Introducing: Stella Lain

Stella Lain is quickly emerging as one of the UK’s most exciting new voices in country-pop. Fresh off a breakthrough summer and the release of her uplifting new single ‘Country Girl’, the Norfolk-born songwriter is carving out a space that’s all her own — blending classic country textures with pop sparkle and a fearless sense of self. Drawing inspiration from icons like Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood, Lain’s music champions confidence, identity and the joy of honest storytelling.

1. Your new single Country Girl celebrates confidence and being true to yourself. Can you share the songs or artists that first inspired that sense of authenticity in your music?

Absolutely! A lot of my sense of authenticity in music comes from the artists I grew up listening to. Taylor Swift was a huge influence on me growing up and to this day, her storytelling and the way she makes people feel understood through her lyrics really inspired me to be open and honest in my own songs. Shania Twain also had a big impact on my music; she’s always had this unapologetic confidence in her, and her songs like That Don’t Impress Me Much inspired me to want to make music that makes people feel good, empowered and dance. 

Dolly Parton is another amazing artist who has really shaped my love for country music and myself as an artist. I may be a Country Barbie, but she’s the original. She’s such a phenomenal storyteller, but she has also never been afraid to embrace who she is, with all the sparkle, humor, and heart that comes with it.  That combination of storytelling and self-confidence that she possesses really inspired me.

So when I wrote Country Girl, I wanted to carry that same spirit forward, that all these amazing women in music have.  To celebrate my individuality, embrace my femininity and to never let myself be put inside a box.

2. You’ve cited Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, and Carrie Underwood as key influences. Are there particular tracks from them that shaped how you approach songwriting or storytelling?

Definitely! From Taylor Swift, I’d say Our Song had a huge impact on me, it was actually the first song I learned to play on guitar when I was around 11. That track showed me how powerful it can be to take something simple and personal and turn it into a story that feels universal. She’s a Mastermind. It’s so inspiring how she can take a day-to-day concept and write something that anyone can relate to.

Another song of Taylor’s that really connected with me lyrically and emotionally is Tied Together With a Smile from her first album. It captures the pressures of trying to be perfect and constantly judging yourself, and it has stayed with me ever since. Back in high school, when people didn’t treat me kindly, songs like this and Mean reminded me who I am and gave me comfort when I needed it most.  I could go on.

With Dolly Parton, songs like Coat of Many Colors really shaped how I think about storytelling in music. She has this way of painting a picture that feels both deeply personal and timeless, almost like you’re being read a story.  And also shout out to Backwoods Barbie, this is my favourite! I love Dolly’s self-confidence and glamour, shes a true Country Queen.

And with Carrie Underwood, Before He Cheats completely changed the way I saw country music, it’s such an anthem. I love how she channels pure emotion, even rage, into something bold and unforgettable. It taught me that songwriting isn’t just about telling a story, it’s also about capturing the feeling and delivering it in a way that people can really connect to.

3. Music has been part of your life since you were 10. Looking back, what early songs or experiences first made you fall in love with performing and writing?

I’ve always loved performing, I've been performing since the age of around 2 years old and as a kid I would find any excuse to perform or put on a show.  I would always be the first up for karaoke or if there was any chance to get up on a stage, I would take it. I always dreamed of being a singer since as long as I could remember. When I was little, I’d dance around the living room pretending to be a music star, singing and dancing along to my mum’s Kylie Minogue DVD. One of my earliest memories was having my parents push me on the park swing as I belted the entire song of I’m With You by Avril Lavigne.  I grew up watching Hannah Montana, and I’d spend hours in my room making up songs and routines on the spot, writing them down on pink paper in sparkly gel pen, and putting on little shows for my family.

But everything changed when I discovered Taylor Swift. Her music inspired me to teach myself guitar, there was never any particular song, just her whole discography itself, she brought me fully into country music. I’d head out to the garage with my brother’s old nylon-string guitar and play for hours until my fingers went numb. After school, I would sing about my day, my feelings, my friends, and my crushes; songwriting became my diary.  Suddenly, I was expressing myself through melodies and rhymes.

The first proper full song I ever wrote was called Loving You. It was about my childhood crush and how, if only he would noticed me, he would see how much I care. Looking back, it was definitely a little corny, but it was the start of everything. I kept writing and improving each day.

Music became my way to speak when I didn’t have the courage to say things out loud. It gave me a voice, an outlet, and a sense of strength I couldn’t find anywhere else.

4. Country Girl blends classic country instrumentation with pop sensibilities. Were there any tracks in your own listening that inspired that mix of sounds and style?

One of the songs that inspired Country Girl was Hole in the Bottle by Kelsea Ballerini, I loved its beat and the way it takes elements from both traditional country music and pop. I was also influenced by Shania Twain’s Any Man of Mine. The fiddle motif always gets stuck in my head.  I’ve always loved how that song can get people up on their feet, dancing, and that’s exactly what I wanted Country Girl to be able to do.  I wanted it to make people feel good when they hear it and make them want to let loose, have fun and sing along. 

5. Storytelling is central to your music. Are there any songs outside of country that have influenced how you convey emotion, narrative, or energy in your own tracks?

I’m a big fan of musicals, and when I write, I like to approach songs almost as if they could be part of a movie or a show.  They’re meant to tell a story and contribute to a bigger narrative. Especially when I’m writing with emotion, I’ll often set a scene in my head and think about what my character would be feeling, what she would say, and what she would sing about in that moment.

Growing up, the icon that is Kylie Minogue inspired me to be a performer, a true showgirl. I wanted to capture the energy she brings to her live shows.  You can just tell she loves what she does. There are definitely elements of pop in my music, but country will always be at the core of what I do and where my heart lies.