Owensboro singer/songwriter Stella Mabry has released her first single, “Mean Girl.” Mabry said her inspiration for the song stemmed from bullying events in elementary school, and she crafted the lyrics at only 10 years old.
Mabry was distressed by the events and said songwriting offered an opportunity to vent and heal. Fast forward to now, and Mabry is singing and recording the song with some of the music industry’s highest-regarded musicians and executives.
Co-founder of MTV and legendary radio voice Les Garland first heard a demo of Stella’s work in 2022 and was immediately impressed. He enthusiastically assumed the role of Mabry’s executive producer, saying she is the latest musical talent to rise from Generation Z, sharing her heart and soul.
“When I learned that 12-year-old Stella Mabry had been bullied, which resulted in her writing and singing her first song, I became curious to hear it,” Garland said. “When I did, I instantly knew I wanted to be a part of her musical journey.”
Under Garland, musicians Shasha Krivtsov and Paul Mirkovich from NBC’s “The Voice” house band produced and recorded the song at the renowned Sound Factory studio in Los Angeles. Their entire band surrounded Krivtsov and Mirkovih in the studio to record the song live.
“Working with the house band from NBC’s ‘The Voice’ and the legendary Les Garland is like a gift from the heavens,” Mabry said. “It’s given me a chance to tell my story and spread the message of kindness, especially for kids my age, through my first song release. I feel very blessed.”
Krivtsov said it was clear that Mabry possessed plenty of talent from the first session in the recording studio.
“Her music seemed to emanate from the depths of her soul, resonating with an authenticity that was truly exceptional. As the days turned into months, and numerous remarkable songs were recorded, my conviction grew stronger — this girl was more than just a talent; she was a prodigy with a promising future,” Krivtsov said.
Mabry was born in Tampa, Florida, and moved to Owensboro at a young age. She first discovered her voice during kindergarten music class and continues to write songs describing a young girl’s life from an honest and raw perspective.
Drawing inspiration from Billie Eilish, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Taylor Swift, she has no intentions of slowing down on her journey of self-discovery. She hopes her music will help others to find strength, comfort, and guidance as they navigate difficult times.
“This is just the beginning of many more songs I’ll be releasing,” Mabry said. “Writing songs and singing is an outlet for me, and I hope my music can help others in the same way it has helped me.”
Mabry is on TikTok and Instagram at @StellaMabryMusic.
