Stacey Mirander finally making her voice heard

Blending her natural reggae sound with a touch of country and jazz music, while remaining trendy with a dancehall flair, Stacey Mirander has a cutting edge to drive her musical passion.

Mirander, who was a full-time protocol officer, said making the change to work part-time was the only way to make her dreams of becoming an artiste a reality. Discovering her talent as early as age six at one of her mom's 'dub club' sessions, Mirander said she later dabbled in every musical opportunity she could acquire up until age 15 when life took a turn.

"The 'Guitsy' [guitar player] just gave me the mic and seh 'Jus sing a song' and I did and I was like, 'Oh my God, I loved it' and this feels good - the whole vibrancy, people laughing, dancing. It did something to me at that age and I was like 'I love this joy' - music brings joy. It's a universal language," Mirander said.

After venturing into the work world, she lost total interest in music, but during the pandemic in 2020, when productivity slowed down, she teamed up with a family friend who was engaged in some Apple workshop seminars. Through their dialogues, he realised her hidden talent and suggested a collaboration. This gig, which also featured reggae maestro Sanchez, titled Love Wonderful Love, reignited Mirander's passion.

From that partnership, she was later introduced to legendary producer, Bulby York who produced her debut single Hear Oh Lord, which was also featured on York's Time and Color album.

"Music is my life. For years, music lived quietly inside me - an old love that never died and needed to be reignited. And so it did!" said Mirander.

Unfortunately, after wetting her musical appetite again, she got seriously ill and was admitted in the Annotto Bay Hospital for months.

"I couldn't sing and they couldn't figure out what was wrong and it was a battle for almost a year. But it was this experience while in the hospital seeing people dying infront of me and next to me that I said, 'You know what Lord? If yuh help me outta dis bed and help me to get better, I'm going to do what I love,'" she promised. "It's unfortunate that it had to be that epiphany that gave me that shove but I'm glad it did because that was the moment that gave me back that spark."

Often described as a "storyteller at heart", who weaves her Caribbean roots and upbringing into a sound that's both deeply personal and universally resonant, the artiste said this helps in connecting deeper with her fans.

"Life has taken me in many different directions - we have broken points and moments that we triumph and in that constant push and pull, you develop stories and experiences that you learn from, that kinda resonates with you. Also, with my upbringing and the energy that I gravitate from other people and vice versa, that's where my inspiration come from. And to break it down into the lyrics is how I do it to evoke different meanings and everybody loves a good story," she smiled.

Hailing from Clarendon, Mirander officially stepped on the music scene in January with new singles that showcase her versatility and unique sound, including Life and Call You Mine. Recently, Mirander also did a remix of her single Mankind featuring Richie Spice.

Mirander said despite the challenges, she's not deterred by the highly competitive space and fast-paced nature of the game.

"I have to be learning as I go along - every day is a learning experience for me - from learning new dialogue, trends, slangs. So I have to be focused and quick on my feet. I've met some really wonderful people along the way who understand what am trying to do and make it easier for my music to come to life," she said.

However, she noted that transitioning from a protocol officer to an artiste hasn't been an easy task as she even questioned her choice.

"Then I'm like 'No, I'm doing this, I'm doing this' because the melody, the lyrics, they just come so naturally and I can't stop it or turn it off. So I know I have to do this," she firmly stated. "Is one life we have to live suh wi have to do it now."

Thriving with a strong support team, combined with her "will power and drive" to propel her career, Mirander is confident that she will make the "impossible, possible" in order to achieve a successful music career. She said she hopes to leave an indelible mark on her fans and be remembered for her positive messages. However, she underscored that her ultimate aim is to be heard.

"I've held back for so many years and now is the time and I really want to share that message with you," she said.