Interviewed by Beatrice Panero / pane.nero

Photography: Sam Dameshek / samdameshek

Skylar may have started her career at a really young age, but that didn’t stop her from chasing all her dreams and aspirations. She clearly knew what she wanted to achieve in future and, shortly after gaining notoriety in 2012, she became the youngest artist to top the Billboard Dance charts,  she has been nominated YouTube's Artist on The Rise and Elvis Duran also named her artist of the month on the Today Show. Those are just some of the achievements of Skylar who, despite the difficult period for the music industry, continues to be acclaimed by the public after the releases of her latest single “FWY” and “Superman”.

Singer and songwriter Skylar Stecker talks with us about her musical journey and reveals insights from her upcoming projects. 

You reached success at a really young age. How did it feel to be a teenager entering the harsh music industry? How did you manage to stay true to yourself? 

I actually feel really grateful that I started in the industry at such a young age. I was able to gain so much valuable insight without feeling any pressure to make a living. This allowed me to have fun and focus on growing as an artist and as a person. Thankfully, I have always had a truly strong sense of self. I like to listen to people's advice but in the end, I have always followed my own gut in the end. 

What are you hoping the audience takes from your sound? What sort of feeling? 

The music I've released so far this year, as well as my upcoming music truly represents where I am in my life as a young woman. I'm no longer afraid to talk or write about all my thoughts and/ or experiences, so now when I'm writing a song, it truly just flows out of me almost effortlessly. 

You just released your single “FWY” (congratulations!). How was the response from the audience? 

The feedback on "Superman" and "FWY" has been amazing! My fans have grown with me and allowed me to explore my natural instincts wherever that is at that moment in time. I am forever grateful for their ongoing unconditional support! 

You have many songs coming out soon. How is it to release music in this difficult period? 

So far I have released 3 (when counting "Questions") and plan to continue to release A LOT of new music this year! No plans to stop anytime soon! 

Your next single and video “Questions” will drop on April 23rd. Can you give us a sneak peek about it?

Sandy.

 Live performances are the maximum expression of your art. How do you feel now that you can't perform? Do you already have any concerts scheduled? 

Not being able to perform has definitely been disappointing! My favorite part of being an artist and making music is figuring out how to translate my song(s) into a live show and seeing how the fans react to each and every one! To me, there is nothing that can replace that incredible feeling! I hope to have some shows on the calendar fall of 2021! 

You’ve built up huge followings on social media platforms and now you have an “influencer” impact on young people. What kind of impact would you like to have on young artists and people who are following you? 

My first focus is always to be as honest as possible in my music on what I am thinking about at that exact moment while writing and creating. I try not to get too caught up in anything else. My hope would be that people and other artists listening will be able to then relate to some aspect of my truth and know that they are not alone in their thoughts or feelings 

You also acted in the tv series Austin and Ally, it must have been a very exciting opportunity for you! What was your favorite part of filming? 

I am very grateful for all the amazing opportunities that I have had in the past 10 years but I honestly don't have that one quite yet, but am hopeful that within the next few years, there will be a few fun new things to talk about. ;) To be continued…

Last but not least, where do you have the best french fries?

The truffle fries at The LOT movie theater in Irvine, CA! Seriously THE BEST!!!