting?! Here we go to the review section.
The review:
“Anything is Possible” was released on November 21. It is an uplifting seasonal song with a message that dreams can come true. It has a radio friendly early evening feel and I listened along with a smile. It is basically one of those motivational songs and has that gentle sway and leaves a taste of chocolate!
And
“Better With Time” was my other choice when I dipped into the back catalog. It has a more edgy feel and has a nod toward the r & b sound alongside some interestingly high backing vocals! I liked this one, it gets you moving and plays with the sounds and light and shade.
Thus, Stefanie Michaela stands as a testament to determination, reinvention, and the courage to chase a dream twice. From a Los Angeles childhood spent singing atop the fireplace hearth to early conservatory training and eventual motherhood, Stefanie’s path hasn’t been linear—but it’s precisely that winding journey that gives her music its warmth and heart.
Re-entering the studio later in life, she found not only her voice but a newfound drive, strengthened by her children and sharpened through collaborations with heavyweight songwriters like Steve Dorff, Michael Jay, and Keith Thomas. Her single “Anything Is Possible” captures that energy perfectly: a polished yet deeply personal declaration that it’s never too late to leap.
You can stream music from Stefanie Michaela here
By Stevie Ritson
