Being born with talent in singing and growing up in a Rock ‘n’ Roll music scene gives you Gabriella Stella. The Dallas-based popstar finds inspiration in her identity, her life experiences, and most recently, her relationships. Her latest single, “Dirty Laundry,” is inspired by the heartbreak she’d gone through which brings out vulnerability yet encourages healing. Despite heartbreaks, she comes back stronger and shares her talent further through her advocacy work for Treasured Vessels and Melody of Hope. Come with Jejune on a ride to explore her journey in finding love for herself through music and advocacy work. Check out our exclusive interview below!

Where are you based?
I am based in Dallas, TX.

How did you discover your love for music and singing?
It’s a funny story actually; I grew up around music constantly because of my dad. He is a drummer so music was always blaring around me. But it wasn’t until I saw the show “Hannah Montana” that truly changed everything for me. I saw that show and thought to myself I am going to be a pop star. But I am sure every little girl in America had the same thought. I decided to try out for the talent show that year and the rest is history.

What influences do you incorporate into your music style and aesthetic? Who have been your musical inspirations?
I grew up with Rock ‘n’ Roll music so I think that plays a little into my sound. My dad is a drummer in a British Invasion band, so I grew up with that type of music. I have a little grit to my voice but I also grew up in the choir, so my voice battles itself in a sense. As far as musical inspirations go I would have to say Miley Cyrus or Demi Lovato. I love the tone Miley Cyrus has and just her authenticity when it comes to her presence. Demi Lovato just writes from the heart and her vocal range is killer.

Congratulations on your new single “Dirty Laundry.” Can you share with our readers what this song is about? What influenced you to write this song?
Thank you so much! I am really happy it’s out and everyone can listen to it. When I came up with the idea “Dirty Laundry,” I thought of the idea of making the title literal. I wanted people to think it was about laundry but when you really listen, it’s truly a lot darker than that.

‘Dirty Laundry’ seems to talk about toxic relationships, which seem to be recurring themes in relationships these days. The song has a pop aesthetic to it but the lyrics portray a lot of raw emotion. Do you feel people are not treating relationships seriously? What is your view on them?
I am glad you brought this up because I think it’s an important topic to talk about. Relationships are never meant to be easy but they are meant to be draining either. We have this idea of accepting our partners and all their flaws. But I give you this idea about holding them accountable and wanting better for the both of you. As women we are caregivers and we think we have to fix people. But in reality, we were never meant to fix anything other than ourselves. The whole saying goes, you can’t truly love someone unless you love yourself.

How has this song helped you overcome a bad relationship? What do you hope people get out from listening to this song?
It has made me realize I deserve better and I truly have found that. But oddly enough I have found that in myself. I hope that people take the idea that not everything is your fault. No matter how much you want something for someone else, they have to want it more than you do.

Jejune like your other song, “Bad Love,” which was released last year. What prompted you to write this song?
I write a lot of songs about relationships and the complexity of them. Love is such a complicated feeling for me. You can feel like you are flying one moment and then the next SPLAT. You are back to square one picking up all the pieces of your shattered heart on the ground.

We learned that you are also a songwriter. Did you write any of your singles? If so, what is your creative process and where do you draw inspiration from when writing songs?
I wrote all three of my singles which is something I am very proud of. As far as inspiration goes I write from experience. If you can’t already tell, I like to draw from my pain and make something beautiful out of it. I get titles from street signs, clothing brands, random store names, etc. I am constantly on the hunt for inspiration at every turn.

Have you found that being in a pandemic has influenced/inspired your creativity towards music?
Oddly enough I did a lot of self-healing and work on myself. But in turn, helped me creatively because I struggle from being a perfectionist. But let me just say this trait is a blessing and a curse. You are constantly striving for perfection but what is perfection for a perfectionist? You are never satisfied in any of the work you create, you are constantly beating yourself up for mistakes, etc. But I have learned slowly to take time for myself and to take those extra breaks when needed. In time this is helping me with learning new chords, writing new melodies, and just trying new things with my voice.

Jejune admired that you are sharing your passion with others and will be starting a piano lesson program with Treasured Vessels in 2 weeks. What made you decide to partner up with them?
Treasured Vessels is an amazing organization based out of Texas. It helps young women escape the world of sex trafficking and helps them re-adjust to simple living. I decided to partner up with them truly because of the power of music. I wanted to be able to work with others to heal them in the way that music healed me. Music truly has helped me in so many ways and I wanted to pay it forward.

Who will you be teaching these piano lessons to? Besides teaching piano, what else will you be doing in Treasured Vessels?
I will be working with young women around my age. I have started working on a song with them called “Hope.” It’s all about taking the darkness and walking through it to get to the light. We are going to record the track and let the girls hold on to it for those moments of darkness.

Besides Treasured Vessels, you are also involved with Melody of Hope. Can you tell us more about Melody of Hope and its mission? How did you get involved in this?
Melody of Hope is another amazing organization based out of Texas. It is a non-profit that helps other non-profit organizations by supporting them/advocating for them. They believe music is the way to bring us all together.

How can we raise awareness for organizations such as these and their causes, and why is it important? If our readers want to get involved, what can they do?
It’s important to bring awareness to these organizations because they truly create change. I have seen how a little drop of hope can do for people and how it creates a ripple effect. In this time we need all the support and love we can get. If you want to get involved in performing with Melody of Hope feel free to check out www.melodyofhope.org

How have you been staying positive during the lockdown?
I have been reading self-help books, working out, and doing mental check-ups. I have needed a break to heal myself. When you are constantly trying to block out the noise, you don’t realize how loud the screams truly are.

What is your motto in life?
The mantra I live by is “everything happens for a reason.” It has helped me stay calm in situations and just truly helps me with my general anxiety.

To learn more about Gabriella Stella, please follow her via the below platforms:
www.gabriellastella.com

Gabriella Stella: The Power of Healing Through Music