Today we’d like to introduce you to Miz Stefani
Hi Miz, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story is a mix of different roles and experiences that all come back to a deep passion for music, creativity, connecting, and collaborating with people. As an artist, I was “singing before I could talk” and grew up in Northern VA, always involved in school choirs, orchestras, shows, plays, regularly going to Baltimore for auditions, writing my own comedy skits (with friends and siblings) and filming them, (yay for early technology and camcorders) just any creative outlet I could find. After getting my degree in Music, with a concentration in Vocal Performance, I was off to the big apple. My career began in the heart of the music industry, where I had the honor of working with the legendary opera manager, Herbert Breslin, where, almost daily, I’d have phone conversations with Pavarotti. After a short stint at an online electronic/rock label, I made my way to EMI/Blue Note Records, and then to UnitedMasters. Early on, I was drawn to the behind-the-scenes world, even though there was a rarely a time when I wasn’t performing on nights and weekends. Having the opportunity to work with iconic industry vets and major labels, these experiences taught me so much about the inner workings of the industry—how to nurture talent, create art that resonates, and, importantly, how to navigate the balance between business and creativity.
At the same time, I was always creating art and music myself—fronting indie bands, doing voice-over work, performing and touring with shows and Off-Broadway productions, writing and producing skits with my female comedy outfit. I also embraced independent creative projects like ‘MizStefani’s House LIVE,’ that was produced and streamed from my Brooklyn apartment and a self-produced short film that was released in 2018. That DIY spirit really helped me understand the importance of self-representation in the modern industry. There is something about the live performance world and the raw, unfiltered energy of creating art in real time and engaging that really shaped me. These experiences as an artist inform everything I do as a producer and creator.
Music has always led me on fascinating journeys. It’s what led me to Memphis, Tennessee, which was a turning point for both my career and my personal journey. In Memphis, along with writing and recording and performing, I’d go to live shows and the venues would have their month line-ups listed and I felt there was a lack of female representation which led me to create, ‘Women in Memphis Music’ (WiMM). This initiative is a key part of my mission here: to elevate women in an industry that has often sidelined them. I’ve always believed in the power of providing platforms for voices that deserve to be heard. We host monthly showcases (currently, the last Wednesday of the month at BSIDE), have a monthly radio spot via Radio Memphis (called, “That Time of the Month” the last Monday of the month) and other events throughout the year; vocal workshops, happy hours, informational and networking events, and collaborating with other empowering entities here in Memphis.
In addition to my work with WiMM, I’ve released music as ‘Miz Stefani’, and producing my own work has always been a way for me to take control of my artistic identity while experimenting with new sounds and ideas.
I wear many hats daily, from producing and performing but it all comes back to the same core belief: music is a powerful force that connects people, transcends boundaries, and tells stories that are essential to the human experience. It is the universal language, of the universe! Whether it’s in Memphis, Brooklyn, or beyond, I’m still creating and elevating, always pushing to make a difference through the arts.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
What’s a smooth road?!
Professionally, frequently being the only female “in the room” or in the band or just working in male-dominated industries, it can be daunting just to speak up or share your thoughts. So many times I’ve been overlooked or not taken seriously when I suggested ideas or gave my opinion, especially early on. It was frustrating, but it also taught me to assert myself in ways I hadn’t had to before. I had to work harder to be heard, and over time, I learned how to stand my ground and earn the respect I deserved. It’s a theme that’s carried over throughout my career, where the industry can sometimes be hostile to women—particularly when you’re trying to carve out space for yourself as both an artist and a professional.
WiMM has been extremely rewarding and inspiring in ways I couldn’t have imagined when we kicked off almost 3 years ago! It’s a project that holds deep meaning for me, it’s an initiative created to amplify the voices of women in the industry. I’m proud to be part of a movement that celebrates, supports, and empowers women in a space where their contributions are often overlooked. Connecting women musicians who may have never met or crossed paths, the amplification and celebration of female focused work and collaboration is a powerful thing. Of course, as with running any entity or production, there will always be; people telling you what “you should do” to move forward, learning curve moments, painful moments, things you cannot anticipate until it happens, moments. One of our early struggles was discovering some our work had been compromised by a fellow collaborator that was lacking integrity and inconsistent with the values of the project, which is where you learn to separate the business with the personal side of things. There will always be unavoidable situations, last-minute snafu’s or hiccups, but somehow, you get through, and you learn a valuable lesson in being more discerning about who you choose to work with.
