SKYLAR STECKER

Words By Tony C Simmons | January 27 2022

The future looks bright as Skylar Stecker looks to break the mold and emerge as the Multi-talened superstar she’s destined to be. By being free creatively, and staying true to the foundations that made her the genuine artist she is today.

The singer, songwriter, dancer, and multi-instrumentalist has been part of the music world for almost a decade, but she’ll tell you herself that her 2021 EP, “Earth Signs”, is her first real project in which she can say with content, “this is who I am”.

“Earth Signs” is a subtle Pop/R&B project based around flirtatious and sensual vibes brought about by the beginning stages of an intimate relationship. A mostly uptempo collection of songs that navigates the nuances of infatuations, affection, handling emotions that come with opening your heart, and the potential dangers of being vulnerable to an intimate partner.

Her latest song, “Hate That For You”, continues the theme of intimacy, but this time telling the story of the inner thoughts of someone feeling neglected in a relationship. It’s an authentic song that translates where she was in her life and in that moment, in which she was wanting more out of someone but not really knowing how to express that. So, in turn, she did what she knew best and turned her raw emotions into a song for her audience to resonate with emotionally.

Skyler wears Coat by Rita Vinieris

How do you compare your “Earth Signs” project with your past work?

“My last project was released when I was sixteen, so I would say Earth Signs is my first release ‘as a Woman’. It’s a lot more grown, and everything that I learned from when I was making music as a teenager, I’ve implemented into this project and the next stage of my life, and hopefully until forever. This is like the new birth, or my clean slate - a new beginning to everything that’s about to come.”

Your newest song “Hate That For You” comes off the heels of your “Earth Signs” EP. This time you recorded a ballad - based on feelings of neglect. What advice do you have for people going through neglect in a relationship?

“ I feel like it’s best to pinpoint where the emotions and feelings are coming, rationalize, and see both sides. But at the end of the day, I’m all for saying how you feel and being honest. Especially if you’re in a relationship with somebody, that person should be aware of the things they might be doing that they don’t even know are causing you to feel a certain way, just like I would want the other person to do for me - vice versa. So, I would say just be honest and transparent. If it’s not meant to be, it’s not meant to be. But you’ll never know if you’re not 100% honest.”

Skylar wears Outfit by Chung Thanh Phong, Necklace by Ariel Taub

Skylar will admit she began creating “Hate That For You” in an uptempo style, but her feelings at the time prompted a change to make the song a ballad. Being an independent artist certainly has its perks, as it gives her this unique writing ability where she can adapt her creativity to her emotions on a whim without needing any approval from no one. Inspiration can come from anywhere at anytime, and it’s important for Skylar to follow her intuition in her own way and at her own pace.

When you go in the studio to write and/or record, how do you get into that creative space needed to make these songs?

“Well…I can’t force myself. I mean, literally the other day, I was in the car and I saw this tree, and for some reason it made me think of this one idea for a song [laughing] and it had nothing to do with the tree by the way - but the tree got me inspired. I just had this urge to get to the studio as soon as possible to create. Or sometimes when I’m in the studio, the energy of the other people in the room can heighten the creativity levels. But overall, I just kind of roll with what I have at the spark and I won’t let it go, I won’t ignore it - I can’t. Luckily, I have a studio in my house. So anytime I have any sort of idea or inspiration, I just sort of write it down or sing a note on my phone and then I’ll go in the studio and start writing like a mad woman. So for me, it’s more random and I just have to flow with it when it comes. Otherwise, I’ll lose it and I’ll be mad at myself later on.”

With you being an independent artist, it certainly allows the freedom for that kind of output. I was wondering, do you have any advice for artists struggling with the decision of going independent or signing to a major label?

“Both going independent and signing with a label has its pros and cons, but it’s really about what you personally need as an artist. And looking at it outside of yourself and what you think makes the most sense based on what your goals are at the moment.There are definitely bonuses to being with a label and having that huge team and everything. And there are really big pluses in being an independent artist, where you don’t have to go through a bunch of people and you can kind of have that immediate relationship with your fans and audience and make those decisions without other influences. So I think it just really depends on what you’re needing and what you think you’re going to be the most happy in. I would say, I’m not opposed at all to signing with a label in the future, or bringing on partners or collaborators. But just like with any relationship, it has to be the right fit. So I don’t feel like you have to rush into anything or a situation. Make sure you take your time and see if it’s the right decision for you.”

Skylar wears Outfit by Chung Thanh Phong, Necklace by Ariel Taub

Do you ever see yourself writing for other artists, like Ne-Yo or Sia did, or are you just looking to write for your own?

“I’m definitely not opposed to writing for other artist. For every one song that’s recorded, there’s like ten songs that’s been written and they never see the light of day. I would love to pitch these songs to artist or collaborate with them to see if they love it or if it resonates with them more so than it might have for me. I love when artists do that, I think it’s really cool that two people in the same field can take two completely different spins on an idea. I would love to do that.”

