We got the chance to catch up with singer-songwriter Stella Prince and got the low-down on everything — from her journey in music to her taste and writing style. Read on for all the details!
Beyond The Stage: How did you get started in music?
Stella Prince: I’ve been obsessed with music since I was around age three, although I didn’t start studying seriously until age 7 when I began classical training. I can’t remember a time where music wasn’t my entire world. My family listened to all genres of music all the time. We have a large collection of vinyl from the ’70s and an original turntable from 1978 and lots of CDs. So I had a great listening education. The first song I ever wrote was the day my dog died when I was 10. I was so upset because my dog Scout was like a sibling. He’d been with us my whole life. So I put all my emotions into writing my first song about him, and it was a huge life moment to realize I could put my feelings somewhere so creative. I knew that was what I wanted to do with my life.
BTS: How would you describe your sound to someone who hasn’t heard it before?
SP: I strive for an authentic, acoustic sound while telling stories that express life’s experiences and emotions.
BTS: Who are some of your musical influences?
SP: My favorite singers/songwriters are Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Joni Mitchell, Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris! Additionally, some of my favorite singers are Patsy Cline, Karen Carpenter, and Judy Garland– they have the most beautiful voices in the history of music! It makes me cry every time I hear them sing.
BTS: What was the writing and recording process like for your latest single, “Scared”?
SP: “Scared” is a solo write and is about how overwhelming it is not knowing what is coming next in life and the frustration of waiting for what you want–whether you are young and just starting out or transitioning out of one phase and into the new– it can be scary. Realizing that pursuing my dreams is up to me is frightening yet empowering. The uptempo melody helps move the initial expression of fear into a really positive message of relying on myself, which is the only way to go. I recorded this at the same studio with the same arranger in NYC, where I recorded my debut single “Before You Leave.” It’s the first time I recorded harmonies, which was a great learning experience.
Listen to “Scared” by Stella Prince on YouTube below.
BTS: Do you have a favorite lyric from the track?
SP: I love the message of the chorus: In the end I really have to trust myself / Once again I can’t wait for someone else / To fill my dreams, I’m scared it seems / It’s up to me
BTS: You released your debut single, “Before You Leave” earlier this year. What was the inspiration behind it?
SP: “Before You Leave” is a solo write about the despair of loss and the longing for one more moment before something dear is gone forever. It is something all of us experience at different points in our lives. There are so many kinds of loss, of a friendship, a family member, or hopes and dreams, but one common thread between every loss is that it involves an ending, a passage. As we go through life, our relationship to those endings changes, but the initial feeling is always the same.
BTS: Tours are finally starting to come back. What are you most excited about them returning, both as a fan and an artist?
SP: While I’m excited to go hear some live music again, I’m beyond thrilled to finally get to perform out again. I have about 10 shows scheduled for this summer. I was fortunate to be able to do a lot of virtual performances this past year, but I can’t wait to be in front of a live audience again!
BTS: What artists have you had on repeat recently?
SP: I’m excited to be hearing so much more stripped-down, acoustic music lately that is signaling a return to a more emotional, authentic sound reminiscent of the best of 1970’s music.
BTS: What does the rest of 2021 have in store for you?
SP: This summer will be filled with performing live and writing a ton and recording my next few upcoming releases. And I’m working on a Folk show that I’m really excited about and am hoping I’ll get to tour within the fall and into the winter. I just completed all of my schooling early, so I’ll be focusing all my energy on my music. 2021 will be my most exciting year yet, so stay tuned!
Be sure to keep up with Stella Prince on Instagram.
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