Artist Interview with Stephanie Westdal
- Artists & Activists Records
- Jul 22
- 3 min read
Featured on The Compassion Project: Songs for Animal, Human, and Earth JusticeTrack: “Common Chain”
Canadian singer-songwriter Stephanie Westdal brings bold vocals, poetic vulnerability, and a global conscience to her contribution on The Compassion Project. Her song “Common Chain” is a powerful reflection on human connection and the responsibility of privilege to uplift those in need. In this interview, Stephanie shares her creative process, international performance highlights, and what’s on the horizon for her growing career — including a brand new music event launch this fall.
Was there something or someone who was the "catalyst" for you to go into music?
I knew from a very young age, singing to the radio in the backseat of my parents’ car, that I was meant to sing. The feeling of singing, the clear message in my head... it was all meant to be. It was a freeing, liberating, content moment.
Let's get this out of the way. What is the craziest thing that has ever happened in your music career?
Playing Canada Day in Istanbul and Ankara, Turkey while living there. A great honour to be asked to headline these events... a beautiful outdoor setting, 7-piece band, and ballgowns and tuxes everywhere.
What has been the highlight of your music path?
Winning the Local Musician Artist Award 2024 from Winnipeg Nightlife and Lifestyle Awards, sponsored by Absolut Vodka — I'm very honoured and very proud of this award!Performing in various countries (Jordan, Egypt, London UK, Turkey, Canada, USA)Hearing the final master of one of my songs just before it gets released
How do you approach songwriting or what is your creative process like? It might sound silly, but songs just come to me. Words and melodies just come, and it's up to me to quickly make a rough recording. Some songs stay, some go, but the magic is in the process — being open to whatever is coming through and trusting that it’s important enough to stop what you're doing and write/sing/guitar it down. No judging, simply producing material.
Do you have a new release? Two new releases coming in 2025:
Lesser Than — an intense, very vulnerable song about violence towards women
Get Up and Dance — a fun, high-energy summer pop song about people showing up as they are and being themselves... dance!!
If you could share the stage or a song session with an artist, who would it be?Diana KrallAlice in Chains(both very different!)
What is your favorite part about being an artist? Is it songwriting, performing, producing...something else?
Collaborating with talented musicians, producers, artistsPerforming in theatre-style venuesWriting songs that seem to flow through me effortlesslyPlaying with musicians who have great energy live on stage
When you are not doing music, what else do you enjoy doing?
Swimming underwater
Creating jewelryCreating art (painting and collage mostly)
Creating content
What is coming up in the future for you?
I'm launching an exciting new music event brand in September... stay tuned!!!!
Please add any additional information you would like fans to know. I'm always looking for interesting collaborations in music, fashion, makeup, food... and the list goes on!!
About Stephanie Westdal
Stephanie Westdal is an award-winning pop/rock artist based in Winnipeg, Canada. Known for the sensuality and strength of her voice, she brings raw emotion and poetic sensitivity to every track. Her work has been praised by Honk Magazine for its “tenderness and seductive charm,” and her recent 2024 singles — including Drive Your Car, Gonna Love You, and Bleed — continue to build her momentum.
Westdal has recorded two previous albums (Into the Blue and Shabooboo Burger) with acclaimed producer Chris Burke-Gaffney and is currently writing and recording new material. With a deep commitment to using her music for positive change, Stephanie is a compelling voice in today’s socially conscious music landscape.
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