Citing influences as varied as Janis Joplin, Grace Slick, Joni Mitchell, ‘50s and ‘60s girl groups, and ‘80s music with big catchy choruses, as well as Alanis Morissette, Sheryl Crow, Gwen Stefani, Stevie Nicks, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Carole King, and Karen Carpenter, Stacey Peasley says, “It’s not just because of their amazing vocals, it’s also that some of these women were also great songwriters. I have always loved their melodies, lyrics, and harmonies!”

Make it Happen! opens boldly with a title track whose lyrics and style are a perfect match for the song’s profoundly inspirational message. With this number, the album’s co-producer, Marty Beller, offers a tip of the hat to Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror.” Happy Tears” is a “tale of two Staceys,” celebrating the mom right alongside the consummate professional onstage, singing her heart out for many years in the NYC-based ‘50s and ‘60s girl group tribute band, The Chiclettes. Stacey’s great vocals, backed by Vitalijus Lisovskis’s outstanding tenor sax, recreate the very best of a beloved era on this standout ballad. Other highlights include “What Girls Do,” inspired by Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign, when Senator Warren made pinky promises to young girls and told them, “I’m running for president, because that’s what girls do.” “At the Parade” is another lyrical snapshot, dated March 2020. In the silent spring of the quarantine, St. Patrick’s Day parades were cancelled, but from Stacey’s indomitable spirit emerged the idea that families could create their own parades at home. Reminiscent of ‘80s Cars and ‘90s Weezer songs, “At the Parade” conjures a scene led by the brilliant trumpet of Matthew Girard. Channeling Queen’s “We Will Rock You” was “just the ticket” that inspired Stacey Peasley to compose her first sports stadium anthem, “Play the Game.” Listeners will hear a distinctly ‘90s-style, No Doubt/Gwen Stefani influence in “Goodie Bag.” The only song on Make it Happen! that was recorded live, “Soapy Bubbles,” is an updated version of Stacey’s most popular song, which first appeared on her debut album, Together.

A 28-year professional music career was launched when 18-year-old Stacey Peasley became a member of the NYC-based girl group, The Chiclettes, Stacey will forever retain a deep love and appreciation for the innocent, catchy songs of the girl-group era. For the past decade, however, Stacey has dedicated her career to performing for what she calls the most precious and delightful of audiences, children and families.

In addition to her work with The Chiclettes, Stacey’s significant credits including singing backup for ‘60s idol Lou Christie at the Continental Airlines Arena in New Jersey, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Westbury Music Fair, Oakdale Theater, and Tropicana Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Stacey’s TV appearances include Rock, Rhythm & Doo Wop 52, which still airs on PBS!  While maintaining a busy performance schedule for grown-up audiences at night and on weekends, Stacey spent her daytime hours with children as a public school social studies and English teacher. She holds a B.A. in history and an M.A. in secondary education, with a concentration in social studies, from Adelphi University.

After the birth of her first child, Stacey began to write songs that captured the amazing things she observed as a new mom, little knowing she would soon develop a brand-new career that combined both of her passions – music and working with children. Fast forward a decade, and Stacey can reflect on her many accomplishments as an established family music artist, with credits that include writing and recording four critically acclaimed albums, Together (2011), Lucky Day (2014), RSVP (2016), and Under the Tree (2019), with awards from Creative Child Magazine, Parents’ Choice, and NAPPA.  Lucky Day was named one of the Top 20 albums of 2014 by KDXH Radio’s Musical-Merry-Go-Round. Stacey is also the recipient of a Nickelodeon Parents Connect Parents’ Pick Award for Best Party Entertainer, as well as two Community Kangaroo Joey Awards for her Boston-based music classes, Lucky Day Music.

Stacey Peasley counts it a true blessing to be able to spend her days writing songs, singing, dancing, and bringing music to the lives of children at schools, classes, and shows. She says, “I love observing children, hearing the things they tell me, and using that amazing input to create music. The resulting songs might be curriculum-based or just for fun, but they all promote movement and imagination, and they’re all inspired by real-life experiences.”

Make it Happen will be available at Apple Music/iTunes, Amazon Music, Bandcamp, and www.staceypeasley.com.