We caught up with a singer/songwriter from Woodstock, New York with a unique folk sound. Amazed with her many original songs and covers on her YouTube channel. Get a closer look into Stella Prince
What got you started with music?
I always knew from a super early age that music was my destiny. At four years old I begged my parents to get me voice lessons and since then I've studied and worked on my career as much I could. Even in these crazy Coronavirus times, somehow I've still managed to make tons of progress with my music--virtual performances and co-writes and industry meetings! And as for getting into folk music, I sort of stumbled onto that sound by accident in a way. I grew up near Woodstock, New York, which is pretty much the capital of folk music, and I was always exposed to it growing up. So when I began songwriting, that was the sound that came out.
Who is your favorite artist?
I absolutely LOVE all the classic female folk artists like Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Judy Collins, and Emmylou Harris. They have always been my biggest inspirations and I find their music to really be some of the most beautiful compositions ever written. One of the first songs I ever learned to sing was "Both Sides Now" by Joni Mitchell. But I'm also a fan of all the great female singers like Judy Garland, Doris Day and Karen Carpenter.
Explain your process when creating a song?
It really varies for me between concept vs. musical inspiration. Half the time I'll have a tune in my head for days before actually writing the song and it may only take me ten minutes to complete the music. I'll have a sense of what the song is about but then need to spend some time hashing out the lyrics. Other times I may start with an idea and some lyrics and need to play around on the guitar or piano before coming up with something I feel connected with. And then I may only write a verse and chorus of it and come back to it for the next few days. It is a fluid process for me and I try not to have rules!
What can we expect from you in the future?
I am so excited to announce I'll be releasing my first single on all streaming platforms in the early spring, called "Before You Leave". It is a solo write and one of the most emotional songs I have ever composed. I can't wait to share it with the world! I also have a ton of stuff I am currently working on like future performances, possible film/tv placements. 2021 is already promising to be a really exciting year! You can keep up with me on my Instagram and website.