Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephanie Louise.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Stephanie. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Music has always been a big part of my life – my Dad, a very talented bass player, always played in rock bands and a memory from my teen years was going to one of his practices and watching all the magic happen. I remember really wanting to learn to play the guitar or drums after that, but both were too expensive (and my Mom wasn’t too keen on loud instruments anyway – especially the latter). For my following birthday, my Dad gifted me one of his beloved bass guitars. I learned the basics and even formed a couple of very short-lived bands, but eventually, I grew bored with playing. I felt extremely guilty for not sticking with bass, and over the years just stopped playing completely.
Fast forward to a couple years ago… I picked up one of my husband’s acoustic guitars one day, sheerly out of boredom, and decided to learn chords. Then, I started learning my favorite songs. This was different for me than when I was learning to play bass – this time, I was completely enamored. I was basically playing guitar every day and about a year and a half later, my husband (J.P.) asked me to sit in and play a couple of songs with his band at their next gig. And now – we have formed our band, the Ramblin’ Sweethearts, and have played many really exciting gigs of our own!
I had really always wanted to learn guitar or drums, but both were too expensive at the time. Fast forward to a couple years ago… I picked up one my fella’s acoustics one day, sheerly out of boredom, and decided to learn chords. Then, I started learning my favorite songs. From there, it became an addiction where I was playing every day, and now, we play in a band together.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It definitely hasn’t always been smooth. There are struggles to practice some days. Days you don’t feel like you’re making progress – all of the normal feelings we experience with any endeavor. My best advice is, if it’s something you’re passionate about, do not give up. It’s okay to feel stumped or creatively challenged; frustration is learning. Sometimes changing up your routine can help; such as learning a song from a different genre that you normally don’t play; you may end up loving it. And if there are a few days you aren’t able to commit to practicing, or just feel a little burnt out, don’t beat yourself up over it. Give yourself a couple of days and from there, set a date to get back into your routine. Also, it’s important to remember that our paths can change direction completely, and being open to that will actually build growth and may even open new doors. It’s all part of progress, and as long as you’re doing what you love and having fun with it, that’s all that matters anyway.
Please tell us about The Ramblin’ Sweethearts.
I play rhythm guitar and sing in the band, The Ramblin’ Sweethearts, with my sweetheart and a mix of other talented musicains. We play a bit of rockabilly, rock n roll classics, western, and roots music – sometimes we play modern songs with our own spin to them, too. To date, I am proud of our first song and music video recording, which took place in the legendary Signature Sound studios. I think what may set us apart is that we are a husband/wife team, both passionate about what we do – and we hope to inspire others, too!
There’s a wealth of academic research that suggests that lack of mentors and networking opportunities for women has materially affected the number of women in leadership roles. Smart organizations and industry leaders are working to change this, but in the meantime, do you have any advice for finding a mentor and building a network?
Just keep doing what you love and make genuine connections along the way with others in your field/industry. Remember to always support each other. Social media can be a very useful tool, as well. Keep working and getting yourself out there, you never know who you will meet!
Contact Info:
- Address: Carlsbad, CA.
- Email: theramblinsweethearts@gmail.com
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/theramblinsweethearts
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theramblinsweethearts/
Image Credit:
Fionn HH Photography
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