SapphicSoul.com

Generation after generation, music has had the power to overcome boundaries; that power can ultimately reach the depths of one’s soul. Ever so often, there are vocalists that can harness their own power within and sway millions, and the course of a generation. That kind of power may just rest in the soul of this multi-talented artist, simply known as, Steph. A simple name, certainly, but what she brings to Rhythm & Blues is unique and lush – the elements desperately needed in this genre of music.

Stephanie Gayle Hilliard’s foundation was established in the Washington, D.C. area- a place mainly known for its development of Go – Go music. It was also here that Steph would begin to map out her destiny to become a superstar. It would seem that fate meant to put music into her blood, being raised by a family of vocalists and musicians (her great great uncle is the legendary “Father of the Blues” W.C. Handy, and her cousin, Gloria Jolivet, sang background vocals for the late great Bo Diddly). With the help of her mother and two older siblings, Steph began to hone her skills as a vocalist. Raised in a house that always had the radio on, she began to develop her style through study. Often, Steph would retreat to her family’s basement, pull out their collection of records, and just listen. This collection, which included the likes of The Stylistics, The Whispers, Blue Magic, Nancy Wilson, Jean Carn, Stevie Wonder, and many others, put her under a spell that did not let go; she was so deep in it that her mother would have to order her to go to bed in the late hours of the night so she could get to school on time.

Eventually, Steph added songwriting to her arsenal. At the tender age of 8, she composed her first song, entitled “Rollin’”. From there she began to perform with her two cousins (one cousin in particular, LaToya Watson, later became a member of the R&B trio, Exhale, and garnered a deal with Evander Holyfield’s record label, Real Deal). But Stephanie was also a talented visual artist in the making, and decided to focus on that career path.

Still, her love for music never left. Already a skilled trumpet, french horn, and piano player who played by ear, her mother decided that her youngest child needed formal training. So at age 15, Stephanie enrolled in piano lessons. It was here where she first stepped foot into a recording studio; almost instantly, she was enamored. She immediately began to write and record songs whenever she could. Steph soon decided that she needed to make her way to New York City, and she knew exactly how to do it: get accepted into an art college, but pursue music on the side. She was eventually accepted into the prestigious Cooper Union School Of Art. Though many knew her for her artistic talent, it was her unmatched vocal ability that allowed her to stand out. Steph performed at the school’s semester shows, Cafe´Night, and also began performing around town at places such as The Demarara, Soul Cafe´, Club Speed, and Opaline in which she became a regular act. After graduating from The Cooper Union in 2004, she continued to include Fine Arts in her life, but it was quite clear that music was and still is, her life.

Still a “diamond in the rough”, Steph is awaiting to take her place among the R&B greats. Her amazing vocal range, production prowess, as well as her ability to write songs that vary in topic – such as politics, spirituality, social issues, personal struggle, and the many facets of love – cannot be denied. In the fall of 2009, she will release her first EP entitled, FREE SapphicSoul, and later she will release a prequel album to her debut (to be announced), Fulfillment, under her own imprint, Twelth Sign Entertainment. Songs like “Fairy Tales (“Ribbon In The Sky” Remix)” featuring Substantial of U.V. Ink, “My Everything”, “Paradise (Take Me Away)”, and “Insomniac”, will further proclaim those aforementioned statements. One can definitely relate to her songs, especially delivered with her strong, sometimes timbre voice, and deep conviction. She brings to the game no gimmicks or trickery, just her undeniable talent, her love, and respect for the art of music. “We need more socially conscious singer/songwriters [like Lauryn Hill and John Legend] in this day and age”, she says. “People tend to get caught up in glamour rather than creativity and universal appeal”. She further states that she is “interested in the human experience, which connects us and brings us together. The world is big enough for all walks of life…that is the way it is and that’s how life is meant to be played out. This is the essence I attempt to capture when I write and sing”.

Steph continues to perform frequently around New York City in places such as Bowery Poetry Club, Knitting Factory NYC (opening for hip hop sensation CunninLynguists), and soon the amazing Highline Ballroom. She also continues to make cameos on other artists projects. In January 2008, she made two appearances on the critically acclaimed QN5 release, Sacrifice, from fellow Maryland MC Substantial (“My Favorite Things” and “Hood Hope“). She also recently collaborated with Mr. SOS for his debut LP, How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb (now available here); on this album, she once again appears on two cuts (“The Balance” and “Time Capsule“). She has also worked with Inverse, Purple Haze, Illumeenous, Tough Dumplin, George Reefah and soon she will be featured on a track with the world-famous CunninLynguists.

If you have been paying close attention to the television, you may have seen Steph make an appearance or two, notebly on MTV, MTV2, and MTVu. She has made cameos in two of Substantial’s music videos: “It’s You (I Think)“, and the fan favorite “My Favorite Things“. Steph is in the process of creating a video for her latest single, “Gettin’ Grown & Sexy“. Stay tuned for more details as they develop.

It seems as if there is no territory Steph cannot conquer. But when the fire of the soul burns brightly inside, nothing can stop it…and that is how legends are made.