You may have heard us playing I Am The Way by David Kocijan, written by David and Steph Madrid.

We caught up with Steph to find out more about her life and music.

When did you first start to develop a passion for music?

I developed my passion for music when I was 3 years old. I’ve been doing music since I was 5 years old. I started writing poetry at 11, writing lyrics at 18 and recording music when I was 32 years old.

Which artists did you listen to while growing up?

I loved listening to Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers, CCR (Creedence Clearwater Revival), Richard Marx, and NM Spanish music, and still do.

What genres do you write for?

I write in different genres, English and Spanish. I’ve written 3 English gospels and 1 Spanish gospel, a couple of Pop and R & B songs, 2 Old school Rock songs, 1 Oldie song with a sound from the ’50’s, and another Oldie base on a true love story from the ’20’s, and many more. I really love writing music, it’s so refreshing.

What music have you recorded and released to date?

I’ve recorded only a few songs so far, but I plan on heading back to the studio soon. I mostly let others sing my lyrics, cause that’s really what I wanna be is a lyricist.

Which artists do you enjoy listening to at the moment – and do they influence your work?

I listen to all different genres of music, rock, pop, Spanish etc. The artists I loved listening to as a kid are still my favourites. It’s more like I get a word in my thoughts and it forms into a song, I get inspiration mostly from other people’s stories, and the way I was raised helps bring it into a different light, most of the time when I write I can visualize how to put it together. I don’t usually rhyme on purpose it just happens, I do more free writing than anything else.

Who would your dream collaboration be with?

I would love to write a song with everyone, there’s still so much to learn.

What are your plans for the future?

To have at least one of my songs featured on a TV series or a movie.