A love for music that began in early childhood is turning into something much bigger for Stella Mabry, an Owensboro-based singer-songwriter seeking to carve out her place as an emerging artist.
Mabry said she started singing at a very young age, tracing her passion back to kindergarten and picking up songwriting soon after.
“I started singing when I was about six years old,” Mabry said. “I would write very few songs when I was about seven, and then when I wrote ‘Mean Girl,’ that’s when it started pushing me to really see how far I could go with writing.”
That early breakthrough came when she released “Mean Girl” at age 13, an experience she described as life-changing. She said the song generated attention from the media and gave her opportunities to perform publicly for the first time, including a show at The Cottage.
“It was really the first big door to open for me,” Mabry said. “It made everything feel real.”
Since then, Mabry’s sound and artistic direction have evolved. While her earlier work leaned more toward mainstream pop, she said her music now reflects a more personal style rooted in indie, pop, and folk influences, with occasional nods to her Kentucky roots.
“I think I’ve turned more toward indie folk, and that’s come with just discovering who I am as a person and what works best for me musically,” Mabry said.
She credits her parents for helping shape that creative foundation, noting their shared appreciation for music played a major role in her upbringing.
“Growing up and having something constantly playing in the house set me up for having an extremely creative default,” Mabry said.
Among her influences are artists such as Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Ariana Grande, along with more recent inspiration from indie artist Lizzy McAlpine.
“I love writing songs to feel like a story,” Mabry said. “I want people to have a song that represents them in such a way that they feel seen.”
Her songwriting process often blends lyrics and melody simultaneously, typically beginning at the piano.
“I’ll sit down, and things will just come to me,” Mabry said. “I don’t try to force anything. Usually, I can get something pretty good out of it.”
That approach has guided her recent releases, including her single “Bored,” which she said explores anxiety within a relationship and the fear of being left behind.
“It’s about being with somebody and every day being nervous if they’re going to leave you,” Mabry said. “I write songs so people can feel like somebody gets it.”
Another upcoming release, “White Flag,” continues that emotional storytelling, focusing on the aftermath of a breakup and the feeling of emotional exhaustion.
Beyond recording, Mabry has also gained experience working in professional studios, including multiple trips to Los Angeles beginning at age 12. More recently, she collaborated with producers in New York, describing the experience as creatively transformative.
“We made the music all at the same time,” Mabry said. “It was very organically rooted, and that style of creating is just so fulfilling.”
Despite those opportunities, Mabry remains grounded in Owensboro and is focused on building a stronger local presence. She is scheduled to perform at PorchFest on June 13 this year and hopes to expand her live performance schedule leading into the summer.
“I think that’s really going to be a jumpstart,” Mabry said. “The community has been so amazing to me. The support means everything.”
She said performing remains one of her favorite parts of being an artist, describing the feeling of being on stage as “euphoric.”
“I love songwriting and recording, but performing is really what’s in it for me,” Mabry said.
Like many young artists, Mabry is also navigating the growing role of social media in the music industry, using platforms like Instagram and TikTok to connect with listeners and promote her work.
“It’s a lot more social media work than people realize,” Mabry said. “But if you use it correctly, it can really be beneficial.”
Looking ahead, Mabry plans to continue releasing new music throughout the year, with a goal of putting out six to eight songs by the end of 2026. She is also considering a larger project, such as an EP or album, depending on how her creative process unfolds.
“I just want to keep creating and see where it goes,” Mabry said. “This has never felt like work to me. It’s something I love to do.”
Her music is available on all major streaming platforms, and she hopes to continue growing an audience that connects with her message.
“One of the most beautiful things about music is how it brings people together,” Mabry said. “That’s all I want to do.”
