Meet Stella Lain… The “Pink-Loving And Rhinestone-Wearing” Country Music Barbie

Stella Lain has her eyes on the country music prize. Hailing from Norfolk UK, the young singer-songwriter first got her start in the music sphere when she was ten. Inspired by the likes of Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift, Lain honed her craft through writing immersive songs, mastering the guitar and crafting a “Country Barbie” aesthetic unique to her.

Fresh off the back of her success with her first two releases, ‘Sun-Kissed’ and ‘Boy Bye’, Lain returned to the music scene earlier this month with her latest single, ‘Country Girl.’ Backed by classic country twang, the track encourages music listeners to celebrate their identity and be true to who they are. In light of the recent release, we were able to chat with Lain about the start of her country music obsession, music beginnings, ‘Country Girl’, and so much more.

Hi Stella, it’s great to meet you!

Hi, it is great to meet you too!

You said you started writing songs and playing guitar from an early age – were you always interested in country music? 

I grew up listening to country music. I remember listening to a lot of John Denver and Glen Campbell in my grandad’s car, as well as listening to Shania Twain and Dolly Parton, of course, when I was younger. What really got me into writing country music was early Taylor Swift. I was inspired by songs such as  ‘Our Song’ and ‘Love Story.’ Taylor has always been such an inspiration to me.

Why do you think you were drawn to this genre? 

I’ve always loved the sound of a Banjo, like I really love it. There is something about when I hear a banjo that makes me feel happy, it’s homely to me. Of course, because I grew up with it, it has always had a place in my heart. But it’s also the storytelling and how the instruments complement each other. I love all country music from pop country to bluegrass, you won’t believe how much me and my dad listen to ‘Foggy Mountain Breakdown’.

You shared that you have an upcoming EP coming out in the autumn of this year – can you tell us anything about it? 

So this is my debut EP titled “Stella”, it’s an introduction to myself as an artist and songwriter, a small collection of just some of the songs I’ve solely written. It was very difficult to choose what songs to put on the EP as I have such a large discography waiting to be heard, but I came to the decision that I wanted the EP to showcase different themes and sounds through different sub-genres in country music, such as Rock Country, Pop Country and more Acoustic Country all while staying true to myself as an artist. I’ve been dreaming of releasing music for years, so to finally be able to share my music with the world is a dream come true.

‘Country Girl’ – your latest single is such a tune. It exudes such a positive energy – was that your intention? 

Absolutely, and thank you. When I wrote this song, I really hoped it would be that kinda of song that would get you up dancing, the one that you couldn’t help but sing along to at the top of your lungs, and when you hear it, you feel fabulous and you know you’re going to have a good time.

What was the process of creating ‘Country Girl’ – I know you said the inspiration came from feeling like a bit of an outsider to the Country Music scene because you’re from the UK – could you elaborate on this? 

When I wrote the hook “I may be from a different part of the world but im still a country girl” it was actually in response to a comment I over-heard at an event I was at, I heard “if they’re not from the US then it’s not ‘real’ country music” and when I got home it was just bouncing around my little head of mine and I had to do what I always do and write a song about it. It sort of started as a joke, actually, but ended up being something I’m incredibly proud of. The rest of the song came to me from another interaction I had with someone, when they found out that I’m a huge Country Music fan they said “really? You don’t look like you like country music?” when I asked them what they meant by this, they said “You’re too Barbie” whatever that means… so I thought, yes I am a Barbie, a Country Barbie.  So I fully embraced who I am, and wrote this song celebrating my unapologetic femininity and my love for Country Music. It doesn’t matter who you are, what you wear or where you are from; if you love country music, then you are country. 

‘Country Girl’ is about feeling confident in your own skin – what else do you hope listeners take away from the song? 

I hope that it gives an insight into who I am as a person and as an artist, that they would like to be my friend and follow along with my music journey. Ultimately, I hope this song makes listeners realise the importance of being true to yourself, even if it doesn’t fit a stereotype.  You can be who you want to be, you can like the music you like, and never let yourself be put inside a box. 

You have such a great style and artist image – did you always have a clear vision of what you wanted the artist Stella Lain to look like? 

Thank you. I should be honest, this is literally just me. I am a pink-loving, rhinestone-wearing country Barbie. I’d say that at least 95% of my wardrobe is pink. I’m a girly girl and I always have been, and it’s exactly how I imagined I’d be since I started writing music. 

Are you planning on releasing any music videos soon? 

We just released my first music video project for my debut single ‘Sun-Kissed’. I worked with Liv and Ben at Livvid filmmakers, who captured exactly what I wanted and were so fun to work with. Although at the moment I am focusing on releasing music, I would absolutely love to do more music videos, because let’s be honest, a video for ‘Country Girl’ would be a dream. But who knows, watch this space.

What comes more naturally for you – writing lyrics or melodies? 

That’s a really tough question. I’ve never even thought about that before, and I’m not really sure how to explain it. I guess I’d have to say both. I could wake up in the middle of the night with a full chorus, melody and lyrics in my head and quickly sing it into my voice notes on my phone.  Sometimes, if I have a story I want to tell, I find that writing the lyrics to begin with is the easiest way to convey everything I want to say. However, if I write about an experience or a feeling, I may begin with a melody/chords and see what lyrics flow. I think most of the time, because music is my form of self-expression, I find that the lyrics and melodies come to me simultaneously. But it generally depends on what I’m trying to create.

And lastly, how do you feel about Country Music becoming more mainstream in recent years? 

I think it’s great and long overdue! It’s crazy too, as back at school, I remember being ridiculed for my love of country music; it never made sense to me. I think it’s a sign that we’re heading in the right direction.  There are so many incredible Country Artists out there from all around the world waiting to share their music. I hope that this love for country music now in the UK means that more UK Country Artists will be recognised for their talents.  I love the way that Country music brings people together. The country music scene here is so welcoming and like a family. 

Check out Stella Lain’s latest single ‘Country Girl’ here or below.