Artist Spotlight: Melisa Stefaniw

“Harvest Sun represents a true prairie culture and the unmistakable grit and determination of the people who make it their home.” - Melisa Stefaniw.

The singer/songwriter spoke with us about her love for music and the deep sense of community you’ll find year-after-year at Harvest Sun.  

How did you get started in music?
I was a pianist by training but moved to guitar when I fell hopelessly in love with Nirvana & Alice in Chains. In grade 4 I started my first kid-formal (that’s slightly less formal than adult-formal, AND way more fun) band and we practiced every day at noon. I was on keys then and the rest of us sang. Mostly Motown.

You played with other bands/musicians before, what made you decide to go solo?
I have lived a transient life and so haven’t been able to always have a consistent set of musicians around me.

What are your biggest musical inspirations?
Environment; down to the lighting, the air in the room and whatever my heart is wrestling with that moment.

What’s your favourite part about making music?
100% hands down my favourite part is the process of writing. Just me and my guitar or piano and those moments when melodies are fresh and endless and you aren’t locked into parts.

Why do you think a festival like Harvest Sun is important to have in Manitoba?
Harvest Sun represents a true prairie culture and the unmistakable grit and determination of the people who make it their home. A sense of community is really important in surviving the dark winters and in the summer, once the fields are planted and the gardens are blooming, there is a chance to come together and celebrate community, hard work, and the brilliantly energizing prairie sun.

For attendees, what would you say is the best thing about the Harvest Sun Music Fest?
It is truly a chance to connect with some unique people in a mellow environment with kind staff who appreciate everyone there. As a parent of two girls, it’s a fabulous event for kids, with thoughtful programming and a crew of folks who are looking out for one another & the collective rugrat gang.


Catch Melisa Stefaniw at The Harvest Sun Music Festival in Kelwood, MB - August 17 - 19th. Tickets are still available online or at the gate! ​

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Interview by Janet Adamana
Janet Adamana is the Founder/Editor-In-Chief of Sound, Phrase & Fury Magazine - a Winnipeg-based digital publication dedicated to promoting independent artists and industry professionals from all over the world. More than just about inciting hype, she interviews/writes to capture an artists’ essence and their greatest passions to ignite meaningful connections between fans and really great bands.