Today, I am here with a very talented and upcoming artist - Steph Ciotta, you all probably know her by her youtube username: Stephulahoops

Steph just started by posting covers of songs on youtube and now she is looking to take her music career to the next level.

Hope you enjoy the interview.

Hey Steph, How are you doing? I’m Glad to have you on YHP

Hey! I’m doing really well, thanks!

So tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m a 20-year-old college student, born and raised in New York. I grew up as a competitive dancer; I danced all my life. I only began taking music more seriously, however, within the past year. It’s always been a passion of mine, though, and I’ve found it to be incredibly fulfilling to be finally taking the initiative to pursue what I really love.

How would you define your style of music?

I would define my style of music as being an organic fusion of soul and pop, with acoustic influences.

Who are your musical inspirations?

The artist Justin Nozuka is a major musical inspiration for me. It wasn’t until after I saw him perform for the first time that my concept of having a career in music changed.

He exudes such soul and passion when he performs. It’s incredibly inspiring to watch someone expose themselves in front of a crowd the way he does with such vulnerability. When I perform, I can only hope to exude such passion.

What inspires you personally to make music or do cover for songs?

When choosing a song to cover for YouTube, I like to take current songs played on the radio and turn them into something different and what people won’t expect. Sometimes it’s completely off of impulse, especially when listening to a song for the first time. Often, when I do hear a song I like for the first time, I envision in my head the different layers. I then sit down and play with it until I’m happy with how it sounds!

What are your immediate music career goals?

For now, I intend to keep putting out covers on YouTube regularly. I’m in the process of writing, however, and definitely intend to have an EP, or at least a couple of originals, out by the fall!

Which artists can be found on your mp3 player?

Adele, Justin Nozuka, Julian Casablancas Lady Gaga, Coldplay, the Beatles, the Who, the Spice Girls, Jason Mraz, David Bowie, and a ton more. But yeah, if you couldn’t tell, I have a really eclectic taste in music, haha.

What do you think you'd be doing if you were not a singer?

Well, I’m currently studying Public Relations in college and if my goals as a performer in the music industry fail, I do intend to work for a record label promoting and being a PR practitioner/publicist for the company/artists/bands.

How many instruments do you play and how long have you been playing them?

I played the clarinet for 5 years and I know basic piano, ukulele, and guitar.

What's your favourite thing to do when you're not singing?

When I’m not singing, I love hanging out with my friends, attending concerts, and spending time with my family.

What do you do for fun?

I love reading and writing *nerd alert* haha, but I love to dance as well, since it’s another passion of mine.

Why did you decide to start putting covers and your songs on YouTube? And how has that helped you?

I decided to start uploading videos to YouTube after I attended a concert back in November 2009. I left so inspired. I always viewed a career in singing as being unattainable. YouTube has launched the careers of so many musicians, and the only way to reach a goal is to put yourself out there, so that’s exactly what I’m doing!

What has been your most memorable moment so far?

Justin Nozuka, Coaliton Records, and Alphabeat have retweeted my covers of their songs on Twitter. It’s pretty awesome knowing that they liked my cover of their song enough to share it with their fans!!

What are the key lessons that you’ve learnt so far in your musical journey?

I don’t view the people watching and leaving me comments on my YouTube videos as “fans,” as so many others who post videos put it.

It’s weird when people are shocked that I reply back to them because I’m just a regular kid like them! I post videos for fun and I hardly think of myself as being worthy of having fans of any sort. With that being said, I do think it’s important to reach out to those who reach out to you. I love commenting people back and making new friends through it :) I’ve learned that it’s important to respect everyone you come in contact with and to be grateful for everything that happens.

What should we be expecting from you in the nearest future?

MORE COVERS!!!! :P

Do you have anything else to say to your fans/supporters?

Ya’ll are the bee’s knees!!

Thanks for your time Steph and good luck

Don't Forget to check out her youtube page, Follow her on twitter and become a fan on facebook