Stephie Hacker on Crafting Joys: A Candid Conversation with the Renowned Musician

october 21, 2025

Sitzenberg-Reidling, Austria – Stephie Hacker, a remarkably versatile Artist, defies simple categorization as a musician. Her compositions blend elements of Jazz, Pop, Classical, and Groove, creating a sound often lauded for it’s poetic quality. she seamlessly navigates a demanding career while cherishing her role as a mother and educator.

A Family Legacy in Music

Hacker’s musical journey began within her Family. Her Father, an excited amateur musician, instilled in her a love for music, while her Aunt provided Piano lessons at the age of six. Later, her Grandfather introduced her to the Violin. It was through her Uncle that she discovered Jazz, which led to further piano instruction. She honed her skills through years of study at various music schools, including those in Traismauer, Krems, and Vienna.

Her academic pursuits culminated in studies at the Schubert Conservatory and the University of Music and Performing arts in Vienna, where she focused on Jazz singing, Classical Piano, and Music Education.Despite her international engagements, Hacker remains committed to her homeland, continuing to teach at the Unteres Traisental Music School.

From Austria to the Global Stage

Following her studies, Hacker pursued her passion in New York City, quickly gaining recognition and performing alongside established Jazz musicians. This propelled her to engagements as a soloist and with the “Stephie Hacker Band,” taking her to Tokyo and beyond. As 2007,she has contributed her talents as a musician,musical director,and composer to prominent theaters like the Vienna Burgtheater and the Theater der Jugend Wien.

Hacker’s creative output extends to arranging and composing for children’s musicals and film scores.Her next project is the premiere of “The Little Witch,” directed by Michael Schachermeier, at the Kiel Theater on November 22nd, 2025, for which she composed all the incidental music and songs. A concert at the renowned Jazz & Music Club Porgy & Bess is scheduled for January.

“I believe that music connects us – across differences, directly from heart to heart.”

Stephanie Hacker

balancing Act: Artistry, Family, and Homeland

at this year’s Traismauer Cultural Summer, Hacker performed with the “Stephie Hacker Band.” She maintains a deep connection to Lower Austria, residing with her Family in a holiday home in Nußdorf/Traisen since 2020. She feels a strong attachment to the region, enjoying the tranquility of her garden during her free time.

the Shift to Composition

While Hacker still enjoys performing live, commissioned work has increasingly shifted her focus towards composition.She integrates her own compositions into her performances, demonstrating her multifaceted talents. She states that creating deeply personal work, like her song “You and Me,” can be both vulnerable and empowering, allowing her to share raw emotion with her audience.

From Rejection to Children’s Musicals

Initially dismissing a career in musicals, Hacker has since embraced the genre, especially when working with children. She finds immense satisfaction in directing and writing children’s musicals, recognizing their unique appeal and educational value.

A family Affair

Collaboration with her brothers, laurenz and Matthias Hacker, is also central to her artistic life. Recent performances with Laurenz at the Vienna Cultural Summer showcase their harmonious connection.Matthias Hacker authored the books for “Different?” and “The Puppet Crime,” demonstrating a pattern of Family productions built on mutual trust and shared creativity.

Stephie hacker on the cargo bike,managing the logistics of performances with her children and instruments. © Private

Hacker’s children, Antonia (10) and Eduard “Edi” (8), are also showing musical promise and are actively involved in performances. She marvels at their professionalism, a quality she cultivated over time. The Family home is filled with music, with instruments like the Piano, drums, accordion, violin, and cello all finding a place.

Finding Efficiency in a Hectic Life

Juggling studio work, stage performances, school commitments, and Family life requires careful management. Hacker focuses on efficient workflow and trusting her initial spontaneous musical ideas. A cargo bike is a crucial part of her daily routine in Vienna, providing a quick and relaxing mode of transport for both herself and her children.

New album: “Glücksmomente”

Hacker’s fourth solo album,”Glücksmomente,” is set for release on October 24th,featuring twelve German-language songs that explore themes of empathy,introspection,courage,and tenderness. She recorded the album with her band and invited special guests to enhance the musical experience

Album	Release Date	Language	Genre
Glücksmomente	October 24th, 2025	German	Jazz, Pop, Classical

more facts and concert dates can be found on her website www.stephaniehacker.com and on Instagram stephie.hacker.

The Enduring Power of Musical Families

The success of musicians like Stephie Hacker highlights the powerful influence of Family in nurturing artistic talent. The collaborative spirit within the Hacker Family demonstrates how shared passion and mutual support can drive creative endeavors. According to a 2023 study by the National Endowment for the Arts, individuals with family involvement in the arts are substantially more likely to pursue creative careers themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stephie Hacker

• What kind of music does Stephie Hacker play? Stephie Hacker performs a diverse range of music, blending Jazz, Pop, Classical, and Groove elements.
• Where did Stephie Hacker study music? She studied at the Schubert Conservatory and the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna.
• What is Stephie Hacker’s new album called? Her new album is titled “Glücksmomente” and will be released on October 24th, 2025.
• How does Stephie Hacker balance her career with Family life? She emphasizes efficiency, trusts her instincts, and utilizes a cargo bike for transportation.
• Does Stephie Hacker work with her Family? Yes,she frequently collaborates with her brothers,Laurenz and Matthias Hacker,on musical projects.
• Where can I find more information about Stephie Hacker? Visit her website at www.stephaniehacker.com or her Instagram profile stephie.hacker.

