A lot of the artists we review here have a distinctly DIY aesthetic to match their indie credentials. These are the artists you might stumble upon in one of the smaller tents at a festival, and we love them for it. Occasionally, however, an artist emerges who sounds refreshingly put-together and professional, already ready for the main stage. Seattle-based folk rock artist Stella Lovell is one such phenomenon.
Lovell only released her first single in February of this year. “Delicate” introduced a confident folk-rock voice, one comfortable navigating dynamic shifts and varied textures. Her follow-up, “Get Away”, marks a noticeable step forward. Propelled by a driving rhythm section, the track utilises both heavy and shimmering guitars that balance propulsion and atmosphere.
All of this provides a strong foundation for Lovell’s commanding vocal performance. The result is an immediate and accessible song, anchored by an earworm chorus and emotionally direct songwriting that evokes the contours of a whirlwind romance: “Love makes us stupid, but don’t be confused when I say I’m leaving.”
Positioned somewhere in the crossover of contemporary indie rock with classic Americana, Lovell’s music fits neatly in a tradition with artists such as US Girls, Japanese Breakfast, and Angel Olsen. However, “Get Away” also suggests an artist arriving with a clear sense of self. We await the release of her debut EP on May 8th with immense anticipation.
Take a listen to “Get Away” and follow Stella on her socials below to stay informed about her upcoming EP.
Written by Matthew Wrafter
