• Home
  • News
  • Tech News
  • Tech Tutorials
  • Tech Spotlight
  • Featured
  • Freebies
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram

IDM Mag

Electronic Dance Music News, DJ Gear & Tech, South Africa

  • Home
  • News
  • Tech News
  • Tech Tutorials
  • Tech Spotlight
  • Featured
  • Freebies
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
You are here: Home / Featured / Stephanie Cooke celebrates golden jubilee


Stephanie Cooke celebrates golden jubilee

March 8, 2017 By Nyasha Themba Dhliwayo

Then, Now and The Future, Stephanie Cooke celebrates golden jubilee

A musical exploration of Β love, Β for life, self, people and even God, has been the hallmark of the intensely heartfelt music Stephanie Cooke has created over the past two decades plus.

Stephanie Cooke

Β  Β  Β  Β  Β Β Over the years the bulk of her music has been released under the iconic Kingstreet Sounds Β label.

Β  Β  Β  Β  Β Β This has seen Stephanie gaining recognition among the notoriously hard-to-please Soulful House

Music communityΒ  as not only a talented singer and a writer, but an artist of exquisite abilities.Β  Β  Β Β 

Join us in this first of two parts as Stephanie reflects on her musical beginnings, an undeniable “love for love”, as well as career pinnacles like writing music for luminaries such as Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin.

Music wasn’t something I really pursued. It’s like it sought me out and pulled out of me what I didn’t even realise was there.”

You will be celebrating your golden jubilee (50 years) of being alive. Such a landmark no doubt comes with a lot of reminiscing and reflection. Looking back what were your dreams and aspirations when you started out in music?

Stephanie Cooke: My birthday was actually on the third of March and yes I turned 50.

Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  There have been so many ups and downs in the 25 years that I’ve been doing this music thing.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  In the early days, honestly I wasn’t expecting to have the kind of success I had.
I remember writing songs and feeling kind of in shock that they were coming from me.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  Music wasn’t something I really pursued.
It’s like it sought me out and pulled out of me what I didn’t even realise was there.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  So I didn’t really have aspirations.
I guess I just went with the flow.

Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  Opportunities just seemed to find me.

Just like so many other girls who can hold a note, you sang in the church choir and in small groups. At what point did you realise that maybe, just maybe, you could make a career out of music?

Stephanie Cooke: I did sing in the choir and in groups and being in the choir gave me a good foundation that eventually helped shape the way I do my vocal arrangements.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  A desire for a career in music however came many years later.
It was when I realised that songwriting was something that I HAD to do and something that I was pretty good at, that I knew I needed to make this a primary focus career wise.

Still in retrospect, what are some of the life and career experiences that will always make you smile?

Stephanie Cooke: Nothing makes me smile more than standing on a stage in front of thousands of people who are singing my song.

Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  A song I wrote out of my own life experiences and recorded, never knowing if it would even be heard by anyone.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  That’s the best feeling!
But even more, it warms my heart to have so many people say to me that my songs have touched them, affected them in a positive way, and helped them through rough times.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  That is priceless.

If someone who has never heard your work before were to ask you to recommend the song/s that best represent your essence as Stephanie Cooke…Which song/s would you recommend?

Stephanie Cooke: “Love Will” is a song I wrote when I was going through so much.

Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  I poured every emotion I was feeling at the time into this song.

I was feeling deep love, deep disappointment, betrayal, hurt, but more than anything I felt hope.

Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  And I think that’s what comes through the most with this song.

When people tell me how this song makes them feel, hope is what I hear the most.

Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  With that being said, I would definitely recommend “Love Will”.

“I Thank You” is another song I’d recommend.

Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  It is my ultimate love song to God.

I can remember getting teary eyed while writing it.

Talking about “love”. Love, whether for a lover, other people or for life itself, seems to be the central theme of your music. To what extent have your personal experiences contributed to this artistic “obsession” with the most powerful yet also most “confusing” emotion?

Stephanie Cooke: LOVE is who I am.

Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  I don’t know any other way to answer.

I have been asked that question so many times and in the 20 plus years of being a songwriter, I have tried several times to not write about it, but I always go right back to LOVE.

Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  Love is my mission, my ministry, my purpose.

It’s who I am.

Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  To call it an β€œobsession” is no exaggeration.

It is definitely the single most powerful force in the universe.

Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  I’m not confused one bit.

Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  I get it.

I live by it. [Laughs]

There is a timeless element to your music whether its earlier releases like “Everything” or more recent offerings like “Beautiful Life”. How exactly have you approached your craft to make it, almost as it were, exist outside of time?

Stephanie Cooke: For me, when it comes to creating, I have always followed my heart.

Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  Beautiful melodies are what made me fall in love with music.

Just thinking about “Songs In The Key of Life” [legendary Stevie Wonder album] takes me to a place mentally and emotionally that is so sweet.

Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  I tend to write with these things in mind.

I think a great melody stirs up emotions.

Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  I want people to feel what I feel when I am in that moment.

I truly believe that this is a major ingredient to a timeless piece.

I guess I could say that writing for other artists gave me credibility.”

A lot of people might overlook the fact that you have actually written for Diana Ross, Jody Watley, Tyrese and Aretha Franklin among a host of other celebrated artists. Hold up! This is Aretha Franklin The “Queen of Soul”! Tell us a little about this particular project?

Stephanie Cooke: Well I actually have never met Aretha.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  I was invited to assist in writing the song by Jermaine Dupri.
She wasn’t present in Atlanta through the writing process.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  She recorded her vocals later in Detroit.
But just to listen to the song and here her singing words that I wrote was so exciting.

How about writing for Diana Ross!?

Stephanie Cooke: Diana Ross was present in the studio when we started recording the vocals.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  I have always loved her so seeing her and shaking her hand was one of the highlights of my entire career.

How has writing for these and other singers contributed to your development as an artist?

Stephanie Cooke: I guess I could say that writing for other artists gave me credibility.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  As I’m sure you can see from this interview, I am more of songwriter than I am a singer.
As a songwriter, I just didn’t get the respect from labels and publishers that I really wanted until I had written on certain projects and had songs featured in television and films.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  Working with producers and artists showed that I could handle writing on a professional level.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  As an artist, working with other artists help me to determine what I was and was not going to do.
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  Also how I was going to present myself as an artist.
I learned quite a bit and developed more confidence in the process.

Chemistry between the producer/s and artist is such an important part of the creative process. Which producers have always gotten you instinctively and brought the best out of you?

Stephanie Cooke: I generally produce me vocally.

Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  It’s a rare occasion when someone else is giving me direction.

In my earlier days of recording, it was different.

Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  These days most of the producers I work with are hundreds and sometimes thousands of miles away.

Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  So I’m usually writing to tracks and sending vocals via email.

When things are not quite working with a producer or collaborating artists do you let them down gently or it’s straight up, “your vibe isn’t working for me”?

Stephanie Cooke: I have grown a lot in this area.

Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  There was a time when I would just grin and bear it, but now I have no problem saying β€œhey, I’m not feeling that. Maybe we should try it this way.”
Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  Or just explain what I’m not feeling.

You have released possibly the bulk of your work under King Street Sounds, one of the flagships for that lush Soulful House sound. In what way has working with King Street Sounds added value to you as an artist?

Stephanie Cooke: Kingstreet was where it all started.

Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  Without that label, I can’t see how I would have ever even gotten into House Music.

I didn’t know what House Music was until I did β€œExcuses” which was my very first release anywhere as a solo artist.

Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β Β  Kingstreet is the foundation of everything I’ve done in this genre.

Join us in the second and last part of this interview when Stephanie Cooke talks about the present day music industry, establishing her own record label as well as deeply personal life incidents such as beating breast cancer.

Watch this space…

CONNECTΒ 

WITH STEPHANIE COOKE

FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Related Posts

  • Stephanie Cooke celebrates golden jubilee part 2Stephanie Cooke celebrates golden jubilee part 2
  • Tellaman releases Cross My Heart ft. Alpha P (remix)Tellaman releases Cross My Heart ft. Alpha P (remix)
  • Heavy K – Dance floors will respect the Drumboss in 2018Heavy K – Dance floors will respect the Drumboss in 2018
  • Andy Compton dishes up another slice of soulful goodness, PerceptionAndy Compton dishes up another slice of soulful goodness, Perception
  • Boiler Room app gets a relaunch and some new featuresBoiler Room app gets a relaunch and some new features
  • Listen to Larry Heard’s first Mr Fingers material in over ten yearsListen to Larry Heard’s first Mr Fingers material in over ten years

Tagged With: Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Kingstreet Sounds, Soul music, Soulful House Filed Under: Featured

About Nyasha Themba Dhliwayo

In between listening to the voices playing at 120BPM in his head, Nyasha loves to write and write and write some more...A proud "tattler", Nyasha gets his "high" from *#$#! as well as from telling stories not quite like they have been told before. Oh, by the way he is also a trained journalist and PR practitioner.

