Stela Cole – Rhapsody In Pink

By starrymag | September 28, 2022

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) My sound is a melting pot of genres and eras of music. It’s retro, cinematic, spontaneous, empowering and energetic. No matter the emotion I’m trying to capture, I execute how I’m feeling as authentically as possible.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Queen, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Mamas & The Papas, Outkast, Amy Winehouse, Fergie, Rihanna, Dr. Dre and jazz from the 1920s-30’s. Like I said earlier, it’s a complete melting pot of sound. [laughs] I love blending all my influences and never feeling boxed in yet tying everything together to where it still feels completely unique to my artistry.

 

Q) “Rhapsody in Pink” has been described as a work of art. Talk about the story behind it.

A) I’d been scheming “Rhapsody in Pink” for over five years. I grew up loving “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin, which is an iconic composition released in 1924. The main melody that runs throughout the piece is what I borrowed for “Rhapsody in Pink,” but I didn’t have the idea of flipping it until I watched Baz Luhrmann’s production of The Great Gatsby. When they introduce Gatsby’s character for the first time “Rhapsody in Blue” is playing in the background with this massive orchestra… I had an epiphany and was like “how has nobody flipped this song yet?!” I wrote the idea down in my notes and waited for years until it went into public domain in 2020 and then waited to find the right producer to help execute my vision. When I met my producer Alex last year I immediately knew he was the one. We stayed up until 4:30 AM one night working on the song and it came together seamlessly. The lyrics of the song were inspired from a breakup I had recently gone through and I talk about setting my standards for going back into the dating scene. It’s about knowing your worth and not settling for anything less than what you deserve.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I think it makes my fans feel confident. My main goal as an artist is to uplift and encourage others to celebrate what makes them unique, and to be empowered. My music has this badass energy, but also feels tongue and cheek and playful. I want people to not only feel empowered while they listen to my music, but to also have fun. Let go of all the negativity and embrace authenticity.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) The video and artwork for this song was heavily inspired by The Great Gatsby. I wanted it to feel extravagant and chaotic, not only to give a nod to Baz Luhrmann, but also to the meaning behind the lyrics. While lyrics are very metaphorical, the overall message is don’t be afraid to set your standards high. Know your worth and don’t settle.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) I divide my songwriting process into two chapters. When I’m home or feeling creative, I brainstorm concepts and titles. It helps me feel organized with an idea and I’m able to build an entire world and color palette before I even start writing. Then when I go to the studio, I like to find a beat/chord progression and pick one of my concepts that fits the energy of the instrumental.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) I’m very involved in my productions. I write the majority of my chord progressions, help sort through percussion sounds, build string arrangements and vocal pads, vocal produce and make suggestions for unique elements that interject throughout my songs. My producers are incredibly talented and I’m so lucky to have the team that I do. I always feel heard and can execute my visions exactly how I want.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

A) I’m actually working towards my debut album right now, which is SO exciting. I’ll be putting out tons of singles before the album drops to keep building momentum, so we’re still a ways away. But most of the songs I’ve been releasing recently will eventually compile onto the album.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) I’ve been holding off on live performances to keep growing, but it’s something we’re working on now and I’m announcing my first live show very soon!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) I look up to so many amazing artists and I swear my list gets bigger every day. [laughs] But I would LOVE to collab with Lizzo, Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, Princess Nokia or Kali Uchis.

 

Q) We loved you on “American Song Contest!” What did you personally take away or learn from your time on the series?

A) Awe I’m so happy y’all liked it, thank you! I think my biggest take away was how in shape you have to be for live performances with choreography. [laughs] I’ve been in the gym almost every day since to make sure I’m ready to deliver a forty-five-minute set with as much energy as possible for my fans.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

A) I’ve been listening to Silk Sonic nonstop recently. I think their album An Evening with Silk Sonic is one of the most smoothly executed records from start to finish. There’s not a single flaw and the mix is one of the best I’ve ever heard. I’ve also been super inspired by some of Kanye’s earlier albums and Fergie’s debut album The Dutchess. Kanye and Fergie were actually the main references I used for my next single dropping soon called “Star.”

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) Social media has been an amazing tool for building my audience and connecting with my fans on a deeper level. I talk to my fans every single day online, and some of them feel like family at this point. When COVID hit, it took away the opportunity for live performances. I was scrambling to find ways to grow until I turned to TikTok and doubled down on every social media platform. Not to be dramatic, but it changed my life in a way.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) I’m so grateful. I genuinely feel so lucky to have fans that not only love and believe in my music, but also understand me as a person. It goes beyond the music for me at this point and feels so special getting to connect with humans all around the world. All I can say is thank you from the bottom of my heart because I would not be where I am right now without my fans. They are the reason I get to live my dream every day.

 

 

Watch The Video For Stela Cole’s New Song “Star”