MEDUSA, Stella Talpo's debut album is here!

Following a series of singles supported by the likes of BBC Radio 6, BBC Introducing, COLORS & Wonderland, Stella Talpo shares her debut album MEDUSA.

Created with support from PRS’ ‘Women Make Music Fund’ the record was released on Friday 13th October .

Across the 11 tracks that make up her debut album ‘MEDUSA’, Stella challenges societal ideals and oppressive frameworks. A central thread of mythological, primal & visceral imagery is used to normalise elements of life that are part of the ugly (but real) human experience, contrasting with the sterilised society we occupy, where we’ve been detached from our primal nature.

“Initially, the concept was inspired by the ‘Chimera’, a creature villainised for its grotesque form, which paralleled the story I wanted to tell about our inner darkness & imperfections, the things that make us animals that we’ve hidden away, particularly from a woman’s point of view.”

A result of years of musical experimentation and growth with producer Lewis Moody (30/70, Cherise), the project marks an injection of ethereal darkness and alt-pop sound design into Stella’s soulful RnB songwriting. Influences range from the leftfield electronics of Gazelle Twin and the cinematic soul of SAULT, through to engagement with contemporary feminist literature by the likes of Gillian Alban and Clarissa Pinkola Estés. Their writings acted as a springboard for many of the lyrical motifs explored by Stella, as she explains; “Women Who Run With Wolves unlocked so much for me creatively, inspiring a lot of the purpose, metaphors and repeated literary motifs on the album.”

The album follows the success of singles like ‘GOOD GIRLS’ and ‘BONES’, which introduced the grittier, primal sound and visceral imagery present in the record’s lyrical themes. Cuts like ‘QUICKSAND’ lean more into Stella’s alt-RnB stylings, but implement booming, 808-powered basslines that add to the fierce attitude adopted in handling anxieties head on, whilst ‘DUST’ charts previously unmarked territory, taking a turn into twisted alt-pop.

Listen to the final single from Stella Talpo's forthcoming debut album 'MEDUSA'

Embracing folklore once again, offering the last glimpse into her forthcoming debut album ‘MEDUSA’, Stella Talpo continues the rollout of 'MEDUSA', with ‘BONES’.

‘BONES’ channels Clarissa Pinkola Estés’ ‘La Loba’ tale, invoking the imagery of a woman’s spirit resurrected and reborn. It continues with the recurrent themes of empowerment and mythology explored by Stella across MEDUSA, once again leaning into the unique blend of RnB hooks, moody synths and bopping grooves masterfully constructed by Stella and co-writer/producer Lewis Moody.

“BONES relates to the tale of La Loba, singing a woman’s bones back to life. I invoke the vision of woman across the fire, like an ancestor watching me today, questioning if she would be proud.”

Across the 11-tracks that make up her debut album ‘MEDUSA’, Stella challenges societal ideals and oppressive frameworks. A central thread of mythological, primal & visceral imagery is used to normalise elements of life that are part of the ugly (but real) human experience, contrasting with the sterilised society we occupy, where we’ve been detached from our primal nature. “Initially, the concept was inspired by the ‘Chimera’, a creature villainised for its grotesque form, which paralleled the story I wanted to tell about our inner darkness & imperfections, the things that make us animals that we’ve hidden away, particularly from a woman’s point of view.”

A result of years of musical experimentation and growth with producer Lewis Moody (30/70, Cherise), the project marks an injection of ethereal darkness and alt-pop sound design into Stella’s soulful R&B songwriting. Influences range from the leftfield electronics of Gazelle Twin and the cinematic soul of SAULT, through to engagement with contemporary feminist literature by the likes of Gillian Alban and Clarissa Pinkola Estés. Their writings acted as a springboard for many of the lyrical motifs explored by Stella, as she explains; “Women Who Run With Wolves unlocked so much for me creatively, inspiring a lot of the purpose, metaphors and repeated literary motifs on the album.”

