Stella Prince on Bringing Folk Music to a New Generation

22-year-old singer-songwriter Stella Prince is proving there’s still room for folk music in a new generation. The Woodstock, New York native has built her career from the ground up, booking more than 1,000 performances since she was 14 while independently growing a devoted fanbase.

Now, with a self-produced debut album recorded in Iceland, a documentary chronicling the journey, and a fresh chapter on the horizon, Stella is introducing listeners to what she calls “Gen Z Folk.” We caught up with Stella to talk about her musical roots, life as an independent artist, recording overseas, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Sweety High: For anyone discovering your music for the first time, how would you describe who Stella Prince is as an artist?

Stella Prince: I am a 22-year-old artist from Woodstock, New York whose goal is to bring folk music to a new generation. I call my sound “Gen Z Folk”, and I’ve booked over 1000 shows since the age of 14. From open mic nights to restaurants, to bars, to wineries and breweries, farmers markets, house shows and clubs, I want to prove that this is possible as an independent artist. One step at a time. And one fan at a time.

(Image courtesy of Stella Prince)

SH: You describe your sound as “indie folk-pop for Gen Z.” What does that mean to you, and how do you think your generation has shaped your songwriting?

SP: “Gen Z Folk” is the term that I would use to describe my genre. It’s a little folk, it’s a little pop, it’s a little indie, but most of all … it’s authentic to who I am, and the music that has shaped me. From growing up in Woodstock, to moving to Nashville at 18, to moving to Los Angeles at 21, every place that I’ve lived has affected my sound. My generation, Gen Z, has completely shaped my songwriting in every possible way. Because we are all starting out in this adult life at the same exact time. This past year, I experienced so many new things. Living on my own for the first time—my first car, my first apartment, touring by myself, driving on the highway for the first time, trying to learn how to cook (emphasis on trying). And to say those experiences have influenced and helped my songwriting would be an understatement.

SH: You grew up in Woodstock, New York, a place with such rich musical history. How did growing up there influence the artist you’ve become?

SP: It completely and totally influenced me. My first concert was Levon Helm. My second concert was Pete Seeger. I gave Pete a note after the concert that read, “I love music.” And he gave me a hug. When I was in second grade, I was a part of the after-school “Folk Club.” When I was in fourth grade, I experienced Peter Yarrow from Peter, Paul and Mary come into school one day and sing “Puff, The Magic Dragon” with all the kids. It was just normal to me to be in that environment. I didn’t realize how unusual my upbringing was until I left Woodstock at 18. Looking back, I would not be who I am today without growing up there.

SH: You just headed to Iceland to record your debut album. Why was that the right place for this project?

SP: For two reasons. First of all, I wanted to go somewhere where I could unplug and focus solely on the music. I loved staying completely away from my phone for almost two straight weeks. I spent 12 hours a day in the studio, soaking it all in. It is the most serene, otherworldly location to record your first record in. And, of course, as a 22-year-old independent artist who wants to own their masters, Iceland has an incredible initiative called the “Record In Iceland Program” where for any money you spend recording music, they give you 25% back of everything. That made it possible for me to afford to record a full album.

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SH: Was there a song on the album that challenged you the most emotionally or creatively?

SP: One of the biggest honors of my career has been getting to record a song written by the brilliant Diane Warren for the album. I was nervous at first because I didn’t want to mess it up- I really wanted to do the song justice. It’s one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. I spent my 22nd birthday a few weeks ago at Diane’s studio in Hollywood running through the song and learning it with her, and after that, I was on my way. It’s one of my favorite songs on the album.

SH: You’re documenting this entire experience. What made you want to capture the process instead of just releasing the finished album?

SP: Because there is no blueprint. There’s no set path or rule book that independent artists have to follow. I remember sitting in my room when I was 14, thinking, “Well, now what?” I remember how impossible it felt. To even start, period. You put “singer-songwriter” in your Instagram bio and then what? Everyone has different advice, and is going to tell you something different to do. I wanted to document my process in case it could help someone else.

SH: You’ve booked more than 1,000 performances since you were 14 years old. Looking back, what’s one piece of advice your 14-year-old self would give you today?

SP: Stop crying.

SH: As an independent artist, you’ve worn so many hats. Which role comes most naturally to you, and which one has been the biggest learning curve?

SP: I think I’ve tried out every role at some point in my life! I was a radio DJ when I was 12 on my local community radio station, and learned how to work a switchboard, and then I was a reporter for my local newspaper when I was 14, learning how to interview people. When I began my career as an artist, I began booking tours, doing the routing, advancing, budgeting, travel plans, booking other acts, figuring out social media, graphic design, website, cover art and publicity. I even did my own radio promotion for my first EP when I was 19 and mailed out 300 CD’s. I still book my own radio interviews. Now, thank god, I have the most incredible team surrounding me. But when I was doing all of that myself, I think I naturally enjoyed the planning of the tours the most. I remember thinking that every single show I booked felt like a fight to get- because it was so hard—but when I got it, it was so rewarding for me after all that back and forth and work. What I disliked the most was all the follow-up. Dozens and dozens of emails I’d have to resend before I’d ever get a response. It was incredibly slow work. It took me over six months to book my first European tour when I was 17. That was brutal.

(Image courtesy of Stella Prince)

SH: You also recently performed at SXSW; tell us a little bit about that experience?

SP: It was such a dream come true. A real bucket list experience. I have always wanted to go to SXSW. To be a part of such a special event, which was Spin Magazine and Tipify’s “Road to Austin” showcase, that really was one of those “pinch me” moments for sure.

SH: If someone had never heard your music before, which song would you play first and why?

SP: I would play my favorite original song that I’ve ever written, called “Good Luck is Hard to Find.” It’s everything that I’ve felt over the past two years, between 20 and 22. The opening lyrics are, “Thought I’d have a car by now but I’m still too scared to drive. Thought I’d have grown by now but I’m still the same old size.” It’s just real life. And realizing things aren’t what you thought they would be.

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SH: If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be?

SP: Joni Mitchell.

SH: If your debut album were the soundtrack to a movie, what kind of movie would it be?

SP: A movie about growing up, leaving home and being on your own for the first time. In other words, chapter one as an adult. And I still have a lot of growing and learning left to do.

SH: Between the album, the documentary, and everything else on the horizon, what are you most excited for fans to experience over the next year?

SP: This is a new chapter. That’s what I’m the most excited about. I have never recorded an album. I’ve always dreamed of releasing one. I have never done a headlining tour. Or made a short documentary. Everything feels new and exciting, and like it’s all on the horizon. Who knows what could happen.

SH: Finally, if listeners could take away just one message after hearing your music, what would you want it to be?

SP: I want people to come away with the feeling that I am a friend. That I’m someone they know. That they can relate to what I’m singing about. I love when I see folks at my shows that come up to me and give me a hug and say “Hi Stella!” like we’ve known each other for years. Even though it’s our first time meeting, we’re already connected.

For more insights from the artists we love, click HERE to read our interview with KARLEE GIRL on her journey so far and new song “what now?”