Popular Posts

  • Delve into Antinomy’s State Of Mind, his debut album on Iboga Records
  • Great EDM Tracks To Help You Play Better Poker
  • Protonica Symmetry Remixes – our track-by-track review!
  • 12 things you never knew about Headroom
  • More EDM Artists Should Have Online Slot Games

Contact

info[at]idmmag.com

Tel: +27 84 2090168

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

IDM Mag

1 day ago

IDM Mag
Music production explained by cats πŸ˜‚ 🐱 ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

IDM Mag

6 days ago

IDM Mag
On days like these we miss frolicking in the summer sun! β˜€#tbt - Regan Nano at Origin Festival 2022 🎢Video by : @journey.with.schalk πŸ™#idmmag #electronicdancemusic #dancefloor #party #festival #psytrance #Techno #housemusic ... See MoreSee Less

Video

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Tweet to @idmmag

Twitter

Retweet on TwitterChymamusique Retweeted
Avatarγ‚―γƒͺステル@xzenwisteriax·
28 Jun

I find peace in the rain.

Reply on Twitter 1541637345119571968Retweet on Twitter 154163734511957196812998Like on Twitter 154163734511957196840591Twitter 1541637345119571968
Retweet on TwitterChymamusique Retweeted
AvatarQueen_Omali@NwaiOriginals·
6h

@vinyltouch @Chymamusique #26June22 #sundayvibes

Reply on Twitter 1541957553193713665Retweet on Twitter 1541957553193713665Like on Twitter 15419575531937136651Twitter 1541957553193713665
AvatarBHUTI πŸ’‹πŸ’„@MsCosmoSA·
2h

What??? Haai guys πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚

MAJOR LEAGUE@MAJORLEAGUEDJZ

When she says I'm not ready for a relationship, she means you are not her TYPE. Don't be deceived, you keep on waiting

Reply on Twitter 1542022046502330368Retweet on Twitter 1542022046502330368Like on Twitter 1542022046502330368Twitter 1542022046502330368
Retweet on TwitterMoFlava Retweeted
AvatarSqiniseko@SQ_Myeza_·
2h

"You know this load shedding is making the net-work not-work."πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚ @moflavadj spittin' bars🀣 #WakeUpWithMetroFM

Reply on Twitter 1542021076972191747Retweet on Twitter 15420210769721917471Like on Twitter 1542021076972191747Twitter 1542021076972191747
AvatarBHUTI πŸ’‹πŸ’„@MsCosmoSA·
2h

Aaah I didn’t need you to see this 😩

Kim Sineke@KimSineke

Nomthandazo!!! πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚ https://twitter.com/mscosmosa/status/1542016586227269633

Reply on Twitter 1542021753286844416Retweet on Twitter 1542021753286844416Like on Twitter 1542021753286844416Twitter 1542021753286844416
Load More...

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

idmmag

South Africa's definitive online electronic music publication ⬇️ #idmmag

IDM Mag
On days like these we miss frolicking in the summe On days like these we miss frolicking in the summer sun! β˜€

#TBT - @regan_nano at @originfest 2022 🎢

Video by : @journey.with.schalk πŸ™

#idmmag #electronicdancemusic #dancefloor #party #festival #psytrance #techno #housemusic
"It was very important to me to express my self-fe "It was very important to me to express my self-feelings through music, and I think there is no more authentic way to do it than releasing a solo album – it’s just you with yourself in the whole process." 🎢

Zoë chats to @antinomy_music about his debut album 'State Of Mind', out now on @ibogarecords and much more! 😁

Read the full interview here ➑ πŸ”— in bio!

