How Stella Santana is Getting Her Groove On

Stella Santana is gearing up for two new EPs on the way, but she doesn’t want to cross the line to stardom because she loves her privacy as well. “For me, it’s not about the attention. I put out the music because I like putting out new music with cool people.”

The Los Angeles based R&B singer (daughter of legendary Carlos Santana) wants to carve her own unique path in the music industry. Since her debut on the scene in 2016, the songstress fell in love with the indie R&B scene. Her music keeps evolving and pushing boundaries especially with her latest song “Attention”, which boasts an addictive synth bassline within the chorus. The indie singer, who is now married and has a child is finding the time to balance her career with her home life, as mentioned a delicate line she doesn’t want to blur or cross.

The Knockturnal’s Robert Frezza sat down with indie R&B maven to talk her new forthcoming EPs, who she is listening to, and the advice her parents gave her.

The Knockturnal: Since I last talked to you in 2019 your music has evolved since your single “All The Time”. What is adding to your music evolution today?

Stella Santana: Organic instruments. I like finding songs with really cool basslines. I have a whole playlist that I keep making for reference for the new stuff I am making. Stuff that contains real guitar, real drums, real bass—that has a cool laid-back groove to it.

I am listening to Jack White, The Still Brothers, The Fugees, Sault.

The Knockturnal: Since last time we talked, you got married and had a child. Has that affected your lyrical content?

Stella Santana: No. Honestly, I have been writing with a writer. It’s nice because we have a really nice workflow. He comes up with lyrics and concepts, which takes off some pressure off of me.

The stuff that’s coming out now is written by me. I’m inspired by my relationships and aspects of space. Most of my music was written before I had my child.

The Knockturnal: How did you hook up with producers Omen (who worked with Drake, Beyonce, and Action Bronson) and Nico Farmakalidis?

Stella Santana: Well, technically Omen and I were sending things back and forth during Covid. I met Nico through Avi, who I worked on the song “All The Time” with. I met Nico at my first session after having a baby. He was open to helping me to finish these songs. Some songs had to be rebuilt with him.

The Knockturnal: Your vocals got a bit huskier—do you get vocal training?

Stella Santana: I had a vocal coach but saw him a lot in 2018. He is based in New York. I try to sing where it’s most comfortable to sing instead of trying to sing in ways I thought I was supposed to be singing. Plus, having a baby and my husband having a 9 to 5, it made me be more efficient with my studio time with Nico. I practiced on how my vocals wanted to have them to sound.

The Knockturnal: The Distant EP is set to be released on July 14 and Distant II EP is slated for an August 25 release. What can we expect from them?

Stella Santana: I would say is more fun and the second one is more emo. It originally was supposed to be one full length LP, but I split them in two.

The Knockturnal: Do you think you’ll ever go on tour or even a promotional tour for these two EPs?

Stella Santana: I’m not planning on it in the near future, but I am open to it. I love performing but I like creating more. I’m independent—so it’s a lot of logistics.

I performed three songs at one of my father’s events.

The Knockturnal: Did your father give you any advice about the music industry?

Stella Santana: My parents have always instilled into me my intuition. Pay attention who you align yourself with and who is speaking on your behalf.

The Knockturnal: Any last thoughts?

Stella Santana: The EP comes out on July 14 and a second one coming on August 25. You’ll be hearing a lot more music from me but just don’t expect any Tik Tok dances.