“Lesser Than” is a song about sexual violence. This theme is universal in that it resonates across all genders, all ages, all human experience. The themes of overpowering, dominating and commanding are common traits among all living creatures.
So where does consent become murky? At what point wellness and creative connection thrive – onstage and beyond.
could consent turn to non-consensual?
These are the ideas that I explore in“Lesser Than”. They are uncomfortable, they are intense and these themes often hit home on a personal level. Although difficult to address, I felt it wastime.
The inspiration for“Lesser Than” came to me during a moment in time when I felt powerless, betrayed, degraded. I felt the need to express these incredibly strong emotions that humans feel at times, with a message of strength and resilience at the end. “I know that you want me to be lesser than… But I’ll never be lesser than you”.
It has taken courage and strength to record and release this song, with the intention to bring to light, bring to the surface the painful and difficult subject of rape and sexual violence.
My hope is that this is just the beginning of the conversation.” ~Steph
The Goddess Series is a concert experience curated by Stephanie Westdal, celebrating intentional, inclusive spaces where artistry,
Writer and Performer: Stephanie Westdal Musical arrangement, Performance and Production: Chris Burke-Gaffney
Mastering: Allen Hunnie
Photography: Tom Brodbeck
Artwork: Stephanie Westdal
Distributed by World Peach Records
About Stephanie Westdal
The most striking aspect of Stephanie Westdal’s music is the power and sensuality of her voice. The singer-songwriter — based in Winnipeg after years of living and performing abroad — not only exudes technical ability, she invites audiences into her soul by exploring deeply personal perspectives on human intimacy and vulnerability.
The queer indie-pop artist’s studio recordings amplify those qualities. Her 2024 releases include Drive Your Car, Gonna Love You, Bleed and Want You So Bad, which Honk Magazine said radiates “tenderness and seductive charm.” The songs garnered national radio play, as well as a national TV interview on CBC Radio-Canada (French), 50k streams on all platforms and Manitoba Music’s ‘Song of the Week’.
Westdal’s mission is to empower people to express themselves in their truest form. Through her music, she hopes to captivate the listener in a sensual, sultry trance while encouraging self expression in whatever way that might be… music, art, dance, media. Westdal never shies away from intimate and personal subjects ranging from mental health (Bleed 2024) to deep desire (Want You So Bad 2024).
Westdal performs live and is returning to the studio to record new material in 2025. Her previous recordings include album Into The Blue (2012) and EP Shabooboo Burger (2014).
Stephanie Westdal sounds like Lana Del Rey for sultry introspective delivery, Nora Jones for smooth soulful vocals, Florence Welch for a blend of powerful vocals and emotional story telling and Sara Bareilles for thoughtful lyrics and warm vocal tone.
Westdal’s music strikes a balance between emotional vulnerability and accessible, polished production, appealing to fans of introspective yet vibrant indie-pop and rock.
The most striking aspect of the queer indie-pop artist Stephanie Westdal’s music is the power and sensuality of her voice. The singer-songwriter — based in Winnipeg after years of living and performing abroad — not only exudes technical ability, she invites audiences into her soul by exploring deeply personal perspectives on human intimacy and vulnerability.
Her 2024 releases include Drive Your Car, Gonna Love You, Bleed and Want You So Bad, which Honk Magazine says radiates “tenderness and seductive charm.”
Westdal’s mission is to empower people to express themselves in their truest form. Through her music, she hopes to captivate the listener in a sensual, sultry trance while encouraging self expression in whatever way that might be… music, art, dance, media. Westdal never shies away from intimate and personal subjects ranging from mental health (Bleed 2024) to deep desire (Want You So Bad 2024).
The most striking aspect of queer indie-pop artist Stephanie Westdal’s music is the power and sensuality of her voice. Based in Winnipeg after years of living and performing abroad — not only exudes technical ability, she invites audiences into her soul by exploring deeply personal perspectives on human intimacy and vulnerability.
https://www.stephaniewestdal.ca
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https://www.youtube.com/@stephaniewestdal3007
https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniewestdalmusic
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3eOhVHq7YY3Rnz61yYsNFN