Ahead of Σtella’s intoxicating Sub Pop debut Up and Away, we got to delve deep into the Greek artist history.

Can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?

Hello, I am Stella, I am from Athens, Greece and I’ve been making music since 2010. At first I was very shy but I started working with various musicians which helped me overcome my shyness. That took a minute, and in 2012 I released my first EP on Soundcloud. It was called “Keep me Naked”.

Overall I like to write pop music that can be happy and sad at the same time.

How did it all start?

I guess it all started when I was 4 or 5 when my father decided to buy me a piano. My mom was not so impressed with the idea and told my father that I was too young to tell if I even liked music. But my dad said, “it’s ok, if not, we’ll end up with a nice piece of furniture for the house”. Turned out, I loved the piano.

How do you produce your music?

It varies. For my first two albums I co-produced and mixed w/ artist and producer Nteibint. For my third album I produced and mixed most of the tracks, and some were mixed by artist and producer Coti. K. On this fourth album, Redinho was involved in the mixing and production of it, which was good as it got my head completely off the production part for once! I felt more free and that had a positive impact on my creativity.

What inspires your music?

Life in general, I guess. Just think about all the things that have happened to you in the past year. There’s a lot of inspiration right there.

How are you feeling about the release of your upcoming debut album Up and Away?

I am feeling excited that I am finally able to share this album with the world.

What’s it like working with Sub Pop?

It’s been really great. They all know what they’re doing.

Tell us something about yourself that has nothing to do with music?

I am really into ping-pong and homemade spaghetti bolognese.

Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s important to you?

I often listen to an album by American Jazz guitarist Tony Mottola called “Sixteen Great Performances”. This was a record my parents had bought and was lying around the house when I was very young. I remember playing it and dancing around the house, jumping from one couch to another like a chipmunk! I loved that record. It included covers like “I can’t get no satisfaction” and “what a difference a day made”, played of course in Mottola’s unique way. As the record itself states: “no one plays the guitar with such charm and warmth as Tony Mottola”.

What do you hate right now?

War.

What do you love right now?

My new mattress.

What comes next in the Σtella story?

Who knows! Life is full of surprises.

Is there any new music from 2022 that you’re enjoying?

Not really, but I am enjoying a lot of music from the 50’s and 60’s lately!

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

Touring, touring, touring.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Hello readers, looking forward to meeting you all one by one!