U of A alumni Stem Champ prepare for debut album

During her undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta in 2019, Sare Alemu would often put off doing her assignments. She was studying to become a structural engineer, yet found herself playing music instead.

Stem Champ started off as Alemu’s solo music project and has now evolved into a four-piece band. The band is comprised of Alemu on vocals and guitar, Daniela Roth on synth, Kaitlyn Budgell on bass, and Zane Baker on drums. Together, they’re preparing for their first full-length album Prairie Skies Forever set to release on November 8.

“The album, sonically, is a little bit experimental. I’d say it’s very much in the realm of indie rock. It’s very much like a love letter to the prairies and to Edmonton,” Alemu said.

Prairie Skies Forever showcases Alemu and the band’s growth

Their first EP, Kill the Imposter (Demo), was released back in 2021 when Stem Champ was Alemu’s solo project. The EP was released on Bandcamp — an online audio distribution platform. Stem Champ’s upcoming album revisits some of the songs from the EP.

“It felt really special to watch those songs evolve from me trying to figure out what the hell is going on in GarageBand, and to have more of a fully flushed sound.”

They released their first single from the album “Prairie Skies Forever” in September. Alemu described the release and creation of the song as the moment she released what Stem Champ’s authentic sound is.

Alemu also conveyed her excitement for playing live and in local venues such as The Aviary and The Buckingham.

“Working on these songs with my bandmates and then bringing that into a larger sphere of getting to share that with people, that is the end goal,” Alemu said.

While Stem Champ has performed at a few local venues in the city, Alemu said the U of A campus bar, Dewey’s, was her first live performance.

“I vividly remember walking across campus with my guitar to Dewey’s just shaking like a leaf. But it was also really rewarding and a cool place for me … to share these songs and get that immediate feedback from an audience.”

Together Stem Champ has opened for the bands Death From Above 1979, Hotel Mira, and Mom Jeans. While Alemu described these performances as “exciting,” she hopes the band will one day go on their own tour.

In terms of getting to play music and be a part of the band, Alemu explained it’s “one of the greatest gifts in life.”

“I fully believe that everyone should start a band. If you want to start a band, start a band.”