The Shape I'm In: Rewarding year for Cork singer-songwriter Stephanie Rainey

Cork singer-songwriter Stephanie Rainey has had a rewarding year that has seen her music attract a loyal and growing fanbase.

This means a lot to her, she says — particularly because she hasn’t released a lot of new songs in the past year.

“This year was kind of a mad one. I’ve been working in the studio and now we have a load of new music.

“The numbers for our live shows are getting bigger and bigger. I suppose I thought when we took a little break from putting out stuff that it could set us back but it’s actually been the opposite,” she says, adding that she wanted the time out to explore what direction she was taking.

“It’s really important to think about where you want to go with your music.

It’s more singles now than a body of work, and sometimes you can lose the thread of yourself rather than looking at the bigger picture. However, all of the songs are as well known by fans.

In 2020, she says, she would love to work towards an album release. “My goal in the long term is to bring out an album. Doing singles is great but an album is a real statement of work.”

Stephanie is upbeat about the thriving Cork music scene which she describes as “bustling” these days.

“There are a good few original acts coming out of Cork at the moment. The music scene in Cork is growing and that’s great for musicians. For me, Cork has just been absolutely amazing.

"The amount of support that people give is phenomenal.”

Singer-songwriter Stephanie Rainey from Glanmire, Cork, pictured on Richmond Hill in Cork. Picture Dan Linehan.

What shape are you in?

I’m in pretty good shape. Taking time off from releasing music definitely caused me a little bit of stress. But, looking back now, the time has been fantastic to refocus. I feel the most aligned I’ve ever been to do what I want to do.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I try to have a protein shake in the morning instead of anything carb related. I have a stir-fry whenever I can. Give me rice or pasta or noodles any day over potatoes.

What are your guiltiest pleasures?

Coffee is definitely one. Caffeine is terrible for your voice, it dries it out completely. But I couldn’t even fathom starting the day without it. I’m trying to kick it completely at the moment and I’ve changed milk for oatmilk.

What would keep you awake at night?

I’m a big worrier. I overthink things and I’ve been like that my entire life. I went to a hypnotist and it really helped me to switch off. There is more I could do to combat it.

How do you relax?

I love going for a walk with the dog, it just sorts me out straight away. And I love listening to podcasts while I’m walking. I’ve gotten into upcycling things in my spare time. I recently sanded down a dresser and repainted it. I also love spending time with my family, it’s my favourite thing to do.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

People that I love but don’t see often. I’d love to go back in time and have a dinner party with my entire extended family, including the people who aren’t here anymore.

What’s your favourite smell?

Lavender. Mum used to always have essential oils when I was a kid and lavender was always my favourite. That and the smell of onions and garlic cooking.

What would you like to change about your appearance?

I could list many things but when I think about that, I wouldn’t realistically change anything, even if I thought it would make me happier. It would dismiss who I am as a person.

When is the last time you cried?

I had two gigs in Cork at the weekend and I cried at both. They were very emotional nights. They were in St Luke’s Church in Cork and the energy was just magic. I was completely overwhelmed by it.

What traits do you least like in others?

I don’t like when people are unnecessarily nasty to others. I will never understand the world of online trolling in my life, how someone can be mean and then just walk away. People being opportunistic is also a very strange trait to me.

What traits do you least like about yourself?

I’m easily overwhelmed by things. I can get nervous about things for no reason and emotionally react to them before I logically respond.

Do you pray?

I do, very rarely, but I don’t think that deep down I have that deep-seated spiritual connection. At the end of every day, I will write down things that I’m grateful for, and things that I’d like to happen.

What would cheer up your day?

Dinner with my family, I absolutely love hanging out with them. Spending time with them is everything.