interview with Stefon Peace

1. Who are some of your music influences and why? Wow there are so many great musicians that have inspired me vocally. Of course you have the greats, the legends that I grew up listening to such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Donny Hathaway, and Al Green. Also Gospel artists like Fred Hammond, Darryl Coley, and the Winans. But I can't leave out newer artists that are really talented and keeping us all grooving today such as John Legend, Maxwell, Robin Thicke, Musiq Soulchild and Ne-yo.

2. Do you come from a family of musicians? I do actually. My whole family sings. I know its kind of cliche but we all sang together as I grew up. My dad is my favorite vocalist and I learned all I know from him. I would watch him move crowds with his voice and it really inspired me to do the same.

3. How passionate are you about singing? would you do it for free? I really cant explain how it feels when I'm in front of people doing what I love to do. Music moves me in such a way that is too emotional to express in words. To tell you the truth it's an all day everyday thing for me. I sing unconciously. It's true what they say if its in you its in you!!! I love to sing and I would definitely sing for free. If I can make somebody move or feel something just by using my voice, it will mean so much more to me than monetary compensation.

4. In most black singer's story, they say they started in the church. is this the case with you? where did you begin singing? Most definitely. All my gifts come from the Lord and that is where I learned to use my voice. I started singing in church when I was 5 years old. My parents were shocked when they first heard me sing in front of the church. They expected me to be scared or shy. But I went up there and gave it my all. God has continued to bless me vocally every since.

5. How often do you practice vocally? All day long. From the shower to the train to work to the gym....Its funny sometimes I have to tell myself to stop so I dont wear myself out. Its just that I am so passionate about it. I guess you can say when it comes to music I am a perfectionist. I want to give whoever I'm singing to my very best.

6. You've done amateur night at the apollo and won. tell me how you felt that night. AMAZING!!! I have watched the Apollo on television since I was a kid. It has always been my dream to perform on the famous Apollo satge and in front of the even more famous Apollo audience. I felt it was a great accomplishment to not only make it through my song without getting BOO'd of stage, but to go on to win! I was so thankful for that experience. It really gave me the confidence to persue singing with everything I have.

7. How do you plan to win on march 28th when you go back to the apollo? Continued practice, I plan on giving it my best shot. I have really invested a lot of time into promoting this event. Trying to get as many people to come out as possible. And most importantly,..A lot of prayer!!!LOL.