Artist: Stephanie Braganza
Single: “When We Last Kissed” feat. Drega

The thing I love most about songs included in the Electronic Dance Music, Pop, and R&B genres are that they are often incredibly catchy, energizing, and uplifting. Stephanie Braganza’s latest single “When We Last Kissed” featuring Drega is all of these, and includes such intoxicating female vocals that you will find yourself carried away with each exhilarating beat.

Stephanie began singing and performing for audiences at a young age. After years of hard work and dedication, she earned a scholarship for the vocal program at Humber College. Since her graduation, Stephanie has been busy sharing her music with the world. Having released her first international single “2 Good 2 Be”, Stephanie has also performed with rap artists Belly and Ginuwine at the Muchmusic Video Awards, received the Toronto Independent Music Award for Best Live Artist, and, in 2014, she performed at a private event at the Art Gallery of Ontario for former US President George W. Bush. In addition to all of these amazing accomplishments, Stephanie has also been the featured performer at many music festivals and venues around Ontario.

“When We Last Kissed” feat. Drega is Stephanie’s second single. Perhaps one of the biggest down sides to it is that the song is similar to many other dance and electronic songs that are on the radio at the moment. That being said, if you enjoy dance, electronic, or pop music than you will really enjoy this song.

However, unlike many pop and dance songs that overdo repetitive lyrics and the chorus, “When We Last Kissed” feat. Drega uses a variety of lyrics, from both Stephanie’s and Drega’s point of view, which helps carry the song along and keeps it interesting. As well, the difference between voices, Drega’s harshness to Stephanie’s sultryness, is a fantastic dynamic that adds another dimension to the song. It feels like Drega’s voice is very earthy and mortal, whereas Stephanie’s is ethereal and angelic. Also, since they never try to sing over one another, the song feels more like a conversation or an attempt for two people to reach an understanding in their relationship with one another.

There are a few other interesting elements in the song that I really enjoyed. The main beat of the song follows Stephanie’s vocals, and, when the time comes for Drega’s solo, the music changes drastically to emphasize his lyrics. The increase in pace during this time makes it feel like the song is leading to its climax. The artist also took care to draw back on the electronic effects when the song moves from one part to another. This helps add diversity to the song, and prevents the beat from becoming more of a drone, thus often boring the listener.

There is also a video for “When We Last Kissed” feat. Drega, which has reached over 150,000 views. The video is a brief trip into madness with awesome costume and set designs, and allusions to “Alice in Wonderland”. The fantastical video does not seem to match the song at all, but opens up another avenue for interpreting the song.

If you are interested in checking out Stephanie and her music, “When We Last Kissed” feat. Drega can be found on iTunes along with her other releases. As well, if you find yourself in Toronto next month, Stephanie will be playing September 12 at the Veg Food Fest at Harbourfront Centre.

Samantha Stevens is an aspiring writer who loves combining her love for literature with photography, painting, music, and all creative pursuits.