Steph Barrak began learning piano and clarinet in middle school but, considering she found herself improvising her own melodies instead of reading the sheet music, she gave up formal lessons at age 13.

She then picked up her sister’s guitar and began writing songs on 1 string. She eventually got the courage to try a few chords.

The rest is history.

Painted Face

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9k_khDgTigE

Steph Barrak is a singer/songwriter who creates music in the styles of pop, adult alternative, and contemporary folk.

Comparisons? Think Suzanne Vega and Death Cab for Cutie meets Sheryl Crow and Dido.

Words To Break Your Heart will be available on Valentine’s Day and was produced by Mike Davidson. Musicians on the album include Duke Levine (of Peter Wolf and Aimee Mann), Jamie Edwards (of Aimee Mann and Ben Gibbard), and Steve Scully (of Francine and Melissa Ferrick).

In other words, the musicianship will not disappoint.

What gave Steph the music bug? How about the answer in her words,

“I was about seven years old the first time listening to music gave me goose bumps. It was during Queen’s ‘Bicycle Race.’ There’s a brief solo near the end of the song that begins with bicycle bells jingling, then two guitars coming in and talking back and forth with each other. I get shivers just thinking about it. I was completely hooked.”

When she left for Boston University in 2006, she hit the open mic nights. She recalls being so nervous her first time on stage she “blacked out”.

When she was finished playing and made her way off stage, the venue director met her to ask if she wanted to headline her own show in the Spring. She went on to play 50+ shows in the East Coast area, including The Knitting Factory in NYC. She has also shared the stage with acts such as Jenny Owen Youngs.

This is the part where you connect with Steph on Facebook or Twitter.

You should also visit her website.