Independent Pop Sensation Stela Cole: The Story & Music So Far
Stela Cole is a talented singer-songwriter making big waves in the world of pop. Real name Hollyn Elizabeth Shadinger, she emerged into the spotlight with force over recent years via studio, stage, and social media. Stela sings with attitude and style, merging hip-hop beats with ’70s harmonies and seductive angst. Her breakthrough breakup track “You FO” created the initial splash, with dozens of singles and a fantastic album delivered since then to great acclaim. Let’s learn more about this exciting young artist and review some of her best releases.
The early years
Hollyn Elizabeth Shadinger was born in Tennessee but raised in Peachtree City, Georgia after being adopted at birth. Her early years were more about sports than songs, with the young Hollyn playing as a soccer goalkeeper before injuring her back at 15. She then turned to music, writing songs and recording demos as a prodigious teenager. Local producers quickly identified her talent, and manager Steve Sparrow came on board to add professionalism and polish.
At her graduation event at Starr’s Mill High School in 2016, Shadinger sang the national anthem. After school had finished, the emerging pop sensation moved from the suburbs of Atlanta to the music capital of Nashville. Once settled, she developed her vocal style and got deeply involved with the local music scene. She went on to study music locally at Belmont University but dropped out after signing to RCA Records. Her music career was now flourishing, and the newly named Stela Cole was ready to take on the world.
Breakthrough moment
With her artist name chosen and contract signed, Stela Cole started developing her unique songwriting style. While undeniably pop, the first track she dropped also presented a novel take on childhood memories. Released in 2018 and immediately making waves on social media, “You F O” blended pop vocals with nursery rhymes and jump-rope chants. This song was also included on her five-track EP Throwing Up Butterflies, which seemed equally inspired by girl group power and barbershop harmonies.
These two releases showed major promise for the young singer, but they also created problems with her record label. While RCA was looking for a Meghan Trainor-type artist, Cole had a very different direction in mind. She had already released the Let Me In EP under her birth name in 2016, and she wasn’t scared to work independently again. After losing major label support with RCA, Stela Cole really came into her own.
Career trajectory
The singles and EPs kept coming over the next few years, mostly funded by the artist herself with money from the RCA deal. She released her next EP, Woman of the Hour, in 2020 via the independent music distribution service AWAL. While Cole didn’t have the financial backing of a major label anymore, the acceleration of online streaming made her career viable. She owned full rights to this EP and released all six tracks as singles to help her streaming numbers.
New music started flowing, and before long, Cole had renewed attention from record labels. Her next single, “I Shot Cupid,” was teased on TikTok and released independently in early 2021. With the success of that song, she officially signed with Ultra Records later that year. The next chapter of her career had just begun, with Stela Cole about to reach national levels of fame. “Walking on the Moon” was the first track released on her new label, and she also represented Georgia with pride on the first TV season of American Song Contest.
I Die Where You Begin
After releasing a string of non-album singles throughout 2022-23, Stela Cole finished her partnership with Ultra Records. An independent artist once more, she started working on her debut album release. Around this time, Stela hit an all-time low and made some major life changes. She gave up social media and started to write music she loved instead of trying to satisfy the algorithm.
This was something of an artistic rebirth for Cole, who was now listening to a much broader selection of artists. Along with her pop roots, Stela Cole was now influenced by the music of Fleetwood Mac, Tame Impala, and the Arctic Monkeys. Drawing inspiration from multiple genres across many decades, Cole’s upcoming album was obviously going to be different.
Stela Cole released her debut studio album on March 14, 2025. It was released on her own Stelavision Records, with Amuse providing global distribution on LP, digital download, and streaming services. After many years of releasing music for herself, Stelavision helped to embody Cole’s independent journey. I Die Where You Begin features 13 tracks, nine of which were released as singles. This has become more common over recent years, with artists releasing lots of singles to build momentum on streaming services.
While the album starts rather slowly, it builds over time to create something truly cohesive and special. Some of the tracks were obviously inspired by the ’70s, but Cole puts a sexy modern twist on each and every one. The songwriting is fantastic, the instruments blend seamlessly, and the production is top-notch throughout. I Die Where You Begin was meant to be listened to in full — as any great album should — but there are some definite standout numbers. “God Loves You” and “Slow Dance” are amazing for non-single tracks; and “Candyland,” “Blue Moon,” and “Midnight Killer” are sure to get caught in your memory.
If you like your pop music full of seduction and dark allusion, you should love the following two tracks:
Loverspell
“Loverspell” is an incredible track by Stela Cole and the latest single release from the I Die Where You Begin album. This track is stripped down and bare, with Cole laying down and putting it all on the line. With lines like “let me choke on your love” and “put your loverspell on me baby,” she presents the sexy, bold face of a modern woman. While undeniably strong and independent, she also isn’t afraid to go get her man. “Loverspell” finishes with a gentle ’70s guitar solo, and the video sees Stela slinking around seductively on a pool table — what’s not to love?Stereoqueen
“Stereoqueen” is a fantastic song with a magnetic energy from start to finish. It begins with an infectious groove, and a strong backbeat drives the music as Cole’s sexy voice comes up in the mix. Her vocals soon become the focal point, and the soulful groove provides a sensual, trance-like vibe. As Cole sings about being the “stereoqueen” and “dancing like it’s ’73,” the music swirls and the atmosphere grows. This track manages to feel both relaxed and insistent, and the production offers a modern twist on obvious ’70s influences.Stela Cole is an amazing artist who’s getting more love all the time. She has emerged as an authentic voice over recent years, blending groovy modern production with a sensual ’70s soul. If you like your pop music sexy and enchanting with the perfect hint of shadow, her latest album is sure to put a smile on your face.
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