Stella Donnelly

2.1. Childhood and Background

Stella Donnelly was born on April 10, 1992, in Western Australia to a Welsh mother. During her childhood, she spent several years living in Morriston, Wales, before her family relocated to Perth, Australia. This early exposure to both Welsh and Australian cultures contributed to her diverse background.

2.2. Musical Education and Early Activities

Donnelly's musical journey began in high school at Irene McCormack Catholic College, where she joined a rock band and started singing. The band primarily performed covers of songs by Green Day. Following her high school education, Donnelly pursued formal musical training, studying contemporary and jazz music at the prestigious Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA). Prior to embarking on her solo career, Donnelly was an active member of two bands, Boat Show and Bell Rapids.

3.1. Independent Releases and Early Success (2017-2021)

In 2017, while balancing two hospitality jobs and performing in a band, Stella Donnelly independently released a collection of five demo tracks that constituted her debut extended play (EP), Thrush Metal. This EP was made available digitally and on cassette through the Melbourne-based label Healthy Tapes. The following year, in 2018, Thrush Metal saw a wider release when it was reissued in the United States by the American independent label Secretly Canadian, following Donnelly's signing with them.

Donnelly's debut studio album, Beware of the Dogs, was released on March 8, 2019, through Secretly Canadian. The album garnered widespread critical acclaim, with renowned music critic Robert Christgau praising it as a "musical encyclopedia of [male] assholes" due to its incisive lyrical content. Beware of the Dogs achieved commercial success, peaking at number 15 on the ARIA Album Charts. At the ARIA Music Awards of 2019, the album received a nomination for Breakthrough Artist. Further recognizing its impact, Beware of the Dogs won Independent Album of the Year and Best Independent Pop Album or EP at the 2020 AIR Awards. In October 2019, Happy Mag acknowledged Donnelly's significant influence by placing her at number six on their list of 15 Australian female artists "changing the game."

3.2. Recent Activities and Works (2022-Present)

Stella Donnelly continued to expand her musical collaborations and release new material in the subsequent years. In January 2022, she contributed vocals to "Proof," a single featured on Methyl Ethel's fourth studio album, Are You Haunted?. Later that year, Donnelly was also featured on ReWiggled, a 2022 tribute album dedicated to the popular Australian children's music group the Wiggles, where she performed a cover of their song "Ba Ba Da Bicycle Ride."

On May 10, 2022, Donnelly premiered her new song "Lungs" live on the Australian radio station Triple J. Concurrently, she announced the forthcoming release of her second studio album, Flood. A music video for "Lungs," co-directed by Donnelly herself and Duncan Wright, was also released. To promote the album, two more singles, "Lungs" and "How Was Your Day?", were released before Flood officially launched on August 26, 2022. The album debuted at number 29 on the ARIA Charts. Following the album's release, Donnelly embarked on an extensive international tour, commencing in September 2022, with performances scheduled across the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America.

4.1. Musical Style and Influences

Stella Donnelly is primarily recognized as an indie rock singer-songwriter. Her music is known for its blend of confessional folk and sharp, often satirical, pop music sensibilities. Lyrically, Donnelly often explores themes of social commentary, particularly focusing on gender dynamics, inequality, and personal experiences. She has cited notable artists such as Billy Bragg and Courtney Barnett as significant musical influences, whose candid songwriting and distinct vocal deliveries are reflected in her own work.

5.1. Women's Rights and the Me Too Movement

Donnelly is an ardent supporter of women's rights and has actively engaged with issues surrounding gender inequality and sexual assault. Her 2017 debut single, "Boys Will Be Boys," was directly inspired by a friend's experience of sexual assault and addresses prevailing societal attitudes that often normalize or excuse such behavior. Due to its powerful message and timing, the song was widely recognized and dubbed a "#MeToo anthem," resonating with the global movement against sexual harassment and assault. Donnelly has expressed her willingness to "cause friction among the right-wing" with her music, underscoring her commitment to challenging problematic social norms.

5.2. Stance on Australian Social Issues

Donnelly holds strong views on specific Australian social issues, reflecting her commitment to social justice. She is notably opposed to the celebration of Australia Day, which commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. In a 2019 interview with The Guardian, she critically described it as a "really nationalist, white pride day" and a "very historic day for Indigenous Australians - an invasion day, and a day of mourning." Her stance aligns with calls for recognition of the historical injustices faced by Indigenous peoples. Furthermore, Donnelly is a staunch supporter of same-sex marriage. She expressed significant relief when same-sex marriage was legalized in Australia in 2017, viewing it as a crucial step towards equality.

5.3. Other Social Advocacy

Beyond women's and Indigenous rights, Stella Donnelly also actively supports other progressive social causes. She is openly pro-choice, advocating for a woman's right to choose regarding her reproductive health. Her consistent and outspoken advocacy across these diverse social and political fronts highlights her role as an artist committed to using her voice for broader societal change.

7.1. Studio Albums

7.2. EPs

7.4. Other Contributions

8.1. AIR Awards

The AIR Awards (Australian Independent Record Awards) are annual awards celebrating the success of Australia's independent music sector.

8.2. APRA Awards

The APRA Awards are presented annually by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), honoring composers and songwriters.

8.3. J Awards

The J Awards are an annual series of Australian music awards established by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's youth-focused radio station Triple J.

8.4. National Live Music Awards

The National Live Music Awards (NLMAs) broadly recognize Australia's diverse live music industry.

8.5. WAM Song of the Year

The WAM Song of the Year awards recognize achievements within the music industry in Western Australia.

8.6. West Australian Music Industry Awards

The Western Australian Music Industry Awards (WAMis) are annual awards presented by the Western Australian Music Industry Association Inc. (WAM).

8.7. Other awards

Stella Donnelly was nominated for the Breakthrough Artist award at the Australian Women in Music Awards in 2018.

9.1. Critical Assessment

Her debut album, Beware of the Dogs, received widespread critical acclaim. Reviewers lauded the album for its sharp wit and courageous tackling of sensitive social issues. Notably, influential music critic Robert Christgau described the album as a "musical encyclopedia of [male] assholes," highlighting its direct and unflinching commentary on problematic male behavior. This assessment underscores the album's impact in using music as a tool for social critique, distinguishing Donnelly's work within the indie rock landscape.

9.2. Cultural Impact

Donnelly's cultural impact extends beyond her musical compositions, largely driven by her commitment to social justice. Her 2017 single "Boys Will Be Boys" became a powerful anthem for the MeToo movement, resonating with countless individuals and contributing significantly to the public conversation around sexual assault and women's rights. Her music is not merely entertainment but a vehicle for challenging deeply entrenched social norms. Beyond gender issues, her outspoken stance against the celebration of Australia Day and her support for same-sex marriage have positioned her as a prominent voice advocating for Indigenous Australian rights and LGBTQ+ rights, respectively. Her influence has been recognized within the Australian music industry, with Happy Mag ranking her among the top Australian female artists who are "changing the game," underscoring her role in shaping contemporary music and cultural discourse.