Backstage ahead of her electrifying set at San Diego’s Niteharts Music Festival, the half-horse, half-human DJ sits down with Wonderland to talk neighs and slays of festival etiquette, finding strength in her cult following and the mottos she lives by.
Saddling up to a horsegiirL live show is a revelation. Also known as Stella Stallion, the mammalian Mother is a half-horse half-human DJ taking the reins on her maximalist blend of intoxicating Eurodance and experimental hyperpop. She often performs and blesses humans in her wholly horse form – at the ready with fluttering lashes, glistening mane, glamorously heart-shaped forelock (Maybe she’s born with it? Maybe it’s Neighbelline) and smart stout.
Not much is known about Stella Stallion’s origins (other than she trotted over from the barns of Berlin,) yet one thing is certain when you witness her over 720k+ monthly listeners on Spotify and the San Diego’s Niteharts music festival’s crowd packed like sardines awaiting her set – her influence on genre-blending EDM simply cannot be tamed. While 2023’s “My Barn My Rules” redefined her career trajectory, the hit single was simply an introduction to the DJ’s fine-tuned capabilities. It’s clear she has her hoof on the pulse of hyperpop experimentation, all while taking on the burden of rewriting humans’ perception of horses on this year’s v.i.p. – very important pony’s release. As she so generously reminds us on the addictive track “materiaL hor$e,” she’s a pony you can bet on, especially to redefine electronic music as we know it.
This is perhaps most evident at Niteharts, when in contrast to some other DJ’s well-known, classic beep boop, horsegiirL brought a girlier, unexpected edge, confidently prancing onto the elevated stage with larger-than-life boots, pyrotechnics at the ready and lively signature dance moves she made up for each part of her set (including intense jumping and a hand heart made just for her fans, also known as her devoted Farmies).
Straight from the horse’s mouth, Wonderland chatted with horsegiirL backstage before her electrifying set at San Diego’s Niteharts Music Festival to talk neighs and slays of festival etiquette, finding strength in her cult following and mottos she lives by.
Listen to horsegiirL…
Can you walk (or gallop) us through an average day of getting ready for a performance? What are some of your pre-show and post-show rituals?
If possible, on the day of the show, I am trying to get as much rest and nutritious food as possible. It’s not always possible with this lifestyle, but in an ideal sense, that’s what I do. Then, I go through my set a little bit. I look at what the vibe of the festival is. After a show, I always hang out with the team for a little bit and debrief, and then I actually hit the hay very early to get some sleep.
What are your neighs and slays in surviving a festival?
I would say, slays: hydrate. Slay: comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes as well, and definitely going with friends who are independent enough, especially if you want to see different acts, because sometimes you can be a bit more present that way.
Neigh: Being too much into your phone! Just live in the moment. Another neigh I would say is any heel, or an open-toed sandal. No, no. Neigh neigh neigh neigh!
What do you want to show the world about yourself (and horses) via this performance?
Horses don’t stop. They keep goooooing!
How have your Farmies inspired your creative evolution?
I think I really started getting into oil painting because of them, because I’ve gotten so many cool oil paintings and drawings. So that really inspired me to live out my little Picasso. Thanks, Farmies!
When people hear “HorsegiirL” and your music, what do you want people to automatically think?
Be wild. Be free!
Anything else you would like to add?
Love each other. Don’t be mean to each other and eat some apples (because they’re good for you!)
Words – Kelly Nguyen
