Interview with Stemin: This week, we had the pleasure of interviewing Stemin, a talented multilingual artist based in the Netherlands, who’s ready to make waves on the global music scene. In our conversation, Stemin shared insights into his creative journey and the life experiences that have shaped his unique sound.
Raised in Italy by Swiss and German parents, Stemin was immersed in a rich musical blend from an early age, which continues to fuel his work.
Through this interview, he gives us a glimpse into his inspirations, his passion for storytelling through music, and what fans can expect from his evolving artistry.
Tell me about yourself and how you first got into music.
I’m STEMIN, a musician and artist born in Switzerland to a Swiss father and German mother. I grew up in southern Italy, near Naples, as the youngest of six in a big family. My parents introduced me to music at a young age, starting me on piano at age 8 and eventually saxophone, though singing became my primary focus. Piano is still my go-to for songwriting, though I enjoy experimenting with other instruments too.
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My parents were big fans of classical music, gospel, soul, and pop, which helped shape my appreciation for different genres. Listening deeply to various styles without limits gave me a unique perspective on music.
What inspired you to write “Closer”?
“Closer” was inspired by a girl I kept running into at various events. From the first moment, there was something captivating about her. As we continued to cross paths, my interest grew, though it wasn’t mutual.
The song reflects that feeling of wanting to get closer to someone and let go of your own biases to fully embrace the moment. It’s about how you can get lost in thoughts about someone you barely know, creating excitement and a flood of emotions. “Closer” encourages people to let go of prejudices and embrace connections, mentally or physically.
Who or what inspired you to choose music as your career, and how long have you been in the music industry?
It wasn’t really a choice; music was more of a calling. I grew up surrounded by music and other art forms, so pursuing it professionally felt natural. Around 19, I knew music was the path I wanted to fully invest in. I went on to earn a bachelor’s and master’s in music, and since then, I’ve worked on different projects. My second album is releasing on August 28th. I enjoy balancing performance, composition, songwriting, and collaborating with other musicians as I continue to refine my style.
You’re multilingual. How did you learn to speak multiple languages?
Growing up in Italy, I naturally spoke Italian, but my family’s language was German due to my Swiss and German heritage. I learned English in school and improved it further while living in Australia. I also picked up some Spanish from friends and a former partner. Italian and Spanish are so similar that learning it came naturally.
You’ve lived in several countries. How has that influenced your music?
Living in different countries is eye-opening. Each culture has its own approach to life, which has enriched my perspective. I’ve learned not to compare cultures but to appreciate each for its uniqueness. It’s given me a broader understanding of people, life, and art, and I feel lucky to have had these experiences.
What should your fans expect from Tell Your Heart?
Tell Your Heart, releasing on August 28th, is an album I’m truly proud of. It reflects two years of work as I explored new sounds and worked on defining my own style. The album delves into the early stages of a relationship—when everything feels fresh and full of potential. It’s a journey into the heart, touching on love’s transformative power and the excitement of new connections.
Have you collaborated with other artists before? Who would you like to collaborate with next?
Yes, I’ve collaborated with musicians, producers, actors, and other creatives across different countries, including Italy, Australia, and the UK. I’m especially inspired by visual arts, dance, and poetry, which I often incorporate into my music. My dream collaborations would be with Tom Misch, PJ Morton, and Braxton Cook.
What inspired the title Tell Your Heart?
I chose Tell Your Heart to capture the album’s themes around the journey of the heart. The cover logo represents this: a half-flesh, half-diamond heart symbolizing the balance between innocence and resilience. Like diamonds, hearts gain strength and value through life’s challenges. The title encourages listeners to nurture their own hearts, speaking kindness and strength into themselves.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I see myself continually growing as an artist and person. I always aim to improve and learn, and I hope to have more performances, productions, and collaborations under my belt by then.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?
Finding people who believe in my vision and support me authentically was challenging at first. I now have a reliable team I trust, which is essential to navigate the music industry. It’s easy to get caught up in others’ opinions, so it’s important to surround yourself with people who respect and uplift you.