#idmmag #Antinomy #ibogarecords #progtrance #progressivetrance #psytrance #PsytranceMusic #PsyTranceFamily #psychedelictrance #interview
Make music, wherever and whenever you can! 🧺 Make music, wherever and whenever you can! 🧺 

πŸ“½ @klangphonics_ 

#idmmag #electronicmusic #festival #techno #house #music #afrohouse #techhouse
Track of the day! ⭐ @chrisavantgarde x @anyma_o Track of the day! ⭐

@chrisavantgarde x @anyma_ofc - Consciousness πŸ€–

Have you heard this track being dropped in the clubs? 

#idmmag #electronicmusic #festival #techno #house #music #afrohouse #techhouse
@kidfonque spitting facts πŸ”₯ #idmmag #kidfonqu @kidfonque spitting facts πŸ”₯ 

#idmmag #kidfonque #housemusic #deephouse #staytrue #facts
Just pure groove from @djfreedomfighters at @this. Just pure groove from @djfreedomfighters at @this.is.habitat πŸŠπŸŽ‹

#idmmag #habitatcpt #freedomfighters #southafrica #techno #psytrance #psychedelic
Can you see the colors? πŸ€ͺ🌈 The @organikpsy Can you see the colors? πŸ€ͺ🌈

The @organikpsy stage by @christopher_dowding & @carindickson_artescape coupled with @hivemindvisuals = 😍⚑

🎡 @davemac77 
..
#idmmag #organikpsy #festivalart #installationart #psychedelicart #psytrancefestival #stagedesign #fractalart #3dfractal #capetowntranceparties #psytrance #psydeco #magic #videomapping #lovetree
"We have been following some of the talent on our "We have been following some of the talent on our remix album like @gaudium_official, @_zen_mechanics_ and @kalkimusic for years and really appreciate their music – they also have a similar and fitting style to Protonica..."

ZoΓ« gives us a comprehensive breakdown of the brand new @protonica_music 'Symmetry' remix album - out now on @ibogarecords! 

Read the review now via idmmag.com 
..
#idmmag #Protonica #ibogarecords #progtrance #progressivetrance #psytrance #PsytranceMusic #PsyTranceFamily #psychedelictrance #interview
They got down in groovy town! πŸ₯³ @originfest's They got down in groovy town! πŸ₯³

@originfest's 'Beats Floor' has got the best vibe around! 

Check out their 2022 aftermovie by @marys_lamb_productions 😍
..
#idmmag #originemergence #psytrance #electronicmusic #outdoofestival #psychedelictrance #techno #housemusic #techhouse #acidtechno #afrohouse #music #festival
Congrats @realblackcoffee!!! πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦ He just won Congrats @realblackcoffee!!! πŸ‡ΏπŸ‡¦

He just won his first @recordingacademy Grammy Award in the Best Dance/Electronic Album category for his album Subconsciously! 😍

#ElectronicDanceMusic #BlackCoffee
Take us back to this moment! 🎢 πŸŽ₯: @desiree_ Take us back to this moment! 🎢

πŸŽ₯: @desiree_rsa at @baziquefestival 2022 😍
..
#idmmag #baziquefestival #housemusic #afrohouse #melodichouse #techno #desireersa
@baziquefestival's Main Stage looked fantastic 😍

Who was there to experience it this past weekend? 

πŸ“Έ @carindickson_artescape 

#idmmag #Baziquefestival #MusicFestival #electronicdancemusic #musicart #capetownmusicfestivals
Happy birthday to the legend that is @realblackcof Happy birthday to the legend that is @realblackcoffee πŸ‘‘
Some @mezerg groove to start the day 🎢 #idmmag Some @mezerg groove to start the day 🎢

#idmmag #theremin #mezerg #electronicdancemusic #electronicmusic #techno #acidtechno
RIP @rikyrickworld πŸ•Š RIP @rikyrickworld πŸ•Š
@originfest at night πŸŒ™ Main Floor ➑️ Beat @originfest at night πŸŒ™ 

Main Floor ➑️ Beats Floor 

πŸ“Έ: @aumegaphotography_festivals 
..
#idmmag #originemergence #psytrance #electronicmusic #outdoofestival #psychedelictrance #techno #housemusic #techhouse #acidtechno #afrohouse #music #festival
"I stood face to face with Coolio (US Rapper) at a "I stood face to face with Coolio (US Rapper) at a Vortex Trance Party once but figured I was hallucinating and just walked on. πŸ˜‚"

Editor @davemac77 delved into the mind of SA's leading psytrance producer, @headroomusic, to find out if he really is such a nice guy! 

