Stephanie Vo

Story by Khalil Hines

Stephanie Vo does not have to sell herself much on her ability to be an artist and vocalist, her forward confidence does just that. The Northeast Portland native, born and raised, brings herself into every scene and fills it with her personality. She describes her style as very feminine and “girlie,” and her music speaks to those tendencies. “With my song writing, I really enjoy writing tender lyrics. Lyrics that are really soft, and gentle. That feels the most authentic to me,” she said.

Vo grew up with a microphone in her hand. She started in the choir in middle school and high school. But, she credits her background in music theory as her strongest area. “Once I have the beat that I like, I’ll listen and think what melodies will come to mind, what flows, maybe a bar, or a word will resonate with the track. It is really arbitrary, I don’t have a systematic way of making music.”

She may not be systematic in her short career so far, but she does know what type of music she wants to create. After only two years of limited recording, her ability to write and structure songs stands out. Her main inspirations are Ariana Grande and Don Toliver, crediting their pop, R&B, and hip hop influences as a big inspiration for her. “[Don Toliver], the stuff he does is very melodic, and his cadences, his flows, are very melodic, and I am inspired by that.”  

It is clear to see those inspirations on her latest two-pack titled SV, released in 2021. Tracks TAUREAN and Unsettled are pleasantly modern-pop, having nice 808 undertones, with Stephanie’s R&B infused lyrics and melodies that create fun tracks with enough vibration for a house party, but also catchy enough to enjoy while listening live. 

While Ms. Vo is still not where she wants to be yet, the girl from Cully Blvd.’s overall goal is to make those who care proud. “I want to make my people proud with the music. I want to put out quality. I want to put out music that people can support because they want to, not just because ‘this is our girl, we have to support her’,” says Stephanie.

Stephanie Vo can be found on Instagram, YouTube, and of course on all streaming platforms.