“Tonight I’m Gonna Be the Stereoqueen”: Stela Cole Is Reclaiming Her Power Through Feel-Good Music and Fearless Self-Expression

Stela Cole turns heartbreak into high-octane empowerment on “Stereoqueen,” a glammed-up disco-pop anthem of self-worth, liberation, and finding your fire on the dance floor. In our interview, the rising star dives into the emotional arc of her debut album ‘I Die Where You Begin’ and how embracing vulnerability led her to reclaim her power.

Stream: “Stereoqueen” – Stela Cole

Being a Stereoqueen means being strong and setting yourself free. It’s having a wild night out with your friends, dancing to the classics, and forgetting all the bullshit that’s weighed you down in the past. It’s pushing for the best version of yourself, and accepting who you once were in order to move forward.

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There’s nothing quite like that first night out after a breakup – the freedom, the adrenaline, the ache that still lingers under your skin.

Stela Cole bottles that emotional rollercoaster into pure electricity on “Stereoqueen,” a seductive disco-pop triumph off her debut album I Die Where You Begin (independently released April 18th via her own Stelavision Records). Glistening guitars and glammed-up harmonies shimmer with heat as Cole reclaims her power on the dance floor, her voice pulsing with fire and ferocity. “Don’t try talkin’ to me / Tonight I’m gonna be the stereoqueen,” she sings with conviction, every note soaked in strength and self-possession.

Don’t try talkin’ to me
Tonight I’m gonna be
the stereoqueen
Dancing like it’s 1973, uh
Baby, I don’t need ya,
swear that I don’t need ya, no

Don’t try trippin’ my feet
Tonight I’m gonna be
the stereoqueen
Dancing like you don’t
mean nothin’ to me
Baby, I don’t need ya,
swear that I don’t need ya, no

“This song is about the first night out after a breakup, and what rediscovering your sense of self can feel like,” Cole tells Atwood Magazine. “It’s exciting, upbeat and fun, while also hinting at the past and the nerves that come with being newly single and facing the world without the person you used to call home… whether they were good for you or not.” That tension gives “Stereoqueen” its emotional edge – a fearless, fiery anthem with a hint of fragility, dancing through the sting of memory and into a bold, unshakable now.

I, I wanna dance
(dancin’, dancin’, dancin’)
Wanna prance up on the mattress
Snow angels on the floor

And I put myself up in a trance
Performing like an actress
While you’re bangin’ down my door

Cole calls this the “empowering phase” in her debut album’s narrative arc – “the moment after you finally leave someone who has hurt you, and the adrenaline kicks in” and self-worth comes roaring back – or as she puts it, “You feel unstoppable.”

“Being a Stereoqueen means being strong and setting yourself free,” she says. “It’s having a wild night out with your friends, dancing to the classics, and forgetting all the bullshit that’s weighed you down in the past… For me, it’s about reclaiming my independence after a bad breakup where I lost who I was for a while.” There’s grit in that glory – and a whisper of doubt that lingers in the song’s bridge: “You might f* with me tomorrow, but tonight I’m in my feels.”

Don’t try talkin’ to me
Tonight I’m gonna be
the stereoqueen
Dancing like it’s 1973, uh
Baby, I don’t need ya,
swear that I don’t need ya, no

Don’t try trippin’ my feet
Tonight I’m gonna be
the stereoqueen
Dancing like you don’t
mean nothin’ to me
Baby, I don’t need ya,
swear that I don’t need ya, no

“Stereoqueen” is intoxicating, impassioned, an irresistible – a throwback fever dream that still feels thoroughly modern – and a standout moment on an album full of emotional extremes. As Cole puts it, I Die Where You Begin is her “home base as an artist,” and songs like this one remind us just how thrilling that foundation can sound when it’s built on liberation, honesty, and unfiltered joy.

If I’m being real,
I’ll cut you a deal
You might f* with me tomorrow,
but tonight I’m in my feels
And I feel, oh
Like breakin’ it down,
two, three, four

“There’s a song on this album for any and every emotion you are feeling,” Cole adds, smiling. “The human experience is a rollercoaster, and this album is a reminder of what it’s like to live, to love, to be broken, and to be changed.”

Stela Cole doesn’t just suffer through the pain – she leaves it in the dust. If “Stereoqueen” teaches us anything, it’s that sometimes, the best way to heal is to turn the volume up and dance your way back to yourself.

