Ep432 - Stella Cole: Judy Garland Vibes for a TikTok Generation

Stella Cole joins the podcast to discuss her unique journey from a musical-theatre-obsessed child in Springfield, Illinois, to a global jazz sensation. She opens up about the "old soul" label she has carried since infancy and how she navigated a high-pressure academic environment at Northwestern University while privately yearning for the music of Judy Garland and Doris Day. Stella shares the vulnerable story of nearly quitting singing altogether before finding her voice again during the 2020 lockdown, leading to a meteoric rise on TikTok that felt more like a "fake little thing" on her phone than a career-changing event.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of being a touring artist in the modern age, from the scrappy days of singing for dinner in Brooklyn to signing with a major label and recording with a full string orchestra at Power Station. Stella discusses the profound emotional power of the Great American Songbook, her transition from viral creator to live performer, and her future aspirations to return to her theater roots. She offers insightful reflections on mental health, the dangers of social media overstimulation, and why she still keeps the idea of law school in the back of her mind just in case.

Stella Cole is a vocalist and recording artist who first gained international attention through her viral performances of jazz standards on social media. A graduate of Northwestern University, she has toured extensively as a featured performer with Postmodern Jukebox and has sold out prestigious venues in New York, London, and beyond. Her discography includes her self-titled debut project and the 2024 album It's Magic, featuring arrangements by Grammy winner Alan Broadbent.

Connect with Stella:

• Website: stellacole.net
• Instagram: @stellakcole
• TikTok: @stellakcole
• Listen to My Funny Valentine" EP out via Decca Records US
• Make sure to catch Stella's second residency at NYC's Café Carlyle, running May 12–16, 2026!

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