Oh and Dave also gives his opinion on Headroom's new album, Acid Trip Advisor! A must read...

Full interview available on our website (URL in BIO!)
..
#idmmag #Headroom #ibogarecords #progtrance #progressivetrance #psytrance #PsytranceMusic #PsyTranceFamily #psychedelictrance #interview
Heading to work on Humpday be like πŸ₯³ .. #idmmag Heading to work on Humpday be like πŸ₯³
..
#idmmag #electronicmusic #festival #techno #house #music #afrohouse #techhouse
A crowd reaction like this is what DJ's live for! A crowd reaction like this is what DJ's live for! 😍

πŸ“½: @bones.music by @night_closure 
..
#idmmag #housemusic #afrohousemusic #dj #event #festival #wehousesundays
When you realise the week has flown by and it's al When you realise the week has flown by and it's already Thursday! 😍

One day to the weekend! 
..
#idmmag #dancing #techno #MelodicTechno  #MelodicHouse #Housemusic #afrohous
Happy weekend, IDM Fam! 😍 See you on the dance Happy weekend, IDM Fam! 😍

See you on the dancefloor! 

πŸ“Έ - @sauriel_samfairy 

#idmmag #electronicdancemusic #dancefloor #party #festival #psytrance #techno #housemusic
The illustrious @@originfest is back and kicks off The illustrious @@originfest is back and kicks off in two days! 🌱 

It’s amazing to see established outdoor festivals operating again! 😍

Are you joining in on the fun? β˜€
 
#idmmag #originemergence #psytrance #electronicmusic #outdoofestival #psychedelictrance
@kidfonque with the facts! 😎🎢 .. #idmmag #ki @kidfonque with the facts! 😎🎢
..
#idmmag #kidfonque #housemusic #deephouse #staytrue #facts
#MusicMonday! 🀩 @softcellhq - Tainted Love ( @ #MusicMonday! 🀩

@softcellhq - Tainted Love ( @jamiejonesmusic 4Z Extended Mix) 
..
#idmmag #dance #dancemusic #jamiejones #softcell #positiva #electronicdancemusic
For the love of House Music! ❀️ πŸ“½: @sirlsg For the love of House Music! ❀️

πŸ“½: @sirlsg at @wehousesundays 

Track: @sirlsg x @nutownsoulsa - SEARCHING (@soulfreakah Remix)

#idmmag #wehousesundays #sirlsg #HouseMusic #electronicDancemusic #afrohouse #deephouse #melodichouse
Summer boat parties in Cape Town β˜€ πŸ“½: @headr Summer boat parties in Cape Town β˜€

πŸ“½: @headroomusic 🎢
..
#idmmag #headroom #ibogarecords #psytrance #progtrance #summer #capetown
How's this for a stage show 😱 Happy Monday ev How's this for a stage show 😱 

Happy Monday everyone! πŸ”Š

πŸ“½ @taleofus 
.
#idmmag #taleofus #afterlifeofc #techno #housemusic #electronicmusicfestival
Happy FRI-YAY! πŸ₯³ Grab your mates and go jollin Happy FRI-YAY! πŸ₯³

Grab your mates and go jollin'! 😎
..
#idmmag #weekend #edm #djs #friday #psytrance #electronicdancemusic #housemusic #deephouse #techhouse #ravers #ravelife #rave #shufflers #shuffle #edmlifestyle #plur #festivalseason #edmtunes #techno #technomusic
Studio sessions with @therealmurgs & @cioz_ 🎢 . Studio sessions with @therealmurgs & @cioz_ 🎢
..
#idmmag #ryanmurgatroyd #cioz #modular #techno #housemusic #Synth #b2b
Friday night in JHB with @noraenpure for #ChasingS Friday night in JHB with @noraenpure for #ChasingSunsets at @altitudebeach πŸ₯³

Who was there? 
..
#idmmag #noraenpure #housemusic #altitudebeach #party #jhb
Load More... Follow on Instagram

© 2022 IDM Mag. All Rights Reserved

Website by Terri Love Designs


Return To Top
MENU
  • Home
  • News
  • Tech News
  • Tech Tutorials
  • Tech Spotlight
  • Featured
  • Freebies
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram