Meet Stela Cole, the 26-year-old LA-based artist, also known by her off-stage name, Hollyn Shadinger. Cole has experienced a massive resurgence in her career this year. Her 2020 EP, titled “Woman of the Hour,” is a vibrant collection of pop tracks, with some moody and mellow tracks mixed in as well. One year later, she released her most popular track to date, “I Shot Cupid,” now standing at over 56 million Spotify streams.

Despite her growing fanbase, Cole found herself feeling detached. In response, she took a bold step away from the spotlight and social media, and dedicated an entire year to self-reflection and creativity. During her hiatus, she spent a lot of time writing, and out came her powerful new single, “Die Hard.” The dark pop song delves into the intricate web of toxic relationships. The spine-chilling music video is a cinematic masterpiece; it’s like watching a mini-movie. 

Stela Cole’s sound has evolved since her earlier hits, and it’s clear that she now has a deeper connection with her music. When creating a song, she immerses herself in the visualization of the entire story. Colors, clothing, and overall aesthetics are an integral part of her artistic expression. In the music video for “Die Hard,” Cole takes center stage in a dimly lit bar. She’s pouring her emotions into the lyrics, and directing them to the man with whom she’s stuck in the endless toxic cycle. Blood starts seeping through her body and staining her white dress, yet she resiliently continues to sing. 

Stela Cole is back, and she is a force to be reckoned with. Stream her latest single, “Die Hard” here: https://too.fm/219o6yw