Christchurch’s Steffany Beck Embraces Her Inner Cowgirl On Her Rollicking New Anthem, ‘Country Strong’

Christchurch’s very own rising country-pop star Steffany Beck has released her first song of 2025, the rocking ‘n’ rowdy anthem, ‘Country Strong’.

2025 is indeed looking strong for Steffany, having grabbed the attention of music consultant Steve Guest, who has worked with Dolly Parton for over 20 years, and now resides in NZ, when he saw her play her hit ‘What Would Dolly Do?’ randomly at a fair in Rangiora last year. Steve is now mentoring Steffany in the ways of international country music alongside Bianca Lindstrom - ex Sony Australia - who is a marketing genius in the music industry. There are plans afoot to elevate Steffany as the country music scene continues to explode. Beck is one of the first performers to be confirmed to play at The Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch (date to be announced), as part of the theatre’s initiative ‘Live and Local’, and NZ Music Month, which gives artists the opportunity to showcase their talents and their voices onstage at the prestigious venue and help them on their musical journeys.

Steve Guest said, "Steffany is a talented singer and songwriter with a relentless work ethic. Her songs are very good. She reminds me of a young Dolly Parton, and we all know how her hard work paid off. Stef has a promising future ahead, with opportunities in Nashville, Europe, and beyond. I'm glad to be part of her journey.”

Bianca Lindstrom from Issac Theatre Royal said, "Steffany is the real deal - equal parts talent, grit, and pure country heart. She writes with authenticity, performs with joy, and works like someone who knows exactly where she’s going. ‘Country Strong’ isn’t just a great song - it’s a statement. I’m thrilled to be supporting her journey as she sets her sights on the world stage.”

A rock ‘n’ roll, toe-tappin’, ode to country music, ‘Country Strong’ was co-written with longtime collaborator Nick Burson, who stumbled across the song’s killer riff while playing around with some song ideas at home in Steffany’s living room. “I was like ‘Woah! What was that? Play it again’,” Steffany says.

“Once I heard it the second time the lyrics and melody just started pouring out of me. When inspiration strikes, it strikes hot, and this song was like lightning.”

Steffany says that the inspiration for the lyrics for ‘Country Strong’ comes from the phenomenal popularity of country music right now. “Country music has always been cool. But there is a worldwide movement right now and this song embodies it - connecting our country roots to the worldwide modern country music fever,” she explains.

The palpable energy of ‘Country Strong’ is captured in a slick music video made by Neato Productions. It features members of the Christchurch Western Riding Association and saw Steffany brushing up on her horse wrangling and riding skills and embracing her inner cowgirl.

“I had four riding sessions and literally practiced daily for a couple of weeks to improve my lasso skills. I was so determined to look like a natural born cowgirl. The horse, Elle, which I was blessed to ride, was perfect for me. She was a patient, experienced showgirl, who knew how to make a rookie look like a pro,” says Steffany.

Supported by NZ on Air and recorded and produced by Andy and Victoria Knopp (The Response), ‘Country Strong’ is the first single from Steffany this year, and follows the release of her 2024 EP, PILLARS, which received a rave review from MuzicNZ: “It’s hard to find fault in the songwriting… Beck proves she has a knack for writing a catchy hook, all while telling compelling and heartfelt stories.”

PILLARS and now ‘Country Strong’ have established Steffany as ‘one to watch’ on New Zealand’s country-pop music scene and showcase a talented artist, who’s enjoying the ride. “I feel strong and confident in who I am and ‘Country Strong’ reflects me embracing being strong, loving country music and having a hell of a good time doing it.”

To celebrate the release of ‘Country Strong’, Steffany is playing a string of shows, including this weekend’s Country Rock Music Festival in the Bay of Islands (May 9 and 10), the Live and Local Showcase in Christchurch (May 11) and Go Live Festival (August 23).

About Steffany Beck:

Steffany Beck is a country pop singer-songwriter with an impressive list of career highlights, including her country debut EP, PILLARS, recorded with multi-award winning producer Ben Edwards. The EP charted at #6 in The Top 20 NZ Albums. Steffany has written with celebrated New Zealand singer-songwriter Bic Runga and has performed live with legends such as Jason Kerrison and Anika Moa. She has won a national songwriting competition and is a semi-finalist for the International Songwriting Competition. This past summer, Steffany performed at Christmas in the Park, NZ Spirit Festival, Summer Sundays, South Island Wine and Food Festival, opening for Kaylee Bell, and many more! On top of that Steffany Beck partnered up with Miranda Easten to release girl power country duet single ‘Hell & Back’ charting at #12 on the Tasmanian & OZCMR Top 40 Country Chart.

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