Born in a small town in Italy, but now firmly rooted in South London by way of Singapore, Spain and America, Stella has released a trilogy of EPs in the lead up to her debut album. Finding widespread critical support from the likes of The Line of Best Fit, CLASH and New Wave Magazine, as well as BBC Introducing, Reprezent Radio and Rinse FM, she’s now ready to share a body of work that truly represents her eclectic musical tastes and travelled upbringing. Also a keen reader of literature and poetry, her evocative, insightful lyricism is at the centre of her alluring, boundary-pushing work.

PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM

Stella Talpo shares her new track ‘DUST' - the third single from MEDUSA

Following COLORS & Wonderland-backed singles ‘GOOD GIRLS’ and ‘QUICKSAND’, Stella shares her new track ‘DUST’, embracing the mythological themes present across her forthcoming debut album MEDUSA. Created with support from PRS’ ‘Women Make Music Fund’, ‘DUST’ releases on Thursday 3rd August via DeepMatter Records.

‘DUST’ takes the animalistic, fierce energy from ‘GOOD GIRLS’ & ‘QUICKSAND’, but ramps it up to new heights. Stella moulds her R&B sounds into a progressive alt-pop palette with chaotic, percussive production akin to Gazelle Twin and SOPHIE. The track channels themes of empowerment and embracing pain as a tool to drive personal growth, using the imagery of a trip to visit the Greek god of wine & revelry Dionysus.

“DUST is a call to action and a celebration of the human spirit's resilience and ability to rise above adversity. It’s an Invitation to rise, and refers to the energy surge when a woman feels the monster within her come alive; a tribal conjuring of her true nature. I wanted to encourage listeners to abandon their doubts and fears, and to rise up from the ashes of their past.”

Across the 11-tracks that make up her debut album ‘MEDUSA’, Stella challenges societal ideals and oppressive frameworks. A central thread of mythological, primal & visceral imagery is used to normalise elements of life that are part of the ugly (but real) human experience, contrasting with the sterilised society we occupy, where we’ve been detached from our primal nature. “Initially, the concept was inspired by the ‘Chimera’, a creature villainised for its grotesque form, which paralleled the story I wanted to tell about our inner darkness & imperfections, the things that make us animals that we’ve hidden away, particularly from a woman’s point of view.”

A result of years of musical experimentation and growth with producer Lewis Moody (30/70, Cherise), the project marks an injection of ethereal darkness and alt-pop sound design into Stella’s soulful R&B songwriting. Influences range from the leftfield electronics of Gazelle Twin and the cinematic soul of SAULT, through to engagement with contemporary feminist literature by the likes of Gillian Alban and Clarissa Pinkola Estés. Their writings acted as a springboard for many of the lyrical motifs explored by Stella, as she explains; “Women Who Run With Wolves unlocked so much for me creatively, inspiring a lot of the purpose, metaphors and repeated literary motifs on the album.”

Born in a small town in Italy, but now firmly rooted in South London by way of Singapore, Spain and America, Stella has released a trilogy of EPs in the lead up to her debut album. Finding widespread critical support from the likes of The Line of Best Fit, CLASH and New Wave Magazine, as well as BBC Introducing, Reprezent Radio and Rinse FM, she’s now ready to share a body of work that truly represents her eclectic musical tastes and travelled upbringing. Also a keen reader of literature and poetry, her evocative, insightful lyricism is at the centre of her alluring, boundary-pushing work.

PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM

Stella Talpo drops 'QUICKSAND', the second single from her debut album

Stella Talpo returns with the second single from her forthcoming debut album ‘MEDUSA’, with the brand new cut ‘QUICKSAND’, taking us further into the world of her debut album.

Following Jamz Supernova & Wonderland-endorsed lead single GOOD GIRLS, Stella returns with QUICKSAND. This one is full of a fierce attitude that mirrors her willingness to tackle her anxieties head on, as she explores themes of depression and the passing of time through the metaphor of entrapment in quicksand. It's a building block in the story of a growing UK R&B scene, with a gritty twist that's present across the rest of the record.