Read our conversation below where we discuss Stela Cole’s fearless artistry, emotional storytelling, and finding power through pop, and be sure to stream her dazzling debut album I Die Where You Begin, out now on all platforms!

Don’t try talkin’ to me
Tonight I’m gonna be
the stereoqueen
Dancing like it’s 1973, uh
Baby, I don’t need ya,
swear that I don’t need ya, no

Don’t try trippin’ my feet
Tonight I’m gonna be
the stereoqueen
Dancing like you don’t
mean nothin’ to me
Baby, I don’t need ya,
swear that I don’t need ya, no

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:: stream/purchase I Die Where You Begin here ::

:: connect with Stela Cole here ::

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‘I Die Where You Begin’ – Stela Cole

A CONVERSATION WITH STELA COLE

Stela Cole: Thank you so much, I can’t believe it’s finally out in the world!! I Die Where You Begin feels like the very beginning of my career in a way. While I’m proud of everything I’ve released up until this point, it’s like I was warming up and figuring out who I want to be and what I want to say. This album is about breaking free from the cycle of bad habits and choosing the wrong people over and over again. It’s much more vulnerable and open, covering my full range of emotions I’ve experienced throughout my life up until this point. I Die Where You Begin has become my home base as an artist, and I’m so excited to keep exploring and evolving from this world as my starting point.

Stela Cole: This just made my day wow, I’m so happy y’all have been loving Stereoqueen! This song is about the first night out after a breakup, and what rediscovering your sense of self can feel like. It’s exciting, upbeat and fun, while also hinting at the past and the nerves that come with being newly single and facing the world without the person you used to call home… whether they were good for you or not.

Stela Cole: Being a Stereoqueen means being strong and setting yourself free. It’s having a wild night out with your friends, dancing to the classics, and forgetting all the bullshit that’s weighed you down in the past. It’s pushing for the best version of yourself, and accepting who you once were in order to move forward. For me, it’s about reclaiming my independence after a bad breakup where I lost who I was for a while.

Stela Cole: I Die Where You Begin is about the daunting cycle of broken relationships, whether it’s with a partner, friend, family member, mental health, career etc. It can feel impossible to escape when you’re so deep into the spiral. “Stereoqueen” is the empowering phase in this cycle. It’s the moment after you finally leave someone who has hurt you, and the adrenaline kicks in. You feel unstoppable and remember your worth. However, in the bridge it hints at some self doubt, “you might f* with me tomorrow but tonight I’m in my feels.” This is the moment you either break free of the cycle, or relapse back into the bad habits all over again.

Stela Cole: I never want to box myself in as an artist, especially since I’m inspired by so many different genres of music. I decided to pull from as many places as possible. Having certain elements of production (strings/western leaning guitar parts) melodic choices, and my vocals being the through line that ties it all together is what I really made a priority while building this record. I wanted to give a nod to as many artists who have influenced me as possible, while making sure each song was unique to who I am.

Stela Cole: This is impossible to answer because I swear it changes every day haha. Today, my favorites are “Rose Colored Lover” and “Stay Mad.” “Rose Colored Lover” has some of my favorite lyrics from the album, while “Stay Mad” has some of my favorite melodies.

“Blue Moon” and “Stereoqueen” are also up there for me because they make me feel good every time I hear them. Upbeat songs are important because my goal as an artist is to not only tell my story, but also connect with people around the world and spread positivity through good energy.

Upbeat songs are important because my goal as an artist is to not only tell my story, but also connect with people around the world and spread positivity through good energy.

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Stela Cole: You’re never alone. Being stuck in a cycle of abusive and tumultuous relationships feels incredibly isolating and impossible to escape. While it’s unfortunate the majority of us will go through something like this, it’s so important to be reminded you are never alone, and it’s absolutely possible to break free and come out the other side stronger than ever.

Writing this album was very healing for me, and I learned that growth isn’t always linear. I’ve f*ed up countless times along the way, and giving myself the space and grace to grow into who I am now is one of my biggest accomplishments so far in life.

Stela Cole: There’s a song on this album for any and every emotion you are feeling. The human experience is a rollercoaster, and this album is a reminder of what it’s like to live, to love, to be broken, and to be changed.

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:: stream/purchase I Die Where You Begin here ::

:: connect with Stela Cole here ::

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Stream: “Stereoqueen” – Stela Cole

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