In the latest episode of the Jay Franze Show, we had the privilege of sitting down with rising country music star Stephanie Rabus, a talented vocalist with a compelling story that’s as captivating as her music. Throughout our conversation, Stephanie opened up about her musical journey, creative process, and the personal experiences that have shaped her authentic sound.
Stephanie’s musical foundation was established early, playing in her father’s band “40 South” (named after the interstate and the band members’ ages at the time) when she turned 21. This formative experience allowed her to introduce contemporary songs like Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated” and Shania Twain’s “Man, I Feel Like a Woman” to a band that predominantly played oldies. This blend of traditional and contemporary influences would later become a hallmark of Stephanie’s own musical style, demonstrating her versatility and broad appeal from the beginning of her career.
The conversation took a fascinating turn as Stephanie discussed her musical influences, which span across genres and generations. From country icon Martina McBride (whose CD was the first she ever purchased with her babysitting money) to pop-rock powerhouse Kelly Clarkson, and from classical-turned-rock legend Pat Benatar to emotional balladeers like Celine Dion and Whitney Houston, Stephanie’s musical palette is refreshingly diverse. These influences shine through in her album “My Time Now,” where each track presents a different facet of her artistry while maintaining cohesive quality throughout.
What sets Stephanie apart from many emerging country artists is the emotional depth and maturity in her songwriting. Rather than sticking to conventional country themes, she crafts songs that explore deeper human experiences and emotional landscapes. Her approach to music is refreshingly authentic, particularly in an industry that often pushes artists toward formulaic sounds. As an independent artist, Stephanie cherishes the creative control she has over her music, allowing her to incorporate bluesy elements in songs like “I Want What I Shouldn’t Have,” pop ballad vibes in “Safe Place to Fall,” and rock-country fusion in the track “Buying Time, Living Now.”
The interview took a poignant turn when Stephanie discussed her latest single “Pray You Down,” a song that wasn’t self-written but resonated deeply with her personal experiences of loss. After losing a close friend from her band and her boyfriend’s mother in separate incidents, the song took on profound meaning for her. The raw emotion in her vocal performance comes from these real-life experiences, giving the track an authenticity that connects powerfully with listeners who have experienced similar grief.
Stephanie offered fascinating insights into her recording process, working with producer Justine Blazer on her album and later with Brandon Heneger on subsequent singles. She described how she provides reference points for her desired sound (such as wanting a Keith Urban-style guitar solo) and the collaborative process of bringing these visions to life. This behind-the-scenes glimpse reveals the thoughtful intentionality behind her music production.
The conversation also explored Stephanie’s experiences opening for established country artists like Brian White, Lee Brice, and Confederate Railroad. These opportunities have allowed her to connect with industry professionals and receive validation from artists she admires. Her genuine appreciation for these experiences reflects her humble approach to her career, valuing each opportunity and connection. She specifically highlighted Lee Brice’s exceptional live vocal abilities and his kindness in making time to meet her band—something that doesn’t always happen when opening for major artists.
In a particularly moving segment, Stephanie courageously opened up about personal challenges she faced growing up, including body image issues, corrective eye surgery, and heart surgery. She shared how music became a source of confidence for her during these difficult times, offering her validation when she felt most vulnerable. This emotional honesty provides context for the depth and empathy in her songwriting and her desire to create music that helps listeners feel seen and understood.
The discussion about the pros and cons of being an independent artist versus signing with a label offered valuable insights for aspiring musicians. While Stephanie appreciates the creative freedom of independence, allowing her to explore different musical styles, she acknowledges the financial challenges that come without label support. However, her career has progressed to the point where she can now focus solely on music without needing side jobs—a significant milestone for any independent artist.
Throughout the interview, Stephanie’s authenticity, talent, and resilience shine through. Her journey from playing in her father’s band to creating her own distinctive sound demonstrates her musical growth.