In what ways do you see yourself evolving as an artist? Are you learning anything now that you might apply to your music in the future, say, five years from now?

“I recently learned how to vocal produce. I did it a lot for my “Earth Signs” EP - that was my first time. I would love to continue to grow and learn in that department, and to involve it more in my creative process. I’m very specific about a lot of things - as an artist - and I feel like in the past, I wasn’t necessarily able to be intricate with my work if I didn’t have the full knowledge to best communicate the type of sounds I wanted or what exactly I was looking for. So the more knowledge I can have on the production side, the more it will help me be even more direct in putting my whole soul into the music and how I envision it coming to life. It’s really exciting to me because it makes the songs more authentic and real to the consumer.

Are there any current or past artists that inspires you to make these songs?

“Yeah, I love Bruno Mars. I think he does a great job of committing to whatever he’s doing - 100% to the fullest with such quality. I try to look at my work through the eyes of him because he’s so inspiring in that way and really commits to what he’s trying to say. Same thing with Beyonce, I love her. She always commits, she’s so talented, and she pushes herself. Real true performers they both are and definitely when I’m creating, I think about how the songs are going to sound in a live show. I definitely have an ear for that and I try to format my songs around what I think is going to be in a live setting.”

Skylar wears Outfit by Chung Thanh Phong, Necklace by Ariel Taub

I saw your live performance of the “Earth Signs” EP on YouTube - you were playing the drums. And you also played piano for your “Don’t Test Me” video. What other instruments do you play and do you have a favorite?

“I play the piano, the drums, and a little bit of guitar. But the piano would definitely be my favorite because it’s ‘the O.G.’, it’s what I started with, what I’m most familiar with, and it’s the most versatile. I use it most when I’m writing. My second favorite - close behind piano - would be the drums.

Would you ever do an acoustic album?

“That would be a good idea, actually! I wanted to do an acoustic version of “Earth Signs”, but I never got the chance. That would be very fun to do though.”

Skylar has plenty of time to reach all her goals. Her professional singing career is still quite young, but she’s well-experienced in showcasing her singing ability to the public. Her mother, Kara, was vital in Skylar’s upbringing as a teenage singer and also as a human being. Skylar was taught by her mom to think outside of herself, to give back, and to use her voice in many ways other than singing. She has immense talent that rides side by side with a strong sense of humility, and thanks to Kara, her future is very promising.

Skylar wears Jewelry & Glasses by Lada Legina

At what age did you first learn you had a special voice, and when did you decide to take it on full-time?

“I started singing when I was nine. No one in my family does anything musical at all, so it was completely random. There was this talent show thing I did, they asked me to sing, and from then on…I just loved it. I fell in love with it. Next thing I knew, I was singing National Anthems, and writing and playing musical instruments. I was like a music sponge! Anything musical, I was doing it. I loved it so much, and then I just took it from there. I just knew it was something I wanted to do forever and that it’s what I was meant to do. Ever since then, my life has been completely consumed - happily - by music.”

Your father was a professional athlete, so obviously he’s talented. But what about your mother, is she in the talent department as well?

“My mom is a super-talented advisor!” [laughing] She is my number one person who is always there for me. Anytime I have any questions - even just about life - she’s always there to give me the answers. The music industry is very complicated and very different from all the other industries, and as someone who didn’t necessarily grow up in a musical household, I needed to learn, and my mom has seen it all. I trust her advice and her opinion more than anybody else’s. Not only does she have the knowledge (over ten years) of navigating through this crazy industry, she also knows me better than anyone else does and more than anybody else ever will. She always gives me advice from both sides, music-wise and also what’s best for me long term for what’s going to make me happy.

Skylar wears Dress by Banh Naht Di

Your involved in multiple animal rights and rescue organizations, along with taking part in non-profits like Wheelchair 4 Kids and Kids Wish Network. Is there any other causes you’d like to advocate for, or bring awareness to in the future?

“Definitely. I discovered my love for music in school. There was this talent show I did and if I hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t have been in a music class, then the teacher wouldn’t have asked me to sing. If I wouldn’t have got into that or if those programs weren’t available at the school, I honestly don’t think I would be here right now doing what I’m doing. I never would’ve had the confidence or opportunity to try something new and to find that thing that I love - and live my life doing - if it wasn’t for music in schools. So I would get involved more with having music in schools and having extra classes for music. I think it’s important to give kids the access to try these things.

Lastly, speaking of the future, what can we expect from you musically in 2022?

“I’m currently finalizing and gathering songs for my next project. I definitely have a lot of music and a lot of collaborations that I’m working on right now. My goal is hopefully early spring (when I’m able to release music again), so we’ll see.

PHOTOGRAPHY : VICTORIA KAIT @CIRCUMPUNCTSTUDIO, MAKEUP ARTIST : PHOEBE DAWSON @PHOEBEMAKEUP, HAIR STYLIST : MIKA FOWLER @MIKAHAIRSTYLIST , FASHION STYLIST : NORA FOLEY @NORA_FOLEY