In just about any path I’ve decided to go down or any avenue I choose to evolve, there have and always will be challenges. I can only control my reactions to situations or how I want to let the narrative affect me. Luckily, I am a naturally positive person, so anything that comes along can only make me stronger.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an independent multifaceted artist, I’ve worked across music, voice-over, comedy, acting, and culinary arts. I’m known for my strong, powerful, versatile, and emotive vocals, but also for my ability to entertain, bring quick witted, and creating high-energy performances. Whether I’m performing on stage, recording, or engaging with an audience, I always strive to keep people captivated—whether with my voice, my ideas, or my delicious gluten-free treats! There’s a certain energy I bring to everything I do, and I think it’s that energy, coupled with my passion, that really sets me apart.
I’m proud of all the work I did in New York. Those moments were pivotal in shaping my career and my artistic identity. Currently, as a vocalist and the curator and lead producer for “Women in Memphis Music,” I believe there is unlimited possibilities and space for innovation in any way you can dream up here in Memphis.
What sets me apart is that I’m not just a big dreamer—I’m a doer. I’m not only a brainstormer, but I’m also an executioner. I believe in making things happen, in taking action, and in pushing the limits of what’s possible. Whether it’s creating my own music, producing an event, or advocating for change, I’m someone who turns ideas into reality. And I think that’s what people recognize in me: the drive to not just talk about the future I want, but to actively build it.
Ultimately, I’m someone who is constantly evolving—always searching for new ways to express myself, whether that’s through music, comedy, baking, or the way I interact with my community. And I’m committed to making sure that all my work, in whatever form, is meaningful, innovative, and true to my core values.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The next 5-10 years in the music and entertainment industries are going to be marked by continued technological evolution, but also by a growing focus on authenticity and representation. We’re already seeing massive shifts in how music is created, consumed, and distributed, and I believe those changes will accelerate. With platforms like TikTok and social media continuing to dominate, we’ll certainly see even more DIY and independent artists rising to prominence, creating their own paths to success rather than waiting for traditional gatekeepers to open the doors. There’s an increasing demand for authenticity, and audiences want to connect with artists who are not just about the music, but about what they stand for and how they engage with their communities.
One thing I think we’ll see is the rise of immersive and interactive music experiences. Virtual and augmented reality are already changing how we experience live performances and music videos, and I can imagine a future where concerts and performances aren’t just about watching someone on stage—they could be fully immersive experiences where fans can interact with the music and the artist in real time. Technology is going to continue to open up new creative possibilities for artists, but it’s going to be important for musicians to retain their authenticity and soul, even as we embrace new tools.
Another shift I see is the continued growth of niche markets and more inclusive spaces in music, especially for women, people of color, and marginalized communities. The push for diversity and equity is gaining traction, and I believe we’ll see even more platforms, like Women in Memphis Music, that create opportunities for underrepresented groups to thrive. There’s been progress in recent years, but I think the next decade will bring more systemic change in how the industry supports diverse voices, both on stage and behind the scenes.
I also see an increasing recognition of the multi-faceted artist—someone who doesn’t just work in one lane but combines music, film, digital media, and even entrepreneurship. The lines between these creative worlds are blurring, and I think the future is all about people who can innovate and wear multiple hats. Being able to build a career that encompasses everything from live performances to content creation to running your own creative business is not just possible but essential for the next generation of artists.
Ultimately, the next 5-10 years will be about finding new ways to make art, while also making sure that art remains meaningful and accessible. I’m excited to see where these changes take us, and I’m personally committed to being part of that evolution—whether it’s through pushing creative boundaries in my own work or supporting and advocating for the next wave of artists who are shaping the future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mizstefani.com
- Instagram: @womeninmemphismusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqxWAQHG6J1nTirm77KUwRQ
