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Q&A with Stella Donnelly
- Olive McCagh
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Interviewed by Olive McCagh
Stella Donnelly is a powerhouse in the Australian indie music cityscape. I don’t think I can give her enough credit for bearing her soul and stories, allowing them to be intertwined with our own. To complete this duty to young women everywhere with no obligation is proof of Stella’s bravery, and perhaps proof of how far struggles can push you. ‘Beware of the Dogs’ fell into my lap as a young woman and helped shape the way I view feminism and how it interacts with art. Who knew that almost harrowing anecdotes matched with tongue-in-cheek lyricism and a catchy beat make those tougher moments a little less so?
Stella makes room in her discography for tracks about heartbreak, friendship and societal issues, in every shift in your life that is a song to soundtrack it.
‘Love and Fortune’ is an inspirational return for Stella Donnelly, a project of solitude that arrived only when it was ready to. Stella’s care and wariness for herself and her artistry are proof of dedication and authenticity, qualities I really rate in musicians. Released in November of last year, Stella is ready to test them on the road alongside her band and some incredible supporting acts. It was an honour to pick her brain before she is swept back up into tour life.
Who were your sonic influences for Love and Fortune?
I really didn’t have any sonic influences for the album as a whole because each song kind of called for its own universe, alot of the influences were from my angsty teenage times because I feel they really capture the angst of friendships really well. Not sure if these things have ever been mentioned in a sentence together, but my influences were The Twilight Soundtrack, Bill Callahan, System of a Down, Welsh hymns from when I was little, The Cranberries and Groove Armada.
How has your relationship with music-making changed since your break?
The ‘why’ has changed, or rather, it has returned to how my relationship was with music before I had any success or recognition. I want to make music because I find it a really interesting and fulfilling thing to do with my time. For a time after Beware of the Dogs, I was so caught up in trying to “maintain” whatever momentum I had in terms of success that I was frozen in my songwriting.
This album is primarily piano and vocal focussed, what is your connection with the instrument?
The piano is the first instrument I ever learned, it differs from guitar in that I feel the need to write really honest lyrics when I’m playing it, whereas when I’m on the guitar I can play a character more and be more confident!
What are you most excited about heading out on tour?
I am most excited to be in a room full of people and sing my songs with and for them, it’s also the thing that I’m the most nervous about.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I try to have a really big dance to either Blue Water by Sally Oldfield, Let’s Have a Kiki by Scissor Sisters, Holding On by Tirzah or Losing It by Fisher. My bandmates and I have a big group hug. I tell myself ‘it’s just music’ and off I go!
During your break from touring, how did you express yourself creatively?
Wrote an album!
What is your favourite song that you’ve ever written and why?
My favourite song is always the newest one, without fail, which is why I find songwriting so special because there’s always an opportunity for creative realignment and story.
Describe the perfect listening experience for Love and Fortune
I reckon going for a walk with headphones on, doing a puzzle or painting.
What song have you had on repeat lately?
Subway by Chappell Roan
Going into the new year, do you have any fun resolutions?
I’m hoping this resolution will make my life more fun: instead of making the right decision, I’m trying to make the decision right. I swear I spend half my fucking life in decision paralysis so I’m trying to combat that! I had dinner at a restaurant that only had a 3 star google review rating the other night and it was the best meal of my life - so it’s been fun!
Stella Donnelly is performing at The Triffid February 20th with Ullah and Charlotte Meade
