Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?

In the beginning, I was heavily influenced by jazz music. I absolutely love artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Amy Winehouse. Over time, I started to experiment more with my sound (which at first I found pretty difficult). When writing my debut EP ‘Stellie’ and collaborating with so many unique and talented producers/ songwriters - it really helped me explore my sound more and more. At this point, I feel that this EP is the most accurate representation of my ‘sound’ right now. But i’m not afraid of change - I want to push the boundaries and keep it interesting. I want my sound to grow with me as I develop more as a singer/ songwriter.

What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?

I like to describe the way I write music as an ‘exaggeration of my everyday life’. My life isn’t always that interesting, so I just like to push the boundaries on it a bit more. I just love to tell stories (whether they are completely accurate or not - it almost doesn’t really matter). Like for many people - music is a form of therapy for me. Letting your thoughts and emotions run free for a bit is so soothing and relaxing. I'm constantly inspired by the people I surround myself with and the stories that people share with me, or stories that I read. Even just captions on photos - or just really interesting and beautiful photos can be so inspirational when it comes to my writing - its almost like i’m trying to put the picture into words.

What can punters expect from a Stellie live show?

I like to think that when I play shows - its almost like bringing magic to life. There is such a rush that comes with finally getting to play the songs that you’ve been holding so close to you for so long, to people that actually really want to hear them. Stellie shows are very wholesome I think. I love my band, and I know they love playing with me too and it really shows. I always have the most fun on stage and really try build that connection with the audience. I also almost always manage to chuck in a cheeky cover during my set (at the moment it's Britney Spears).

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?

‘You are not in control of other peoples emotions’ - I cant remember where I found this quote, I think I read it somewhere once and it’s stuck with me ever since. It especially relates to the way I like to make music. I don’t want to tell people how to think/feel when they listen to the songs I write - I want those feelings and thoughts to be pure and completely up to the listener.

What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?

‘Its Nice to Be Alive’ by Ball Park Music

What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?

‘Knuckles White Dry’ by Gang of Youths

You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?

‘Holdin On’ by Flume.

What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?

TEENAGE JOANS! It was actually the first live gig I’ve seen in about 7 months and it was absolutely insane. I honestly couldn’t stop smiling all night.

Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.

I'm so lucky to be surrounded by so many incredible and inspiring musos every day. There are heaps of talented musicians in Adelaide, I’m almost spoilt for choice. I spend quite a bit of time with the EAST AV3 boys - those guys are some of the most hard working and dedicated people I know. My bandmates (Max and Jarrad) are so incredibly dedicated and are an absolute joy to be around - as well as Jess Day, Timberwolf, George Alice, Mane and so many more.

What are your plans for the rest of 2020?

2020 has been an absolute whirlwind of a year in so many ways. I guess my plan is to just take each day as it comes. If I can play some more live shows that would be so fun - but one things for sure, there’s definitely lots more new music on the way.