Stephen Stahl and Courtney Jenae (now married) turned to songwriting as a way to pay their bills. Soon after they found themselves in the far east shaping the global K-POP sound. They have sold over four million records, and they have had a combined total of 10 number one singles, two of those reaching #1 on the Billboard world album charts.
With all of that success, the duo were ready to start their own artist adventure, forming YVR in 2017. We got to interview them, asking them all about their new music video for ‘Heartless’, and more. Here it is:
We understand that you have a new music video for the song ‘Heartless’. What was your favourite thing about making the music video?
(Stephen) I think I have two favorite moments making the video. Pretending to be dead on a busy street and having to stand up immediately after cars drove by to assure the passing drivers that I was just acting was kinda fun. And also seeing Courtney pretend to channel spirits through a 1980s television set. Exhausting but fun and creative video shoot.
(Courtney) Making music videos are so exciting. It takes an army and I love seeing the whole process come together! My favorite moment was probably dancing around with the scarf outside. I felt like Shakira!
What would you say the storyline of the music video for ‘Heartless’ is?
The storyline is about a one sided relationship. You’re trying all you can to communicate with someone who is emotionally unavailable. And in the case of the video, physically unavailable.
Would you say that ‘Heartless’ is one of your favourite songs you have made?
It’s hard to pick a favorite song because they’re all like our babies. But we’re very proud of “Heartless”. It’s very raw and real.
We are aware that this is one of the songs featured on your debut EP. What did you love most about making the EP as a whole?
Making this EP was exciting and challenging. We’ve been songwriting for over 8 years together and being able to finally work on our own music and sound is such a special and rewarding feeling. We poured ourselves into every lyric, melody and sound.
Who/What inspired you to want a career in music?
(Courtney) My inspiration to take on a career in music came on slowly. I didn’t grow up in a musical family. It was in high school that I discovered my love for singing. After a few years of singing lessons and music theory classes in college, I decided to move to LA to pursue an artist/songwriting career, which is when Stephen and I met.
Would you love to collaborate with any other artists. If so, who would you both love to work with?
It would be a dream to collaborate with Kacey Musgraves and Christina Aguilera.
What are your plans for the rest of 2019?
We are currently planning a west coast tour and plan on releasing even more music!
Finally, what would you love to say to all the people who listen to, and support your music?
We are grateful for everyone who is listening, enjoying and sharing our music. You never know what song is going to connect with someone, and to be able to connect with others through music is an incredible feeling.
Let us know what you think about ‘Heartless’ on Twitter @CelebMix