Stefan West, an indie artist hailing from the coastal haven of Geelong, Victoria, Australia, emerges with a distinct fusion of alt-rock and indie-pop influences, drawing inspiration from bands like Blink 182, The Killers, and The Rolling Stones. However, West's musical journey extends beyond the sonic landscape, as songwriting became his lifeline during the tumultuous struggle of addiction recovery. Nestled in the serene backdrop of Geelong, Stefan found solace through the art of expression, combining his authentic sound with a deep-seated passion for storytelling. His forthcoming debut album, Cambridge, set to release in April, promises to be a profound exploration of resilience and redemption. Through introspective and vulnerable songwriting, Stefan West shares his personal journey, using music as a therapeutic outlet to articulate pain and find inner healing. Alongside his musical pursuits, Stefan is a dedicated advocate for mental health awareness and addiction recovery, utilizing his platform to inspire and uplift others facing similar struggles. As the global indie music scene anticipates the release of Cambridge, Stefan West's narrative unfolds as a testament to the transformative power of art and the enduring spirit of hope. Just a few days ago, West released another single off his upcoming album, let's dive into, "Happily Ever After."
"Happily Ever After"
Songwriting: Stefan West, Aaron Schembri
Recording, Production: Chris Gatz at GM Sound Studios
Mastering: Joe Carra at Crystal Mastering
In the words of Stefan West: "Happily Ever After" is "a beautiful mesh of a really intense moment I had never experienced before, accompanied by a train of thought that felt incredibly freeing, painted into a new world in my mind. I think all songs are a varying version of that for me, but this one felt particularly special. It was the first song finished for the record. Once covid hit Aaron Schembri and I did a bunch of songwriting together. I would send him the bare bones of demos (vocals and Acoustic Guitar) and he would create these incredible arrangements around them, this is how 80% of the record was written, and this was the first one we finished. It was an incredibly exciting time."
LONG STORY SHORT: Stefan West's "Happily Ever After" unfolds with a deliberate and slow-building entrance, characterized by poignant drum rolls and acoustic guitar picking.Infused with a pop-punk vigor, the vocal phrasing in Stefan West's performance is elevated by his robust vocals, skillfully delivering the narrative with remarkable intonation. The sparse instrumentation strategically places the storyline and lyricism at the forefront, creating an intimate connection with the listener. At the 2:18 mark, the composition takes a fuller turn, introducing background vocals and electric guitar riffs, subtly hinting at the forthcoming crescendo. The pivotal moment at 2:36 reveals a melodic guitar solo that rips through the song, carrying a profound emotional weight. The catchy chorus, "If we could stay this young forever / Maybe, we could live happily ever after," encapsulates the essence of the track—capturing the youthful and adventurous spirit of being in love while acknowledging the eventual reality of growing old together. The song concludes with another powerful guitar solo, with riffs reminiscent of John Mayer, adding a final touch of emotive musicality to this compelling piece.
Stream "Happily Ever After" below!
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