Across the 11-tracks that make up her debut album ‘MEDUSA’, Stella challenges societal ideals and oppressive frameworks. A central thread of mythological, primal & visceral imagery is used to normalise elements of life that are part of the ugly (but real) human experience, contrasting with the sterilised society we occupy, where we’ve been detached from our primal nature. “Initially, the concept was inspired by the ‘Chimera’, a creature villainised for its grotesque form, which paralleled the story I wanted to tell about our inner darkness & imperfections, the things that make us animals that we’ve hidden away, particularly from a woman’s point of view.”

A result of years of musical experimentation and growth with producer Lewis Moody (30/70, Cherise), the project marks an injection of ethereal darkness and alt-pop sound design into Stella’s soulful R&B songwriting. Influences range from the leftfield electronics of Gazelle Twin and the cinematic soul of SAULT, through to engagement with contemporary feminist literature by the likes of Gillian Alban and Clarissa Pinkola Estés. Their writings acted as a springboard for many of the lyrical motifs explored by Stella, as she explains; “Women Who Run With Wolves unlocked so much for me creatively, inspiring a lot of the purpose, metaphors and repeated literary motifs on the album.”

Born in a small town in Italy, but now firmly rooted in South London by way of Singapore, Spain and America, Stella has released a trilogy of EPs in the lead up to her debut album. Finding widespread critical support from the likes of The Line of Best Fit, CLASH and New Wave Magazine, as well as BBC Introducing, Reprezent Radio and Rinse FM, she’s now ready to share a body of work that truly represents her eclectic musical tastes and travelled upbringing. Also a keen reader of literature and poetry, her evocative, insightful lyricism is at the centre of her alluring, boundary-pushing work.

PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM

Stella Talpo announces debut album 'MEDUSA' with 'GOOD GIRLS'

After spending the last few months hunkered down and tapped into a creative stream of literature and art, Stella Talpo returns with the support of PRS’ ‘Women Make Music Fund’. ‘GOOD GIRLS’ acts as the introduction and announcement of her debut album ‘MEDUSA’, releasing this autumn.

Immediately marking a grittier, primal turn in Stella’s R&B sound, ‘GOOD GIRLS’ brings in elements of leftfield alt-pop and a wild edge that sets the tone for the upcoming record. The track holds no prisoners, adopting visceral, gory imagery to comment upon oppression experienced by women under patriarchal structures. The message is double-edged, with lyrics discussing the importance of solidarity, and the power in numbers needed to break barriers and enact change.

"GOOD GIRLS is about empowerment and solidarity. It urges listeners to be strong and fight for freedom, rather than being a ‘good girl’ who follows the rules and stays in the shadows. I set out to describe the struggles of being a woman in a male-dominated world and the ways in which women have been held back and manipulated.”

‘GOOD GIRLS’ will release on May 25th via DeepMatter Records

Across the 11-tracks that make up her debut album ‘MEDUSA’, Stella challenges societal ideals and oppressive frameworks. A central thread of mythological, primal & visceral imagery is used to normalise elements of life that are part of the ugly (but real) human experience, contrasting with the sterilised society we occupy, where we’ve been detached from our primal nature. “Initially, the concept was inspired by the ‘Chimera’, a creature villainised for its grotesque form, which paralleled the story I wanted to tell about our inner darkness & imperfections, the things that make us animals that we’ve hidden away, particularly from a woman’s point of view.”

A result of years of musical experimentation and growth with producer Lewis Moody (30/70, Cherise), the project marks an injection of ethereal darkness and alt-pop sound design into Stella’s soulful R&B songwriting. Influences range from the leftfield electronics of Gazelle Twin and the cinematic soul of SAULT, through to engagement with contemporary feminist literature by the likes of Gillian Alban and Clarissa Pinkola Estés. Their writings acted as a springboard for many of the lyrical motifs explored by Stella, as she explains; “Women Who Run With Wolves unlocked so much for me creatively, inspiring a lot of the purpose, metaphors and repeated literary motifs on the album.”

