They say love is a leap of faith, and Stefanie Michaela is taking the plunge with her heartfelt new single, Found in You. A shimmering blend of pop and R&B, the track—set for release on Valentine’s Day 2025—delivers a beautifully introspective take on love, trust, and the magic of following your instincts.
At its core, Found in You is about learning to listen to that quiet inner voice that nudges us toward the unexpected. "Sometimes, what we think is best turns out to be the opposite of what we truly need," Stefanie explains. The song captures those tender, uncertain moments at the beginning of a relationship, where doubt wrestles with desire, and fear battles with hope. It's an anthem for the overthinkers, the cautious hearts, and the ones learning to trust love, even when it doesn't look the way they expected.
Produced by Grammy-winning powerhouse Keith Thomas—whose credits include legends like Whitney Houston, Amy Grant, CeCe Winans, and Vanessa Williams—Found in You carries an undeniable sense of warmth and refinement. Thomas’ signature touch elevates the song’s lush instrumentation and smooth, soul-infused melodies, perfectly complementing Stefanie’s rich vocals.
Beyond the song itself, Stefanie Michaela's journey back to music is a story worth celebrating. As an artist balancing her passion with raising a family, she’s a living testament to the idea that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. "Never give up on your passion," she says. "Even if it’s just a few moments each day, incorporating what you love into your life can completely shift your mindset and well-being."
With Found in You, Stefanie invites listeners to pause, reflect, and embrace the love they’ve found—whether romantic, self-love, or the passions that set their souls on fire. Because sometimes, what feels uncertain at first is exactly what we need to turn the page to the next beautiful chapter of our lives.
Found in You beautifully explores trust and intuition in love. Was there a specific moment or experience in your life that inspired this song?
After questioning what I thought I wanted in a relationship, I took a step back and realized that what I needed was right in front of me. When you're younger, you have a vision, but as time goes by, if you let your intuition guide you, it becomes clear what path you should be taking.
Working with Grammy-winning producer Keith Thomas is an incredible milestone! What was it like collaborating with someone who has shaped the sound of legends like Whitney Houston and Vanessa Williams?
Working with Keith Thomas was an absolute dream come true. Not only does he have exactly what I’m looking for in a producer, but he knows how to transform each and every lyric into an emotionally powerful piece of art. After collaborating with Keith, I’m hopeful that our music together will create lasting impact for all the listeners.
You speak about the importance of following your passion, even while balancing family life. What advice would you give to aspiring artists who feel they don’t have time to pursue their dreams?
It’s not about committing full-time to your passion, but about incorporating something you truly love into your daily life. Think back to when you were a child and focused on the craft you’ve always loved—reintroducing that into your adult life can bring fulfillment. By making room for a bit of your passion each day, you'll notice a shift in your mindset and feel more fulfilled in all aspects of your life. People will start to notice, complimenting your happiness, and you can share that it's because you’re doing what you love daily, which is even enhancing your family life. You'll inspire others to reflect on their own passions, and you’ll have the chance to share your story and the newfound happiness it’s brought you.
Your music blends elements of pop and R&B so effortlessly. Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
I’ve always considered myself an emotional singer, influenced by artists like Whitney Houston, Toni Braxton, Vanessa Williams, and Boyz II Men. Growing up listening to them, their voices and clarity shaped my sound. I created a pop emotional R&B style that allows listeners to clearly hear my lyrics and connect with the emotions I’m conveying. This is my story, and I want to share it with everyone, hoping they can incorporate these lyrics into their own lives and personal experiences.
With Found in You dropping on Valentine’s Day, it feels like the perfect song for the occasion. How do you hope listeners will connect with the track, and what message do you want them to take away?
I’m really excited about this song. It represents my love story and captures the emotions that have shaped the foundation of my life. Without this foundation, I wouldn’t be pursuing my passion, as it has given me the drive to chase my dreams. Found in You reminded me of what’s truly important in life. It’s not about the daily distractions – it’s about the love you create, whether it’s within yourself, with your partner, or your family. It’s about the foundation you build. I hope this encourages people to reconsider what love really means to them and to be open to it, even if it doesn’t seem like the right fit at first. It could be the perfect piece of the puzzle, even if you don’t know it yet.