Moms and Dads

Stephanie Zubiri Branches Into Music With (Life In Parenthesis)

by Alexa Villano
March 13, 2025

Stephanie Zubiri goes soulful as she releases her latest project – a song she co-wrote with James Reid

We all know Stephanie Zubiri for her work as a storyteller, events host, mom of two boys, and podcast host. The Chalky the Chameleon author continues discovering her creative side as she branches into music with her first single “(Life in Parenthesis).”

Released on March 13,”(Life in Parenthesis)” was co-written by Stephanie and singer-actor James Reid, who appeared as one of her guests in Soulful Feast.

From poem to music

“This is probably my craziest most random project to date!” Stephanie told Modern Parenting. “But also the most fun!!!It started out just as a personal gift to Scott (Woodward, her partner) for his 50th birthday.”

“He loves music. So I thought ‘What can I give him [that’s] special?’ This is actually a poem I wrote for him during the pandemic,” she added.

Stephanie Zubiri goes soulful as she releases her latest project – a song she co-wrote with James Reid — Photo from stephaniezubiri

She was thinking of turning the poem into music and even putting it on a vinyl record. What she described as a “crazy idea” soon turned into a fun project and sought the help of James Reid and Issa Pressman.

“I’m close to them and said guys, don’t laugh but would you help me turn it into a song for Scott?’ Of course, they were on board and we did it secretly.”

Stephanie said she enjoyed the process as she worked with James on the project and got to add more lyrics and melody.

“We worked on everything together and Eric (Trono) is our producer and he was so amazing.”

Stephanie also had the support of Lvcas Floyd and Aman dela Cruz of La Crema to help her with the project. The group played during her 40th birthday party last year and it was them who encouraged Stephanie to release the song.

“Guys, it’s actually a good song. You have to release it,” she recalled of the group’s reaction.

With the help of Liga Artist group, Stephanie was able to release the song, which has dropped on streaming sites. She is currently working on two new songs.

A passion project in full swing

“(Life in Parenthesis)” is described as “a sultry, bossa-inspired track with smooth, sexy vibes reminiscent of Sade.” Doing this project according to Stephanie has made her realize where passion projects can go.

“When you lean into your passions and creativity and you do things out of joy…it’s really like a joyful life pursuit. Beautiful things can happen. And I’m super happy and it’s kind of proof that life begins at 40.”

With a busy schedule and a new single, Stephanie Zubiri is enjoying what she has.”I am in my WHY NOT era and enjoying it so much!!!I am in the era that I want to do things for myself that fill my heart and my soul to create and express myself wholly and this is just another form of self-expression.”

(Life in Parenthesis) is now available on all streaming platforms. Follow Stephanie on her social media accounts.