What is the best thing I love about my work?

The best thing that I love about my work are the moments that I feel altogether musical, scribbling lyrics, recording melodies, fingers fumbling and tripping over the keys and stuttering lyrics, then it all comes together.  I produce, edit, redo, add tracks for other musical ideas and I put it together same as an artist creates a painting except it is audible.. musical.

What is my idea of happiness?

Working on music for months and weeks of long work days and recording sessions in isolation, then one day hearing the songs play on the same radios and music platforms as my life long favorite artists and numerous favorite songs of all time.  I am always surprised at how sometimes I am overcome with complete elation even when enough time has passed that I should be used to it and then I am not at all.

What is my greatest fear?

Fears are for facing.  Fears are for overcoming and moving forward. The greater the fear, the greater the opportunity for an outstanding act of courage. 

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

Sometimes I think everything has to be perfect. I have to remind myself that nothing is or has to be perfect unless it is physics, engeering, or architecture.. etc.

When and where was I the happiest in my work?

I have always been happiest in the room I converted into a recording studio in my home where I can put in as many hours as I want.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?

The many artists that say something real and genuine in their music

What is the thing that I dislike most in my work?

I don’t like the way the business has financially oppressed and reduced the income of the artist

If I could, what would I change about myself?

Many are the things that I would change about myself.  I am actually changing all the time, almost everyday then   there are some things that I wouldn’t change for nothing.

What is my greatest achievement in my work?

To see people that are drawn to listen, really listen and to see that they are touched like the song wasn’t made on accident.  That if God could reach through space and time to tell someone something, to answer a question that was never spoken out loud like this song happened for them, to see that, to feel it, that is my greatest unexpected achievement.

Where would I most like to live?

I enjoy living in the middle of Texas.  The beach is to the east and the desert to the west.  Southwest are the springs and hills full of nature and wildlife and wonderful places to photograph and create video photography.  Also, it is not far for day trips to cities such as Austin or San Antonio.

What is my most treasured possession?

My soul.  All we got is our soul.

What is my most marked characteristic?

Probably love.  That is what I hear when my music is playing so love must be my big inspiration.

What is my most inspirational location in my city?

The walking trails at the riverside park where I can walk, clear my head, think and notice nature, and the beauty of the reflections on the water, the changing colors of the leaves..etc.

What is my favorite place to eat and drink in my city?

My house!  I love to cook and try different countries foods and pair them with drinks or wines. I love to make Mediterranean pastas and salads in the hot summers and sometimes red wines with cheesy Italian pastas with thick, rich tomato sauce, Moroccan stews in the autumn and Mexican food with chips and salsas, tea or margaritas any time of year.

What books influenced my life and how?

Reading is a lifelong pass time so it’s hard to be specific for any certain book, but I will tell you this that gardens have been numerous and normal in my life.  One year my garden was unusually fragrant. I never experienced such overwhelmingly beautiful fragrance and it inspired my song Fill the Sky and was the title of my first album.  It was reminiscent of Soloman’s Song of Songs in which the Shulamite is praying that the winds blow and release the fragrance of her gardens to attract her beloved.  My song is more of a prayer song to attract God’s attention maybe to woo him.  Interesting thing is, God showed up while making the music video.  The wind went crazy.  I thought everything was destroyed but the filming continued. It turned out to be the most beautiful part of the video, the sun reflections changing in the wind and water, me wanting to escape but only able to bow my head politely in some weirdly, fantastically timed baptism of water and light.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

Mel Gipson’s depiction of Sir William Wallace in the movie Braveheart

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

Louie Armstrong and Mahalia Jackson.  Louie Armstrong went through hard times but he kept wearing that big contagious smile. Mahalia Jackson sang with such heartfelt emotion and meaningfulness.  Nothing like that genuine jazz and bluesy soul heartfelt gospel.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?

Charlie Chaplin’s movie The Circus

What role play stories in my life and work?

Confidence.  Feeling nervous?  Feeling overly acquainted with personal faults and weaknesses of human nature?  Brush that aside and just get out there and own the moment.

What do the words, You are the storyteller of your own life mean to me?

Life is what we make it.  We reap what we sow.  For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.  

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?  

Rajib and Josh.  Rajib helps me with the photography if I need him to and Josh is my handicapped son who loves music and he loves my music and it’s really sweet.

What project am I looking forward to work on?

Making more music.. making physical copies.. seeing what happens in Nashville.

What do the words “passion never retires” mean to me?

Many waters cannot quench love nor can floods drown it.  You don’t get burnt out.  Keep getting better.

Where can you see my work?

My youtube channel @Artisillia or http://youtube.com/@Artisillia

Stephanie Jo PCox

Also available on all streaming platforms search Stephanie Jo

For newest release Stephanie Jo Cox. Of All the Places

and I’ll have some pre-releases available on http://stephaniejo.bandcamp.com and on the youtube channel.. In My Dreams, Reach Out, and a few others will be released this spring and summer

How can you contact me?
Email: shobanagomes@gmail.com