Toby Furlong
I’m a writer hailing from the distant land of Norfolk. With a deep love for vinyl, currently standing at over 100 in my collection. When it comes to picking a favourite artist, it will always be the sounds of Trish Keenan and Broadcast.
With the release of ‘Year Of Trouble’, the path shines bright with Stella Donnelly ready to step into the limelight
If ever there existed a musician who deserved to step out of best kept secret territory, it would be Stella Donnelly. Across releases such as 2019’s debut album ‘Beware of the Dogs’ and its follow up, 2022’s ‘Flood’, the Australian born singer-songwriter has quietly established her reputation as the artist behind some of the most deeply personal and arresting projects in recent memory. Armed with an immediately recognisable vocal prowess, on ‘Year of Trouble’ here is that distinct, fierce, emotional gut punch.
‘Year of Trouble’ is a tender, piano-led piece that leaves appropriate room to put Donnelly‘s magnificent vocal delivery front and centre.
Donnelly‘s lyrics read as cautionary tales; “Waved your flag, sang your song, held you close. Centuries, make believe, letting go”. Consistently stirring and always full of heart.
Speaking on how this track came together, Stella shares; “This one is all heart no ego, all pain no gain. I originally tried to make this a dance-floor heartbreak but I was being too ambitious and overthinking it. Julia [Wallace] helped me figure out that I just needed to play it by myself.”
Maybe in the next few years we can expect a DFA Records style remix but, until then, rest your weary head in the intimate atmosphere that Donnelly has become adept at crafting.
Stella Donnelly‘s newest album, ‘Love and Fortune‘ will release on 7th November.
Listen to ‘Year of Trouble’ here:
Catch Stella Donnelly at the following in 2026:
AUSTRALIA
Thu 19 Feb – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney, NSW
Fri 20 Feb – The Triffid, Brisbane, QLD
Fri 27 Feb – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide, SA
Sat 28 Feb – Corner Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Fri 06 Mar – The Rechabite, Perth, WA
UNITED KINGDOM
Thu 19 Mar – Clwb Main Room, Cardiff
Sat 21 Mar – Wardrobe, Leeds
Sun 22 Mar – Glasgow
Mon 23 Mar – YES, Manchester
Wed 25 Mar – Bush Hall, London
Thu 26 Mar – Fleece, Bristol
Fri 27 Mar – DUST, Brighton
EUROPE
Sun 29 Mar – Witloof Bar, Brussels
Tue 31 Mar – Mikropol, Berlin
Wed 1 Apr – Pandora Tivoli, Utrecht
Thu 2 Apr – Hasard Ludique, Paris
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