Following the release of his latest single 'Dreaming' we caught up with New York-based indie-pop artist stella. to find out more about what goes into his eclectic sound. If you enjoy stella.'s picks be sure to check out 'Dreaming' at the end of the article.
1. De Selby (Parts 1 & 2) - Hozier
"I truly love hearing the way that artists experiment and try new approaches to their songs on stage versus their recorded versions. These tracks blew me away when I heard them on Hozier's latest record and I was so curious as to how he would pull them off live. Needless to say, that 7' foot tall oak tree with the voice of an angel and hair of a lion did not disappoint in delivering a stellar and ethereal performance."
2. American Teenager - Ethel Cain
"I'll never forget how surprised I was when I played this song, both by the fact that it has a 4:18 run time (which in the age of 2:00 minute TikTok songs with no bridge) is basically unheard of nowadays, but also because it kept me engaged from start to finish. From the opening of this track and hearing the close-up intimacy of Ethel's voice to the massive stadium electric guitars and drums that come in later, this song communicates melancholia in such an epic and personal way so well. Ethel, if you read this, I love you! "
3. Take Me Home - Francis Aud
"Is it in poor taste to promote my own music? Maybe. Will that stop me? ABSOLUTELY NOT. Here's a fun fact for all of y'all: "stella" is only one of three names I release under, another being "Francis Aud." As opposed to stella., under this project I release a lot more "pop-forward" music that is centered around groove and hook writing over anything else. I love this track because once I hit play, I'm immediately transported to the 80s, wearing a white blazer while driving my Ferrari Testarossa on the freeway at night."
4. Every Day - Matt & Dan
"Okay, remember how I mentioned that I release music under three different names? Well, let me introduce you to the third: Matt & Dan. For about two years of my life, I made my living exclusively off of playing music for kids (seriously...once you get in with one Mommy & Me Facebook group you're basically a superstar) and it was at that point that I realized when it comes to kids music there isn't much common ground between what is being made for both children and their parents to enjoy. So, I got together with my friend Matt Harvey and we decided to write an absolute banger about gratitude."
5. My Heart will Go On (cover) - Freddie Mercury (AI Cover)
"Okay, look, yes, the verdict is still out amongst musicians everywhere in terms of A.I. and how it’s going to affect the future of music as a whole BUT, potential copy infringement case aside, hearing one of the greatest vocalists of all time sing one of the most recognizable songs of all time blew my damn mind and I think it will do the same for you."
Listen to stella. 'Dreaming'
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