Interview by Carol Wright | Photos Courtesy of Gabriella Stella
We got to chat with singer/songwriter Gabriella Stella about her single “Paranoid” and how she found her passion for music.
What initially sparked your passion for music?
I remember seeing Hannah Montana for the first time and wanting to become that. I always grew up around music and in the church kid’s choir. My dad is a drummer, so music was always playing in the house. But I never thought I would become a singer, let alone a solo musician. I decided to sign up for the talent show in 2nd grade. I sang “If we were a movie” by Hannah Montana, and it was over. I knew from that day that I wanted to do it for the rest of my life.
Who are some musicians you look up to?
I love Miley Cyrus and how she is just 100% herself. She has grown into her own art, and I just loved her album Plastic Hearts. I love Olivia Rodrigo and the accomplishments she made with her album Sour and her single “Driver’s License.” I also love any independent artist trying to make their mark on the industry.
Tell our readers about your new song “Paranoid.” What story are you telling through the song?
The song “Paranoid” is about the struggles of anxiety. Anxiety can be extreme amounts of paranoia. I struggled with that and wanted to really dive deep into those feelings. I have always been open with my mental health. But I hadn’t written a song about my mental struggles and what it can look like. I wanted a fun upbeat song but had some heavy lyrics.
What were some of your influences when it came to how the song would sound?
When I thought of the song sounds I was listening to tons of MGK, Modsun, Jxdn, Nessa Barett etc. I fell in love with pop-punk and wanted those elements in my song. I still wanted it to be authentic to my sound and what I have released previously. The song is more on the pop side, but it’s exactly what I wanted.
Outside of music, you also seem to express yourself creatively through clothing. Do you see fashion as another way to show people who you are?
I love this question, and I love how you noticed I love fashion. I am able to envision things in my closet and make outfits from new pieces with my pieces in my closet. Growing up, I just loved to express my emotions through my clothes. I later learned I did that with my lyrics in my music as well.
What advice do you have for aspiring singers?
I would say don’t be so hard on yourself and don’t talk yourself out of opportunities. The worst thing they could say is no. But you are able to pick yourself back up, and who knows, maybe the next time, it would be a yes. I have truly worked on this and continue to work on this.