Stella Angelika - Self Care (Single) 10 Questions

North London’s Stella Angelika has unveiled her lush new single, “Self Care”.

Having made an impression with her sultry R&B sound on the 2019 release “Denouement”, Stella’s latest offering shows her softer side with a delicate display of contemporary R&B and soul. “Self Care” carries an uplifting message that’s built around the poignant hook “self care is caring not selfish”, and provides a timely reminder that regular moments of rest are crucial for our mental and physical wellbeing. The single was inspired by Stella’s personal battles with depression and her advocacy for mindfulness, with her smooth vocals filled with emotion as a dreamy soundscape effortlessly reinforces “Self Care”’s touching meaning.

Stella Angelika explains - “I think people often hold the belief that taking time to tend to ourselves is innately selfish. I am so guilty of this, I’m terrible at carving out time for myself, I rarely take days off and often push myself till I break. But there is only so much you can give of yourself before you are completely emptied, and tending to yourself actually enables you to be on better form and therefore more able to be there for others. I hope this song can be a little reminder to people to take that time for self care because it really can make all the difference and have a positive impact on others too!”

Stella sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

Well my dad is a musician so I’m pretty sure it began there. He used to play in bands back in Cyprus so I grew up with lots of Greek folk music around me. I also have a really clear memory of my godmother playing me and my brother a Tupac album and The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, she was looking after us at the time as my parents were away and we blared it out of the speakers in the kitchen. I’m pretty sure that was a really key moment for me and my love for music, particularly RnB.


2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I think the person who has influenced me the most to date is probably Maria Callas. The way she expressed herself through music is so moving to me, I feel like every single note she sang was just dripping with true emotion and that is exactly the kind of artist I want to be. I would love to work with John Mayer, Billie Eilish and FINNEAS, they are the artists that continually speak to me and reignite my passion to create, even in moments where I’m feeling lost. I’m also really inspired by Jorja Smith, Olivia Dean, Snoh Aalegra and Bruno Major at the moment.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?

Honestly I think the biggest problems I faced were mental. Like a lot of people my anxiety levels were really high, especially at the beginning, and looking back I think I just lost myself a bit in all of it. This manifested in quite a lot of doubt in the creative process, I remember going round and round in circles with certain songs and just not being able to access any real perspective. And also just being really harsh with myself and feeling down about it all, which when you’re locked down is much more difficult to get out of.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Dark, soulful RnB with hints of Mediterranean and Classical.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

I’m most proud of where I am now to be honest. I feel like in the last two years I’ve been learning to trust myself, stop trying to please and just be who I am as an artist. There is room to grow with this for sure but I feel really authentic in the music I’m making now.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Limit your Instagram usage. It’s a breeding ground for comparison and comparison is the killer of creativity.

7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?

You need to check out Gareth Esson. In fact he is an artist that inspires me and who I would love to collaborate with.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

John Mayer and Billie Eilish’s new albums, and ‘Ta Rempetika Tis Sotiria Bellou Vol. 2’ by Sotiria Bellou, rempetiko is a style of Greek music that is kind of like the Greek Blues and I love it so much.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I love Yoga, especially Ashtanga. Meditation has also become a big part of my life over the last few years, which has been a game changer for my mental health. I NEVER thought I would be someone to do yoga or meditate but honestly both have been so good for me! I also love being with my cats.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Water. A positive state of mind, otherwise nothing’s getting done. And a big pile of blankets that I construct a budget vocal booth out of!