*INTERVIEW* STELLA LAIN TALKS ALL THINGS COUNTRY MUSIC AND 2026 PLANS

This week's interview is with singer-songwriter, Stella Lain who describes herself as The Country Barbie as we chat all this festivals, her single Moving On, and her 2026 plans.

Hello Stella, how are you?

I'm great, thank you. How are you?

I am pleased, I am good thank you!

As a new artist to many of our readers, could I please ask you to introduce yourself to our readers?

Sure! I'm Stella Lain, also known as The Country Barbie. I am a singer/songwriter based in the UK, and I've been writing songs since the age of 10 years old. My music mainly celebrates self-confidence, unapologetic femininity and self-love; think Country music with a touch of pink. I've been recognised by the likes of BBC Introducing, and I am now proudly sponsored by UK Country Hats.

March 2026, saw the release of your latest single, Moving On can you tell us a little about the song, and the response you have had?

I wrote the song a few years ago, breaking away from a relationship where he decided to cheat on me, but still expected me to stay. It made me realise that this man does not see my worth, but I knew the moment I walked away, he would. Some people only want what they can't have, and that is exactly what happened. The first line I wrote was "moving on looks so good on me"  It was something I told myself to remind myself of my self-worth and that it was his loss in the end, "he should've known better". It came from the satisfaction of knowing that the break-up ultimately hurt him more than it hurt me, and there is no fault but his own.

I'm so grateful for the response this song had; I think it's one of those empowering songs to regain your self-confidence too and it's relatable.  It showcased a more raw and emotional side to my music; that's why I think so many people connected with it. I got to work with the incredible Ian Barter for the production of this track and I love how it leaned into more of a Pop Country style, as it really suits the mood of the song and how I felt at the time I wrote it.

You performed at Buckle and Boots, how did that come about?

I actually can't remember! I applied for so many festivals, but I knew that Buckle & Boots was one I had always wanted to do; I heard so much about it. All of a sudden I got the email to say they wanted me to perform and I was literally dancing around with excitement, which, to be honest, is what I do for every festival I book. Since releasing my music last May, a lot has happened, and I have been pinching myself every single day! I am honestly so grateful to be doing what I've always dreamed of and I always remind myself that younger me would be so proud.

How did you find your first experience of performing at the festival? How did you find the audiences? That weekend is always seems to be fun.

It was amazing! I got to perform a 30-minute unplugged set on a big and beautifully decorated double-decker bus and the crowd were incredible. I still can't believe that I had a crowd of people singing along to the songs that I wrote, as well as that I had people come and meet me for photos and autographs afterwards, it was a dream. Plus, the weather that weekend was gorgeous! I wish I could've stayed for the whole festival, it's a really good vibe full of wonderful and amazing people, artists, traders and of course music.

I love asking artists who perform at festivals, what was your highlight?

It would probably have to be meeting people who listen and love my music. Can I call them fans? That's so insanely amazing to say! I had people know the lyrics to my songs, I signed a little girl's pink cowboy hat and I got to introduce myself and my music to new listeners. I love performing! The audience were dancing and singing along with me and that is everything to me.

Finally on the Buckle and Boots topic, how would you sum up your experience in ONE word?

Fabulous!

How do you sum up your music in 3 words?

Confident, Feminine and Pink.

With us being 6 months into 2026, what are you hoping to achieve before the year is out?

I'm hoping to have shared even more music with the world with the release of my next EP 'The Meaning of Love'. With this EP, I am exploring the different types of love we experience throughout life, such as: Romance, Friendship, Heartbreak, Healing, Self Love and Family.

With my title song 'All Dolled Up' out July 24th, it explores the moment of finding yourself and loving yourself for who you are, set to a fun and catchy Country Rock production by the absolutely amazing Tim Prottey-Jones, who I previously worked with on my single 'Out Of My Hair'. I am hoping to reach even more people who like and connect with my music through performing and inviting people into my pink, rhinestone world. I have so many more exciting things planned and I can't wait to share it with you all.

Good luck with your Country Calling performance in August!

Thank you, I'm so excited for it! It's such a fun and amazing festival; I'm so grateful to be part of it alongside so many other incredible country artists from all around the world.

Thank you very much for your time, Stella, its been a pleasure.

No, thank you, I've loved speaking to you!

You can follow Stella Lain on her instagram here.