Not Just a Band You Listen to, but a Band You Feel

In an age where music is often reduced to playlists and background noise, Orlando's Band Called Stella breaks through the noise. This local group is much more than just a band you listen to–they’re a band you feel. A sonic and visual experience that transports you to an intersection where the past and present collide. Their music is drenched in nostalgia, pulling from timeless influences, while also embracing current sounds and techniques that give it a fresh, unique character.

Band Called Stella is composed of five talented individuals: Gaby (lead singer), Lin (bassist), Kent (guitarist), Jordan (guitarist), and Oliver (drummer). Together, they create a musical experience that speaks to the heart, blending moody, atmospheric visuals with an eclectic fusion of alternative shoegaze, Midwest emo, and noise rock. Their sound evokes both comfort and introspection, inviting listeners to get lost in a dreamy haze where grunge, neon lights, and raw emotion meet.

Image Courtesy: Band Called Stella

The Story Behind the Band

Like many local bands, Band Called Stella’s journey is rooted in friendship and mutual discovery. “We became fast friends after being introduced by a mutual group,” they recalled. “It instantly became this close-knit band. It was just natural.” This camaraderie is evident in their music, where every note feels like part of a larger conversation between the members. Their songwriting process is fluid, with each member contributing ideas and letting the music evolve organically.

A band's name is often the first piece that brings everything together, and Band Called Stella has a story behind theirs. As the members reflected, “We were bouncing around ideas, and the name Stella came up thanks to a friend. It just felt right. Band Called Stella just came out from there.” Their choice wasn’t about conveying something overtly profound or conceptual, it was about how the name resonated with the group, just like their music resonates with listeners.

The simplicity of the name belies the complexity of their sound, offering a subtle metaphor for what they stand for: straightforward yet impactful, unpretentious but profound. Band Called Stella serves as the touchstone for their music’s groundedness, an outlet for their authentic and unfiltered energy. 

Defining the Sound

When asked how they define their sound, the band collectively agrees that it’s a mixture of alternative, shoegaze, Midwest emo, and noise rock. These genres, each distinct in their own right, come together seamlessly in Band Called Stella’s music. The result is an alluring soundscape that moves from soft vulnerability to moments of intense catharsis.

Their audience tends to be “an angsty crowd that just loves to have fun and get lost in the music.” And it makes sense–there’s something undeniably cathartic about the way their music washes over you, pulling you into its depths while simultaneously lifting you up. It’s a form of auditory escapism, where the dreamy, atmospheric layers of sound let you drift away from the present. Yet, the raw emotion in their lyrics and the grounded, relatable themes in their music pulls you back, keeping one foot in reality while the other floats through the experience. It’s an escape, but one that remains tethered to genuine human feeling.

Inspirations and Aesthetics

In terms of inspiration, Band Called Stella draws from a wide pool of influences, reflecting their diverse musical palette. “Title Fight and Julie have been big for us. Our riffs are very Title Fight-esque, and Julie inspires our aesthetic and sound effects.”

Their music combines the shimmering, dreamlike qualities of shoegaze with the emotional weight and lyrical depth of Midwest emo. They also pull from the energy and intensity of noise rock, infusing their sound with gritty textures and raw power that adds an edge to their otherwise ethereal melodies. Beyond their primary influences, there’s also an eclectic array of artists that they love, further shaping their sound and style. Deftones, Hum, Alex G, The Sundays, Cocteau Twins, and Mitski, just to name a few. It’s an extensive mix, but each artist plays a part in shaping their sound and overall artistic presence.

For listeners new to the alternative scene or wanting to understand the influences behind Band Called Stella’s sound, the band suggests starting with some of these artists: Cocteau Twins, Title Fight, and Slow Death. These are bands that embody the heart of the alternative scene, creating music that’s not just heard but felt.

It’s not just the sound that captivates; the band’s visual identity also plays a key role. Leaning into retro-modern influences, they blend vintage and contemporary styles into a distinct look that reflects their unique character. “We don’t adhere to fashion norms in the industry,” they shared. “We range from business casual to archive aesthetic, and sometimes we match our outfits to the venue we’re playing at.” As artists, Band Called Stella engages multiple senses, drawing in audiences not only through their music but through carefully crafted visuals that mirror the all-embracing atmosphere of their performances.

What Makes Band Called Stella Different

In terms of future projects, the band is focused on crafting an album that feels uniquely their own. “We’ve tried to pinpoint what artist or group we sound like,” Gaby explained, “but we always end up realizing that we have our own sound. It’s a mix of shoegaze and Midwest emo, but it’s also just us.”

When asked what they hope people take away from this feature, the band’s answer is as humble and honest as their music: “We’re just five people who came together to create amazing music. You can find your best friends in the most unimaginable situations.”

In an industry that often prioritizes image over substance, Band Called Stella stands as a reminder that authenticity is still what resonates most with an audience. They’re not just a band you listen to—they’re a band you experience and ultimately connect with.

And that’s what makes Band Called Stella so compelling. Their sound, their aesthetic, their story, it’s all about creating a shared experience. They invite you into their world, and once you’re there, it’s hard to leave. 

Don’t miss your chance to experience them live at their show on October 17th at Will’s Pub! If you can’t make this one, don’t worry, more shows are on the horizon. Stay connected by following them on Instagram, @bandcalledstella, and Spotify to keep track of their latest releases and upcoming performances. 

Strike Out,

Orlando

Writer: Julia Tula

Editors: Olivia Wagner & Krizia Figueroa

Julia Tula is a Journalist for Strike Magazine Orlando. A future publishing industry professional who enjoys living in fictional universes. When she's not writing, you'll likely find her lost in a book, with an aesthetic playlist setting the mood. Known for her spontaneous bursts of creativity, she often scribbles down ideas wherever inspiration strikes, ensuring no story is left unwritten. You can reach her at juliatula13@gmail.com or via Instagram @juliaatula