Stephanie La Rochelle
The second of our ten Jump 106.9, RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest She’s the One feature artists is Ottawa’s own Stephanie La Rochelle. Stephanie has been in the entertainment business for much of her life. At the age of 8 on the heels of a demo recording Stephanie went to Disney World and SeaWorld where she entertained crowds of thousands with her voice and charismatic personality.
A few years later Stephanie would be part of something that would give her national and international exposure, in parts thanks to Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. Stephanie auditioned for and made the 10 finalists who would go on to compete on a weekly live televised production on CBC called ‘Over the Rainbow‘. Much like other live talent shows each week the contestants would perform and each week another contestant was sent home. Week after week Stephanie was still there, after 7 straight weeks it was clear that Stephanie had made the final 3. In the end the viewers selected Danielle Wade from La Salle, Ontario as the winner with Stephanie taking first runner-up, for the record our household not only watched the show religiously we also voted for Stephanie right up to the end. Danielle has taken the Broadway world by storm and has gone on to perform to rave reviews. We think Stephanie has that special something too, could she be the one? That remains to be seen.
We caught up with Stephanie and got her thoughts on making She’s the One, performing for Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and here’s what she had to say!
Stephanie La Rochelle
SC: Firstly congratulations on being selected as one of the top 10 for the RBC Bluesfest She’s the One Emerging Female Artists Competition. RBC Bluesfest was ranked one of the top 10 music festivals by Billboard Magazine a few years ago so this is clearly a big deal. What was your first reaction when you heard the news?
SL: I was alone when my phone buzzed with an email saying that I had been chosen as a finalist for the RBC Bluesfest She’s the One Emerging Female Artists Competition! I was so excited and wanted to share the news with my friends and family, although I had to keep it a secret for about a week or so. But, I immediately called my parents to tell them the exciting news. I couldn’t believe it.
SC: Every artist I’ve spoken to has a story about how / when they decided to pursue music as a career. We know that you started in music at a very early age, describe the moment that you knew that music was the path for you and what inspired you to take that path.
SL: My parents say that I started singing when I was just one year old. We always had music in our house and I would always sing along. I started performing at the age of five. Music has always been such a huge part of my life. I really don’t know who I would be without it. I think I’ve always known that there was no other option for me but it really hit home when I job shadowed an office job in high school and almost fell asleep. The 9 to 5 office ”sit-‐at-‐a-‐desk” routine is just not for me!
SC: Almost 2 years ago much of Canada saw you on TV competing for the role of Dorothy for Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Wizard of Oz. You were the runner-up in that competition, how do you think it prepared you for “She’s the One”?
over the rainbow
SL: That competition was a huge learning experience. Not only did it prepare me for “She’s the One”, but for life in this industry in general. I learned so much about myself as a person and as a performer. We received daily training and coaching in voice and stage performance; it was great!
SC: I’ve always been a huge fan of live theatre, having seen Phantom of the Opera about 17 times in various theatres around the world. I generally don’t get star struck when I meet celebrities, it kind of comes with the territory of being a music writer. But I truly think I would turn into a blubbering fool if I were to ever get the chance to meet Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber
in person. You not only met him but performed in front of him week after week. Describe the moment you first met him and what it was like to perform in front of him?
SL: Wow! You might have a record going there for having seen Phantom 17 times! The first time I met Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber was a surprise. Basically, as soon as we landed in Barbados they drove us over to his estate. There was a little garden party and we got to chat with him! It all seems surreal when I think about it. I’m surprised I was able to keep my cool! From then, I got to perform in front of him several times. He is “Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber” so of course I felt some added pressure -‐especially singing one of his songs -‐but I tried not to let it phase me too much! It showed, if you were nervous we couldn’t tell!
Stephanie La Rochelle from Over the Rainbow
SC: This is where we normally ask what the defining moment has been in an artist’s career to date. Although you’ve been in the public eye before, your career is still on the runway. Has there been a moment, to date, that sticks out more than others, that reassures you that music is the right path for you?
SL: I think there have been many moments. I get support from fans who follow me each step of the way and that means a lot. I continue to be invited to perform for several galas, or weddings, etc. so that is definitely reassuring. There’s just no feeling like performing. There’s no place I’d rather be than on stage; it’s where I’m most comfortable; it’s where I’m at my best.
SC: What’s your all-‐time favorite movie?
Annie
SL: As a kid I grew up watching Annie all the time. I’m pretty sure I knew every word of the movie.
SC: Your ideal brain food?
SL: Give me a big bowl of fruit and I’m a happy camper.
SC: Favourite Restaurant (anywhere in the world)?
SL: My family has been on vacation to Maine several times. The “Maine Diner” is awesome. Fresh, homemade food and there’s something for everyone. The corn muffins are to die for.
SC: Favourite TV show (all-‐time)?
full house cast
SL: Full-‐House. I could keep watching it for hours on end.
SC: If you could see any artist in concert, who would you see (living or dead)?
SL: Celine Dion. Seeing one of her shows is definitely on my bucket on list. I grew up listening to her songs all the time and she is such an amazing vocalist.
SC: iPhone, Android or Blackberry?
SL: iPhone forever and always.
SC: Can you talk about a fan encounter that completely took you by surprise?
SL: It’s always so flatering when a fan tells me how much they love my music or that I inspire them. I love how music can touch people. One encounter that completely took me by surprise was when I was doing a performance in Ottawa for New Year’s Eve and a little girl came up to me asking for picture saying that she came all the way from Montreal to see me sing. It really meant a lot that she came all that way.
SC: What are your family member’s musical interests and abilities?
SL: My dad is a huge musical influence on me. He is always listening to music, can sing, and plays a little guitar. My sister also has a great voice.
SC: Name a fictional character most like you?
Rapunzel from Tangled
SL: People are always commenting on my long hair so, Rapunzel.
SC: In “Stephanie La Rochelle, Story of My Life” – The Movie, who would play you?
SL: I’d probably get my sister to play me. People say we look a lot alike. Basically she’s a mini-‐me.
SC: Star Trek or Star Wars?
SL: I have to admit, I haven’t seen either of them. So, none of the above.
SC: Stress management: hitman, spa vacation or Prozac?
SL: Definitely a vacation. I love being on the beach and enjoying the ocean. It’s the perfect way to de-‐stress.
SC: What is the best advice you’ve been given?
bee yourself
SL: My dad always says to take things one step at a time. My mom reminds me to stay true to myself.
SC: Music / celebrity and charity tend to go hand in hand. Artists use their star power to generate awareness for their chosen charity. Is there a charity that’s close to your heart that you would like to see get more support?
SL: “The Alzheimer Society” is definitely an organization very close to my heart. My grandmother struggles with Alzheimer’s disease and my grandfather struggled with a form of dementia before he passed away last year. I would love to see the organization get more support.
SC: What’s next for Stephanie La Rochelle?
SL: Everyday is new and exciting! I will continue to perform and I plan on getting some originals songs on the go for the release of an EP.
If you want to learn more about Stephanie and her music visit her website, www.stephlarochelle.com
We’d like to thanks Stephanie for taking the time to answer our questions and wish her the best of luck at the She’s the One competition. Here’s a trip down memory lane to Episode 5 of Over the Rainbow, Stephanie performing “Smile” by Charlie Chaplin.
