On the Couch with Stef Furnari

Drummer-Queens-Stef-FurnariWho is Stef Furnari?
With over ten years of experience in the music industry, Stef has made a successful career out of doing what she loves most, playing drums! After completing a Bachelor of Music from the Australian Institute of Music followed by a Graduates Diploma in Education at ACU, Stef’s career took off with gigs in the Australian and International music scene. Stef has played drums on TV for Australia’s X-Factor, the Australian of the Year Awards and a number of commercials.

Stef is a cast member of Girls on Tap and played at a number of NRL Finals and Grand Finals with the Drummer Queens alongside the likes of Sarah McLeod, Ricky Martin and Jessica Mauboy. She currently tours and plays percussion for Australia’s Disco Queen, Marcia Hines. Not only has Stef been successful within the Australian music scene, she spent quite some time in Los Angeles alongside many of America’s greats such as Gordon Campbell and Printz Board (Black Eyed Peas Producer and Keyboardist).

What would you do differently from what you do now?
I would write a lot more music a I’d love to be in the studio recording more.

Who inspires you and why?
P!NK – she has always been my biggest musical inspiration. She’s fierce, strong and the best role model for women… especially for me. My family and my partner – they’ve always believed in me even when I never did, so it only makes me want to work harder and achieve bigger things.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I wish I could provide a safe space for all the disadvantaged children in the world. But this is why I became an educator, to hopefully be an inspiration to kids to make them want to achieve great things in their lives.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
I’ve always loved Byron Bay. I love the relaxed vibe in the area. I really want to go to Hawaii though, I think that would be beautiful. I love water destinations!

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I’m a massive foodie so probably Barangaroo. It’s at a great location with great food and beautiful views. A lovely way to see Sydney.

What are you currently reading?
The Barefoot Investor.

What are you currently listening to?
This is such a mood thing! I’m really loving Miley Cyrus’ new music. But was also loving Dua Lipa’s new album and my go to is Anderson Paak.

Happiness is?
Happiness is when your heart is full. When you give as much love as possible and receive love as well. Happiness is also gratitude!

What does the future hold for you?
I hope more music! More shows! More gigs! It’s what makes me happy and where I feel at home. I hope to also achieve life goals with my partner, because that’s what also gives me great happiness.


Stef can be seen performing on Drummer Queens – who will be “live, loud and ready to rule” at the Sydney Lyric Theatre from 9 February, before playing at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from 28 April and Brisbane’s Lyric Theatre – QPAC from 11 May 2021. For more information, visit: www.drummerqueens.com for details. Checkout the trailer here!

Image: Stef Furnari (supplied)