Unveiling ‘Blood Orange Wine’: An Exclusive Interview with LA’s Musical Gem, Stela Cole
Check out our interview with Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Stela Cole, who just released her new single “Blood Orange Wine.”
Stela’s previous hit autobiographical song, “Midnight Killer,” is rife with healing themes. “It’s about the revival of empowerment and re-discovery after losing myself,” Stela confides. It’s about learning how to guard my heart and energy going forward and growing stronger through the suffering. Rising from the ashes is the Phoenix. I will no longer compromise my morals. I won’t be losing myself anymore.”
Stela collaborated with co-star Noah Gonzalez, award-winning directors Eliot Lee and Maya Sassoon, to create the ideal mix of human relatability and femme fatale in the accompanying visuals, which are visually stunning.
Follow Stela @callmestelacole
Hi Stela, please tell us a little about you?
I grew up a little south of Atlanta in Peachtree City, Georgia, and I currently live in Los Angeles, making music as an alternate pop artist. I grew up as an athlete, but got into music when I was 17 after I quit soccer from a sports related injury. Looking back, I’m grateful in a way for my injury because it led me to my true purpose in life; making music. This past year I’ve been building out my debut album that depicts the endless cycle of broken relationships, and how difficult it can be to set yourself free.
Describe your sound in 3 words.
Psychedelic, soultry, raw
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
Before I even got into music, I was always inspired by Queen, specifically Freddie Mercury. I fully believe the universe forced music into my life, because it saved me when I was at my absolute lowest.
Tell us about your new single “Blood Orange Wine?”
Blood Orange Wine is about the comedown after a breakup. It’s the end of the night, the adrenaline has worn off, and you realize you’re completely alone. I wrote this song about a very difficult time in my life where I was struggling to make it through the day without turning to vices to shut my brain off. I couldn’t handle adjusting to life without the person I used to call home, it was a constant pain in my heart that nothing besides time could fix.
What’s the story behind the song?
This song came to me one night after multiple glasses of wine and some edibles, and I wrote the chorus on my guitar in my living room. I was in a pretty dark place mentally at this time, and though the idea was super rough, the nature of the song was heavy right off the bat. So when I brought it to the studio with my producer Mark and my co-writer Elsa, I knew I wanted the song to keep its depth, but also feel like something I could genuinely have fun listening to. Crying in the club kind of energy.
Can you walk us through the creative process of conceptualizing a music video? How do you go from the initial idea to the final visual story, and how much does the song itself influence the narrative and imagery of the video?
I’d like to take a moment to shout-out my incredible directors, Eliot Lee and Maya Sassoon. I usually can see visuals in my head as I’m writing my songs, but my directors are incredible at helping me bring the ideas to life. We start with brainstorm meetings, then forming treatments, then prepping like madmen for shoot day.
I will say the song always has a massive influence on narrative and imagery in my videos, not only because I’m writing from personal experience and I can remember how I felt during those moments in my life, but I also write in color. Every lyric in my songs has to match the color palette I’m feeling in my head for that song’s title and overall energy. This color palate usually translates into the videos and content as well.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Watching my music connect with my fans.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Trust your gut, be selective, and be kind to yourself. I let people walk over me for years and it would make me doubt myself and question my worth. I wish I knew how wonderful and safe it feels to put myself first at a younger age.
How would your best friend describe you?
Compassionate, ride or die, wild.
If you were a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“I have no idea what’s going on”. Probably because I truly have no idea what’s going on at all times
What’s next for Stela Cole in 2024?
So much more music. Merch. Live shows.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Yellowtail Sashimi
And your favorite cheat food?
Chick Fil A Chicken Biscuit or Taco Bell, I also love a nice classic brownie (corners only) or Chocolate salted caramels.
How would you explain your fashion style?
A touch of 60s/70s western meets 90s bombshell.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Enjoying and feeling at peace with the present.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Freddie Mercury. I’d love to experience him live.
What would be your dream holiday, and who would you go with?
Seeing the northern lights with my boyfriend in an ice igloo hotel, either in Norway or Finland.
Best advice ever given?
Better isn’t best.
Do you support any charities?
I always try to support charities around current events, and I donate to addiction nonprofits. however what I personally connect with the most right now on a daily basis is making care packages for the homeless. I’ve seen addiction up close with someone I love, and it’s made me look at the world very differently. There’s lots of homelessness especially here in Los Angeles so I always try to help as directly and as much as I can.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years?
I see myself being happy, playing shows around the world and making more music.
Favorite;
Book: I rarely read so I’m not sure to be completely honest. I have the shortest attention span and can never get myself to finish anything haha.
Quote: Jerry Garcia “Magic is what we do, music is how we do it”
Movie: This is too hard to pick!! Seven, Miracle, or Interstellar. Also, my mom and I are big Julia Roberts fans and Steel Magnolias is our favorite movie to watch together.
Tv Series: Breaking Bad is my all-time, but I’m currently watching Shogun and it’s incredible so far
Favorite Food: Zaxby’s sauce, I could drink it with a straw. Sometimes I have it with chicken fingers to pretend I’m normal.
Travel Destination: Back home with my family in Georgia…Lake Burton to be even more specific.
Sports Team: Atlanta Braves, Atlanta United, UGA, Nashville Predators, LA Lakers.