Stella Prince: Redefining Folk Music for a New Generation

Stella Prince is not just making waves in the folk music scene—she’s redefining it for a new generation. Hailed by Nashville Scene as the artist “carrying the banner for a new generation of folk musicians,” Stella has had an incredible year. Her EP Dear Future Me was named one of the “Best Albums of 2024” by No Depression, and her chart-topping songs resonated with fans worldwide.

At just 20, she’s already made history as the youngest performer at prestigious festivals like Tin Pan South and AmericanaFest and as the first solo artist to headline France’s Bluegrass in La Roche Music Festival. In this interview, Stella opens up about the emotions driving her music, the stories behind her songs, and the guitars that have become integral to her unique “Gen Z Folk” sound.

You’ve been described as “carrying the banner for a new generation of folk musicians” with your unique “Gen Z Folk” sound. How do you merge traditional folk elements with the modern influences of your generation?

My music combines an old folk approach to personal, emotional lyrics that convey the depth of insecurity, anxiety, pain — the intensity of dealing with navigating living in these disturbing times — with a faster-paced, more contemporary, and catchy melody that may almost imply a more positive energy.

You’ve had an amazing year, with your EP Dear Future Me being named one of the “Best Albums of 2024” and reaching #1 on the Official Folk Charts. What inspired the EP, and how did it come together?

The inspiration for all of my songs is what I experience and/or what I witness others experiencing day to day as we just try to get by. I was so fortunate to get to record these songs with the amazing Steve Fishell on steel guitar and a full band, which is such a treat for me as I’m usually a solo performer when I’m on tour. So, being in the recording studio with the likes of Steve and other terrific musicians on guitar, bass, and drums was really rewarding.

Your song “Dear Future Me” hit #1, and “Two Faced” charted at #2 on the NACC Folk Charts. What do you think resonates most with your listeners about these songs?

I try to write from my heart, from a place that is real and vulnerable, and people seem to get that and trust it. I think my listeners connect with what I’m expressing because they’re going through some similar emotions that aren’t always easy to express themselves.

Artwork Photography by Lynn Goldsmith
Folk music often relies heavily on storytelling. Can you tell us about the stories behind some of your favorite songs from your EP? 

My first ever real story song is “At Seventy,” and it was inspired by an older waitress I encountered when I stopped for lunch at a small diner on the side of a highway while on tour. I never got to know her real story, but she seemed tired of life, and I noticed she had these little plastic flowers in her hair. That was enough for me to spark a whole song about what I imagined her life might have been like.

“Dear Future Me” is inspired by my often having tried when I was young to write my future self a letter. But I never could until I put it in a song, and then it flowed very quickly.

Photo by Lily Prince
As a co-writer with legendary songwriters like Steve Dean and Brent Baxter, how do you approach collaboration while maintaining your own unique voice? 

Collaborating is such a great learning opportunity. Everyone brings their own voice and style to the table, and there is no way of knowing what kind of magic will happen. It can be inspiring, unnerving, challenging. I write most of my music solo, so when I have the chance to work with amazing writers like these, it is pretty thrilling.

Your guitar playing is an integral part of your sound. What guitars do you currently use, and do you have any particular models that are your favorites?

I have about ten guitars right now that I keep in my music room, but there’s only two that I play out. One is a guitar that I bought in Dublin, Ireland, in 2022. It’s called a James Neligan, and nobody has ever heard of it in the US! It is all black and such a beautiful build. The other one is a Breedlove guitar that caught my eye this summer when they announced their new models. It has these amazing black strings and the actual guitar itself is dark blue. I love playing both when I perform.

Congratulations on being the youngest performer to headline multiple venues in the UK and to perform at festivals like Tin Pan South! How do these experiences shape your approach to live performances? 

Whenever and wherever I play, of course, I give it my all whether there are 50 or 500 people in the audience. But I definitely respond to the crowd and feed off of their energy. So, when it is a full house of intently enthusiastic listeners, I feel the love and give it back exponentially.

Photo by Lynn Goldsmith
You were the first solo artist to headline France’s Bluegrass in La Roche Music Festival. What was it like to bring your folk sound to a bluegrass festival, and how was the reception from the audience?

It was such an honor for the Bluegrass in La Roche Music Festival in France this summer to include me as their first-ever solo act, and I’m folk, not even bluegrass, so that was a double honor. The audience was incredible; they requested two encores and gave me a standing ovation. It was one of the highlights of my touring so far!

You’ve started Nashville’s only all-female Folk showcase, which has expanded to other cities and was featured at AmericanaFest. What motivated you to create this platform, and how do you see it growing?

This showcase has been so exciting to see grow! Being sponsored by the hugely important Change the Conversation, who first inspired me to create this, has given support to so many women artists. The networking events are particularly important for younger women artists, who might not otherwise know how to connect with industry professionals and might feel alone in a daunting industry.

What’s next for you? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations that you’re particularly excited about?

So much touring on the horizon. Particularly in all new markets- places I’ve not only never played before but never even been. Like for the rest of 2024, I get to explore all new cities. New Orleans, Chicago, Denver, DC, and then smaller towns in Maryland, Indiana, Kansas, and so many new states. I’m just so excited to be on the road this much.

DEAR FUTURE ME (EP) TRACKLISTING

1.) Two Faced

2.) Dear Future Me

3.) At Seventy

4.) Blue Moon

5.) What’s Mine

Connect with Stella Prince

Website: https://www.stellaprincemusic.com

Instagram, Facebook, YouTube: @stellaprincemusic