Interview | Stephanie Rainey

Last year, Stephanie Rainey released her debut EP ‘Half Of Me’, featuring a rather special track ‘Please Don’t Go’.

The emotional and thought-provoking single was inspired by the tragic loss of her nephew ten years ago, delving into the powerful feelings surrounding loss.

The video for the track, featuring participants sharing their own heart-wrenching tales of loss, has now reached over 3.7 million views on Facebook.

With its powerful impact across the globe, we caught up with Stephanie to find out more about the single.

For those who haven’t heard ‘Please Don’t Go’, how would you describe the track?

I guess the best way of describing ‘Please Don’t Go’ is to say that it’s like a love letter to somebody who you know is going to die. It’s an expression of the different feelings you go through and it ultimately ends with the quiet moment you share with the person as they pass away.

How did you begin writing such an emotional song?

The song came to me after I went to see my friend in hospital. I’d seen so many sick people in all the different rooms and it really hit a nerve. I don’t even know why that day was different from any other. It kind of brought me back to the feeling I had after my nephew died. I suppose the song partly comes from a place of fear as well, knowing that I’ll probably go through the same thing again someday. From my experience, I could write openly about my fears but ultimately the peace you have to find in a situation like that. That’s the sacrifice you have to make to love openly in life, you can’t be afraid of the outcome or you won’t enjoy the process.

In what way did your family react when they heard the song for the first time?

I think anyone who had heard the track and really listened to the words has cried. I think they’re quite proud of it and the reaction it’s had. We all went through the same thing together so they can understand the song from my point of view I think. I think all that has happened in the past few weeks since putting it out has brought us a bit closer together again.

How does it feel knowing your single has provoked emotion in thousands of people across the world?

Honestly, it makes me very proud. It’s one of the only things I’ve ever done that I can be unashamedly proud of because the song and video don’t really belong to me anymore. The ideas came from me but they ultimately belong to anyone who watches the video and connects with the song. I’m also ridiculously proud and grateful to the people who gave so much of themselves to be in the video. There are so many layers to what the success of this means to me.

If you could share one message to those who have been touched by the track what would it be?

Firstly, a huge thank you for giving it your time. If you’re somebody that’s lost somebody, I hope the track and the video show you that you’re not alone. If you’ve never lost somebody remember that life is short, have fun and love people with no restriction.

You can watch the video for ‘Please Don’t Go’ below:

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