Interview: Stephanie Haavik
Stephanie Haavik is a Singer, Songwriter and Worship Leader who just released her new single 'Holy Spirit Fire'. Louder Than The Music chatted with her to find out all about her songwriting, being part of the Maverick City Choir, and the inspiration behind her music.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
I am wife to an awesome guy from the west coast of Norway and mom to three amazing kids, who were all born in Norway. They are by far my greatest blessings. Leading worship has been a huge part of my life from the age of 13 and is what I feel purposed to do. I currently lead worship at Epic Church in Decatur, AL. My family and I feel so blessed to be a part of the Epic family these past six years and are excited about what Jesus is continuing to do. In January of 2020 I began my journey in the Maverick City Choir. It has been such a beautiful gift and I still have to pinch myself sometimes.
In the past you've worked with some of the biggest names in Christian music, what are the stand-out memories for you so far?
The Maverick City and Elevation Worship collaboration earlier this year was an experience that is very hard to describe. To be together with my Maverick City Choir family and worship Jesus with so many from different backgrounds, life-stories, spending sweet time with them in His presence, it was the closest thing to Heaven on Earth that I have yet to experience. I am in awe that Jesus would choose me to be a part of it. Also, getting to be a part of the We The Kingdom and Tasha Cobb collab of Holy Water was so amazing. Their humility and love of Jesus was so evident and I am so grateful that I got to be a part of it.
Tell us about your new single 'Holy Spirit Fire' and what the inspiration behind it was?
Holy Spirit Fire is different from anything I've ever written. I had never written anything with a country/rock vibe before in my life. I wrote it in the middle of a crisis in my personal life. Honestly, I was angry as I was writing it, but it just flowed and the lyrics were completed in less than 20 minutes. I remember reading over the lyrics when I was done and feeling grace, so much grace. My favorite line is from the first verse 'You see me on the other side". Many times, when we're in the middle of a dark and painful journey we can't see anything else, but to know that Jesus has a different perspective than we do, there is incredible hope in that.
Do you have plans to release any more music in the near future?
Yes!! We are already working on pre-production for my EP. It will have a different feel musically than Holy Spirit Fire, but I am so excited to share some of my most favorite and recent songwrites.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
The hope that is in Jesus is a light that brightens the very darkest of circumstances. Just by being in His presence our perspective changes because He loves us so sweetly and personally. Also, I hope people simply have fun listening to my music.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Steffany Gretzinger! The adoration she has for Jesus is so evident in her music and her songwriting. It has long been a dream of mine to sit down and write with her and learn from her one day.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
If one person falls more in love with Jesus and is challenged to walk into their purpose through my songs or my story, than my career as an artist is 100% a success. My desire is to be pointing people to Jesus always, through every melody, every lyric.
What is your favorite album of all time?
Steffany Gretzinger's album, The Undoing, completely wrecked my life in the best way. I'm listening to Morning Song right now.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
My answer to this question would undoubtedly change on a weekly basis. Last week my answer would have been It's Always Been You by Phil Wickham. This week it is Constellations by Ellie Holcomb. However, my all time favorite song is The Story by Brandi Carlile, so I might need to hear that one last time. Hopefully I'm getting rescued.
What does the next year hold for you?
I'm going to still be leading worship wherever and whenever I can, be a part of as many Maverick City events as I am able, and write and release as many songs as possible, all while traveling and going on lots of adventures with my family.
