Email: neill@outloudculture.com
23 year old Gabriella Stella is a high octane singer/songwriter with a burst of pop energy in a very petite package. Her fierce choices of surprise and righteous raw sound leaves you desiring one more rift. With her previous skills of acting and modeling; it separates her from the wave of other pop artists. Her explosive performances are filled with original choices, possibly eclectic musical ears. Her musical influences are Miley Cyrus, Harry Styles and new upcoming artists. Gabriella has performed at The House of Blues, Disneyland, Grand ole Opry Mills, and local venues.
Hi Gabriella, welcome to OLC! So how did you gravitate towards music and was there anyone in particular who inspired you?
Music has always been an escape from my mind. It’s been a way for me to express my emotions without having to be emotional. I am fearless in singing my emotions but talking about them is difficult. Hannah Montana actually pushed me to say music is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I fell in love with Miley Cyrus and have followed her journey since then.
What is it that you love so much about Miley Cyrus and Harry Styles?
They are both so unapologetically themselves. I respect the fact they aren’t afraid to ruffle some feathers. I love the rock n roll era Miley is in currently and how she has evolved her music style. I love how Harry has become a superstar; He has such an identifiable sound and fashion sense.
You first performed on stage at 7 years old, do you remember that performance at all and where it was and what song you performed?
It was a talent show at my elementary school and I was so excited. I practiced this song in my mom’s office everyday. I watched performances of Hannah Montana and studied her moves. I bought a new outfit from Justice. I was going to take every opportunity to kill my version of “If We Were a Movie- Hannah Montana”. The video is somewhere on YouTube and I always find it at random times. I remember when I got off stage I had kids and their parents had me sign the pamphlet. They were like “we want your signature because one day it’s going to be worth something.”
Who is someone you’d love to work with and why?
I would love to write with Olivia Rodrigo or collaborate with Nessa Barrett. I love how both of their writing is just so raw. I have learned over the years to be the best writer is to let down the wall. I would love to just sit with them and pick at their brains. I can’t tell you how much I loved Sour by Olivia Rodrigo, it had all the emotions and her writing is perfect. Nessa Barrett is a force to reckon with. The way she is able to turn metaphors into songs is truly a gift.
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as unapologetically myself. I still struggle with being in my head, as does anyone else. But I have always wanted my music to be a look into my mind. If my music can help others like music did for me. Then I have accomplished what I have always wanted, not wanting others to feel alone in their thoughts.
You have a new song called r.i.p. (dead 2 me), tell me a bit about the song and what inspired it?
I grew up in a chaotic relationship with my father. I have always hidden that aspect from my music. But what I realized is that holding in those emotions is so toxic. It’s like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. I just had to write a song about having to let a relationship die so I can heal.
Will you be releasing a video for the song also, and if so anything you can tell us about?
I don’t have any plans but you never know with me, I like to keep people on their toes.
What do you hope people take away from your music?
I would love for people to realize you aren’t alone in your thoughts. Sometimes you think wow I am really messed up. I want you to know everything you think, I promise I have thought, I just say it out loud in my music . It takes time for healing and processing your emotions; and if my music can help in any way my heart would be fulfilled.
Do you have any more music in the works that you can tell us about?
I am always working on new music and there’s two songs that are a deeper dive into some dark emotions. But it’s beyond healing to feel like I can just talk out about my darker emotions.
What’s the best advice you can give to aspiring artists all over the world?
The best advice I could ever give is to go for it and don’t let the no’s bring you down. I can’t tell you how many no’s I have gotten over the years. Whether it’s auditions, shows, photoshoots etc I always remind myself it takes one yes. Life is so short and you have to go into this industry with the mindset: What do I have to lose?
Is there any upcoming live shows people can catch you at?
I post all of my live show dates on my website: https://www.gabriellastella.com/
How important do you think social media is to an up and coming artist, and what advice can you give to managing it?
It’s crazy the toll social media has taken on the music industry. It has opened all doors to independent artists and I love it. You can post a song on tiktok and go on tour with Taylor Swift. Social media has downsides as well, but I use it to my advantage. You just have to be yourself and show the BTS your industry. I have posted more at the studio, writing music, etc and people love to see the hard work that goes into it. Just don’t put too much pressure on yourself and don’t focus on the engagement.
What does the rest of 2022 hold for you?
My goal is to get healthy and take care of my body. I have been having some health problems and it can affect your mental health. I will continue working on new music and playing shows, doing what I love.
