It’s official: the Guitar Version of “Stepping Stones” is out now on every major streaming platform! After months of dreaming up new textures for my award-winning song, Young Musicians Unite stepped in and connected me with the most incredible guitarist in town—Deo Budnevich—and together, we’ve brought “Stepping Stones” to life in a whole new way.
A New Chapter for “Stepping Stones”
When I first wrote “Stepping Stones,” I imagined it as a piano-driven anthem about growth, one small victory at a time. But in revisiting the piece, I felt it needed a fresh voice—something raw, warm, and intimate. That’s where Deo came in. From our very first rehearsal, his fingers danced over the fretboard with such emotion that I knew we were onto something special.
Collaborating with Deo Budnevich
Deo’s background in jazz fusion and classical fingerstyle brought unexpected colors to the track. He suggested a cascading arpeggio for the intro that instantly set a different mood: reflective yet hopeful. As we recorded in the studio, I watched him coax new harmonics and subtle bends from his guitar, weaving them into the melody I’d grown so familiar with. The result is a version of “Stepping Stones” that feels both comfortingly familiar and thrillingly new.
Thanks to Young Musicians Unite
None of this would have happened without the support of Young Musicians Unite. Their mission to connect budding artists with top-tier talent is what made this collaboration possible. I’m so grateful they introduced me to Deo—and for championing creative partnerships that push us all to grow.
Why the Guitar Version Matters
- New Perspective: Stripping away other instruments exposes the song’s core melody and lyrics in a fresh light.
- Intimacy: The guitar’s organic tone creates a one-on-one connection—like singing beside a friend around a campfire.
- Versatility: Whether you’re listening on headphones, in the car, or at a small gig, the guitar version travels beautifully and adapts to any setting.
Listen and Share
You can listen to “Stepping Stones (Guitar Version)” right now on:
- Spotify
- Apple Music
- Amazon Music
- YouTube Music
- And wherever you get your tunes!
Click, stream, and if you love it, share it with a friend who needs a little musical encouragement today. Every play, playlist add, and share helps an independent artist like me keep creating—and I appreciate your support more than words can say.
What’s Next?
I’m already dreaming up new arrangements and writing fresh material. If you enjoyed the guitar take on “Stepping Stones,” stay tuned for:
- A live acoustic session (date TBA!)
- Behind-the-scenes recording clips on my Instagram and TikTok
- A possible ukulele version—because why not stack more stepping stones?
Thank you for joining me on this journey—from the first piano sketch to the award-winning competition performance and now to the guitar release. Here’s to every small step, every new version, and the music that carries us forward. 🎸✨