estella!
“estella’s ex gave them a name. estella gave it a new meaning.”
estella started making music in 2020, bored with a best friend and making meme rap over anime beats pulled from YouTube. Around 2023, estella found the underground scene and slowly grew into the artist they are now. The name comes from an ex, taken back and given a new meaning. The sound is a bright mix of chiptune and indie rock, with psych elements on the way.
Who got you into making music in the first place?
I started making music in 2020 when I was bored with my bsf (still bsf to this day). i used to make like meme rap music on anime beats from youtube, and then around 2023-2024 i found the scene and started assimilating into it a bit until i became what i am now.
Why did you pick the name estella, and what does it say about you?
i picked the name estella because it’s one of my ex’s names, and it kinda aligns with how i want to present myself in the scene. i see people as a collection of their experiences, so considering that dating her was one of the worst experiences, i wanted to make her name mean something different for me than her. i also just think it’s a pretty name. I think it also shows how I don’t care about gender, as it doesn’t bother me or anything.
“creativity is the standard, and my imagination never shuts up.” - estella
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard it?
A bright mix of chiptune and indie rock with psych elements (upcoming).
What’s an album that changed how you think about music?
Technically an EP, but Apiary by Gingerbee is the most integral piece of art for my development as an artist, and i thank tozi for sharing my first listen. It is the best piece of music that has ever been written so far, in my opinion.
Do you write the lyrics first or the music first, and why?
I write the idea. Sometimes I’ll write one or two liners and then use them to start a song or section, other times i’ll make a beat and write around it.
What are you trying to say with your music?
I’m trying to connect people. I’m trying to foster a community with an everlasting spirit, a community where we can openly critique each other and become better people overall.
Why do you think people connect with your music?
Because i’m honest. My fans recognize that music is more than having a good voice. creativity is the standard, and my imagination never shuts up.
What’s been the hardest part of putting your music out there?
Being scared of being made fun of. I’m always trying to experiment more and more, so in the back of my mind I always have that fear.
What’s the best feedback you’ve ever gotten on your music?
My old engineer told me my song sucked, then showed me a mixing trick I’ve been using ever since.
If you could play one show anywhere, with anyone, where would it be?
I’d make a venue in the bronx where I live and host my own shows for artists I think are up and coming and good. That’s the ideal goal: to reinvest into the community and make it easier for future artists.
What’s next for you: new music, shows, or collaborations?
Expect more with ugly.
Why should someone who has never heard of you press play on your music today?
So that they can flex the og screenshot when I have more monthly listeners, duh.
// end of transmission — indie blogs
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