BMA Band Profile
How did you start on this magical musical journey?
As a kid, I sang my way through everything; I still do. Things clicked during my first year of university, in the middle of the pandemic, when I started flirting with music for fun. My guitar had been collecting dust and, in the spur of frustration, I started writing music to soothe myself.
What was then a time filler has now become integral to my life; I can’t see myself doing anything else but making and sharing my music.
How would you describe your sound?
At its core, the music I write is nostalgic, emotional, and very catchy. I usually have the music and lyrics locked in before I record anything. So, genre-wise, it depends on which producer I work with. I never write with genre in mind; I write to nail a feeling. My subject matter lies in observations, conversations, revelations… things that make me feel.
Key tracks?
My debut album, Here For You, has just come out. So give that a whole listen-through if you’ve got a spare 30 minutes. You should be left feeling like you’ve been ridden, put away wet, dried off, brushed down, then wrapped in a warm blanket and tucked into bed.
It’s the bedtime story we all need, told by someone here for us. It’s an incredibly collaborative album that I am beyond proud to have made.
Your influences, musical or otherwise?
The mega-disorganised family iTunes playlist that sound tracked my childhood had everything from Split Enz and The Black Eyed Peas, to John Denver and Powderfinger. Any museum made in my name should display that clip-on iPod nano shuffle front and centre, constantly playing. I owe my diverse tastes in music to that mixtape.
My Mum, Angela, is THE woman and a Canberra Music alumni. Back in the ‘80s, she was lead singer and songwriter band Made For TV. Following their success at a 2CCFM Battle of The Bands, they used the grand prize money to record a full studio EP. Mum’s prior musical experience, understanding of lyric structure, and the life that she’s lived have made her an invaluable asset to my career and an incredible role model in my life. I love my mum.
What are some of your most memorable experiences?
Some gigs that I’ve gone to have absolutely encouraged me in my music and my life. Experiencing music is such an energetic transaction; some shows leave me an emotional mess and have made me hungrier to make music that connects to others in the same way. I want to make music that has people celebrating life and love, calling their dearest friends to remind them of how much they love them.
Shows of note include the acoustic Archie Gang Gang gig, Sophie Edwards’ farewell gig, and Apricot Ink’s gigs. Anything that stirs something in me and makes me realise how lucky I am to be around and to hear things in the flesh. Mum always gets a tearful phone call after I’ve been to gigs like these.
What do you love about the scene?
I love how diverse CBR’s scene is. There is truly something for everyone here, and there’s no toe-stepping. People often leave to explore where they fit when the pond is more saturated; it’s a bigger challenge to make it elsewhere. Once we get more industry catchments happening here, Canberra will be even more colourful than it already is.
Tell us about one of your proudest moments:
My first gig with my supporting band, The Busters (opening for Rum Jungle at UC Hub) was very special. We were on second, in the perfect pocket of early-comers and stragglers.
I saw so many faces in that crowd that had been around since the early days of my music-making, and to see them in the context of such a big show shook me to my core. I came down from the stage and danced with the people who had made it all happen, who’d championed me in each stroke towards that first full band show.
What makes you laugh?
Watching Love Is Blind with my parents and the commentary that comes with it; hopecore videos; people getting swooped by magpies; other people giggling.
What pisses you off?
Slow Walkers. Black Licorice. Ulterior motives (if people were more direct about their problems, we could solve them faster). I know they’re better for the environment, but paper straws.
Anything else you’d like to add?
The advice I’d give to my 7-year-old self is to keep singing and dancing. Just because you care a lot doesn’t mean you should insert yourself as a solution to everyone’s problems; they aren’t yours to solve, but you can be the little light that gets them through.
And PLEASE bring those dirty dishes out of your room!
Where can people check you out?
My debut album, Here For You, has just come out and you should be able to find it in all the places you can listen to music. I’m headlining a STACKED Launch Party for the same album on the 12th of April at The Polish Club with some special local and interstate support acts. *NOTE every ticket purchase comes with a FREE limited edition “keepsake” ticket & a companion lyric-zine for the album + a few other sneaky extras. Tix are $35+bf via Humanitix
You can find me on socials by looking up Stella Eve! [ Edit: or head over to Stella’s Linktr.ee ❤ ]