What aspects of Stephie Hacker’s story resonate most with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How did growing up with a diverse musical landscape influence Stephie Hacker’s signature sound?

the Genesis of a Sound: Early Influences & Musical Foundations

Stephie Hacker’s journey into music wasn’t a sudden spark, but a gradual unfolding. Growing up surrounded by a diverse musical landscape – from her grandmother’s classical piano to her older brother’s burgeoning indie rock collection – she absorbed a wide range of sonic textures. This eclectic upbringing is often cited as a key influence on her signature sound, a blend of folk intimacy, electronic experimentation, and lyrical depth. Hacker frequently discusses the impact of artists like Joni Mitchell and Björk on her songwriting process, emphasizing their willingness to push boundaries and explore vulnerability. Early piano lessons weren’t just about technique; they were about learning to translate emotion into sound, a skill that remains central to her work.

Deconstructing the Songwriting Process: From inspiration to Completion

Manny aspiring musicians and fans alike are curious about hacker’s creative process. She describes it as a fluid, frequently enough chaotic, experience. “It rarely starts with a grand idea,” she explains. “More often,it’s a fragment – a melody,a phrase,a feeling – that I latch onto and begin to build around.”

Here’s a breakdown of her typical songwriting stages:

1. Initial Spark: This could be anything – a overheard conversation,a striking image,a personal experience. Hacker keeps a notebook constantly at hand to capture thes fleeting moments of inspiration.
2. Melodic Exploration: She often begins by improvising on piano or guitar, letting the melody dictate the emotional tone of the song. Loop pedals and ambient effects are frequently used during this phase.
3. Lyrical Development: Lyrics are rarely writen first. They emerge organically from the melody and the underlying emotional core of the song. Hacker prioritizes authenticity and honesty in her writing, often drawing from personal experiences and observations.
4. arrangement & Production: This is where the song truly takes shape. Hacker collaborates with a small team of trusted producers and musicians to refine the arrangement and explore different sonic possibilities. She’s known for her meticulous attention to detail and her willingness to experiment with unconventional sounds.

The Role of Technology in Hacker’s Artistic Vision

Stephie Hacker isn’t afraid to embrace technology. While her music retains a distinctly human quality, she skillfully integrates electronic elements to create a unique and captivating soundscape. She’s a proficient user of Ableton Live, utilizing its capabilities for sampling, looping, and sound design.

* Sampling & Texture: Hacker frequently incorporates found sounds and field recordings into her music, adding layers of texture and atmosphere.

* synthesizers & Effects: She experiments with a wide range of synthesizers and effects pedals to create otherworldly soundscapes and enhance the emotional impact of her songs.

* Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs): Ableton Live is her primary DAW, providing a flexible and intuitive platform for composing, arranging, and mixing her music.

“Technology is a tool,” hacker emphasizes. “It’s not about replacing human creativity, but about augmenting it. It allows me to explore sonic possibilities that wouldn’t be possible or else.” This approach is evident in tracks like “Echo Bloom,” where subtle electronic textures create a haunting and ethereal atmosphere.

Navigating the Music Industry: Challenges and Triumphs

The music industry presents unique challenges for self-reliant artists. Hacker has navigated these complexities with a combination of artistic integrity and entrepreneurial spirit.She’s a strong advocate for artist ownership and control, choosing to release her music independently through her own label.

One notable hurdle she faced early in her career was gaining recognition in a male-dominated industry. “There were times when I felt like my voice wasn’t being heard,” she admits. “But I refused to compromise my artistic vision. I knew that if I stayed true to myself, the right people would eventually take notice.”

Her breakthrough came with the release of her critically acclaimed album, Chromatic Dreams, which garnered widespread praise from music critics and earned her a devoted following. The album’s success demonstrated the power of authenticity and the growing demand for independent, artist-driven music.

Beyond the Music: Hacker’s Advocacy and Creative Outreach

Stephie Hacker’s commitment extends beyond her own artistic pursuits. She’s a vocal advocate for music education and supports several organizations that provide access to music programs for underprivileged youth. she also conducts workshops and masterclasses, sharing her knowledge and experience with aspiring musicians.

* Music Education Initiatives: Hacker actively supports programs that provide instruments and music lessons to children in underserved communities.

* artist Mentorship: She mentors emerging artists, offering guidance and support as they navigate the challenges of the music industry.

* Creative Workshops: Hacker leads workshops on songwriting, music production, and performance, empowering others to explore their creative potential.

The Future of Sound: Hacker’s Vision for the Next Chapter

Looking ahead, Stephie Hacker remains committed to pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic territories. She’s currently working on a new project that incorporates elements of ambient music, spoken word poetry, and immersive sound design. “I’