Born in a small town in Italy, but now firmly rooted in South London by way of Singapore, Spain and America, Stella has released a trilogy of EPs in the lead up to her debut album. Finding widespread critical support from the likes of The Line of Best Fit, CLASH and New Wave Magazine, as well as BBC Introducing, Reprezent Radio and Rinse FM, she’s now ready to share a body of work that truly represents her eclectic musical tastes and travelled upbringing. Also a keen reader of literature and poetry, her evocative, insightful lyricism is at the centre of her alluring, boundary-pushing work.

PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM

Stella Talpo drops 'FINE: Stripped' EP

Born in a small town outside Milan, and raised in Singapore, Stella Talpo has wanderlust woven into her bones. Influenced by a wide range of artists from Billie Holiday to Nirvana, she gracefully traverses genres, with her poignant lyrics addressing themes from addiction and human behaviour to politics.

Stella Talpo kick starts 2023 with 'Where Did I Go (Stripped)', offering an alternative take on the electronic-tinged, atmospheric soul / R&B cut taken from last years' EP 'FINE'.

Stripping everything back to just voice and guitar allows Stella's earthy vocal and lyrics to shine, as she explores themes of anxiety and the life altering consequences of pursuing love and validation at all costs. The track completes her EP 'FINE: Stripped'.

Stella Talpo Returns with New EP, 'FINE'

Born in a small town outside Milan, and raised in Singapore, Stella Talpo has wanderlust woven into her bones. Influenced by a wide range of artists from Billie Holiday to Nirvana, she gracefully traverses genres, with her poignant lyrics addressing themes from addiction and human behaviour to politics.

The new project sees Stella Talpo step into a new energy, a reclaimed self and with it, a reinvented sound, capturing a power and self-belief; sure to be a turning point in her winding and unusual story.

Speaking on the influences behind 'FINE', Stella said: "My best friends’ started a punk band [Shelf Lives] and I found myself listening to artists like Luna Aura, Audrey Nuna, Rina Sawayama, beabadoobee, Olivia Rodrigo and revisiting old grunge records I loved so much by Hole, Pearl Jam and Nirvana (such a 90’s baby)."

Oozing with vibrancy and soul, lead singles "Water" and "Where Did I Go" dissect subjects such as the allure of self-destructive behaviour, and personal validation and acceptance, sonically blending her rock roots with a distinguished, soulful sound.

Stella has a graceful way with words; probing her own artistic journey and personal development over the course of the EP, the 6 track release succinctly displays her talent as a lyricist and vocalist, delivering smart, introspective prose through her smoky, alluring vocal.

Speaking more on the lyrical themes at play on the upcoming 'FINE' EP, Stella said: "FINE is the eye-roll that follows the realisation that growth is never easy but always necessary. It is the reluctant willingness to grow up; the inconvenienced ‘ugh’ you moan in knowing that living a fulfilling life means abandoning your comfort zone. A nuisance that the curious welcome, the lament that precedes the ‘Fine then, bring it on'."

Stella Talpo paints pictures through her lyricism on 'first burn' EP

Born in Italy, raised in Singapore and now living in London, Stella Talpo has become a one-to-watch due to her ability to shape and mould R&B sounds with her own unique concoction of influences.

Her new EP ‘First Burn’ features singles ‘Shark’ and ‘Mona’ highlights Stella’s ability to paint pictures through her lyricism, backed by simple and effective soundscapes. A story of redemption, self-discovery, transformation and rebirth, the ‘First Burn’ EP is an intoxicating listen, exploring both who Stella was and who she is becoming. She invites the listener to walk through the fire with her, together facing fears to become a more autonomous and authentic version of your true self.