Among the buzziest names in New York’s esteemed undergrowth, Stella Rose has been impressing broadly since emerging in 2022. She’s got a sophomore project on the way tomorrow, entitled “Hollybaby”, set to further cement her acclaim. An oscillation of gothic dramatisation and soft-rock balladry, Rose’s work has always raised the heartbeat whilst fluttering its eyelashes, and this new forthcoming EP looks set to hear her at the suumit of her powers, with singles like the title track and the newly released “Drugstore Cowboy” proving fiercely creative efforts and glimpses into the wider sonic tenets to come.
To celebrate the EP, Wonderland asked Rose to round up the track’s she had On Repeat whilst writing the work.
Listen to the latest teaser single…
Check out Stella’s On Repeat…
Low – “Fear”
Puts me between that perfect low and high place. The simplicity is what really inspires me, its power lays in its intimate nature.
Fontaines D.C. – “Romance”
A song for cinematic junkies. The tiptoeing entrance of the ringmaster. You can picture this character’s arms swanning open and luring you into their dream or nightmare.
Double Virgo – “Devil in the Dovetail”
What I played as I drove to the studio every day in Los Angeles. The edging in the song bringing the listener close but not quite there. Holding on by a thread. The distorted guitars in this track heavily inspired the songs on my EP.
Mark Lanegan – “Ketamine”
Mark’s voice is unlike any. A true artist and master of words. His work was ever present in the making of this EP. What I love about this song is the chords stay trudging along the whole way, what guides us is his story and melody.
Bat For Lashes – “Laura”
Some songs don’t need much explanation, they just give you what you need. The honesty in this song is what I looked to when writing “Drugstore Romeo”. Getting honest is not easy, falling into characters and storylines is easy to hide behind but saying what you mean is truly a gift.
PJ Harvey – “The Faster I Breathe the Further I Go”
This four-track demo off of PJ Harvey’s B-sides, Demos & Rarities feels like sex. It’s hot and heavy. Demos can hold so much magic. I always get stuck falling for these early tracks.
Just Mustard – “Pigs”
I love the droning guitars and doomy bass line. An assembly line creating an atmospheric industrious sound. I love the discovery of these sounds as the intro plays out. The release when the drums roll in. Stabs in the dark. Her voice sits so dreamy and haunting over guitars that sound like breaks on a speeding car. Puts me in that perfect place. This whole record is a massive inspiration to me and my music currently.
Silent Servant – “Speed and Violence”
A lost highway. A cesspool for cinema. A smoking train trailing by. Its steady nature grounds you, sinking deeper into a hypnotic focus.
How to Destroy Angels – “BBB”
One of my favourite songs at the moment. I was heavily drawn to instruments that sound like electronics when making this EP. Distorting organic instrumentation, unearthing them to live in this modern world. It feels fresh, exciting.
The Kills – “The Search For Cherry Red”
This song feels like a skipping record, scratching its way through vinyl skin. It’s not fussy. Take it or leave it attitude. Jamie’s gunslinging stabs and Alison’s effortless swagger spawns an irresistible presence that informs and motivates me as an artist.