Estelle is an artist whose music has significantly influenced people's lives over the years, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate. Originally from London and now based in LA, this singer-songwriter has enjoyed a remarkable career spanning two decades, highlighted by a Grammy award, six studio albums, several hit singles, multiple MOBO Awards, and her own show on Apple Music Radio, among other accomplishments. What began as the passion of a curious young girl only deepened over time, transforming her into a role model for many aspiring musicians worldwide. By blending R&B, soul, gospel, hip-hop, and more into a cohesive sound, Estelle has made a lasting impact on music.
From her debut album ‘The 18th Day’ in 2004 to tracks like ‘Shine,’ ‘Lovers Rock,’ and the notable 'American Boy' featuring Kanye West—which has amassed over 880 million streams on Spotify alone—Estelle is preparing her fans for her sixth studio album titled ‘Stay Alta.’ This 12-track project pays homage to icons like Diana Ross and Melba Moore and encapsulates themes of empowerment and self-love, featuring lively sounds that encourage listeners to connect with their best selves. After a six-year break, Estelle aimed to create an album that would evoke feelings of joy and gratitude, capturing the essence of happier times. Despite being crafted during a global pandemic, ‘Stay Alta’ serves as a guiding light for its listeners. Featuring fellow artists like Teedra Moses, Durand Bernarr, DJ D-Nice, and others, this album represents an exciting new chapter for Estelle as she continues to inspire the world with her unique artistic vision.
CLASH had the opportunity to speak with Estelle ahead of the album's release, diving deeper into the meaning of ‘Stay Alta,’ her personal rituals, and more. Read on to discover her insights.
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Before we explore the ‘Stay Alta’ album, could you share the inspiration behind the title and its significance for this project? The word “Alta” in Spanish means “high.” Living in LA, I've been exposed to the Spanish language, though I don't speak it fluently. I've picked up a few words from my friends in the Latin community. While creating the album, that word kept resonating with me: How do you maintain your highest self? The main objective of the album is to provide a beacon for others to achieve that, regardless of their circumstances. It's not about being self-righteous, but rather about choosing to embrace your light every single time.
‘Stay Alta’ will be your first album in six years. What have you been up to during that time, and why is now the right moment to share this with the world?
I began working on this before and during the Covid pandemic, around 2018. I had written a few songs back in 2012 that contributed to this album. I recall thinking in 2018 that the music was becoming dark and somber, while I just wanted to dance and feel joyful! Whenever I went out, the music seemed to be either high-energy dance tracks with indecipherable lyrics or loops and beats that felt lifeless. There was nothing fresh or current being played; everything seemed to be from the 70s to the mid-2000s. I wanted to create music that made me feel good!
You mentioned that this album pays homage to legends like Diana Ross and Donna Summer and is a reflection of your home. Was that the vision from the onset of this project?
When I started making the album, I didn’t have a specific person as a reference point. My goal was to create something that felt good and fun. During Covid, we were likely all tuning in to DJ D-Nice’s Instagram Live sessions, where he primarily played 70s to 90s soul. It struck me that we didn’t want anything new! [laughs] Those were the tracks that kept us alive, reminding us of family gatherings, parties, and what fun felt like. I felt like I was on the right track with ‘Stay Alta,’ which is why I featured him on the album. He’s not just a friend but provided us with something we didn’t realize we needed! He was one of the radio DJs we always listened to growing up. D-Nice is featured on ‘Love On Love,’ which reflects the global protests and the emotions of fear and courage we experienced during that time. Love is about feeling scared while treating each other with care and empathy.
The album features many artists, including Teedra Moses, D-Nice, and Durand Bernarr. How did these collaborations come to be?
They’re all my friends! I genuinely love and know them outside of music. We’ve spent a lot of time together, and this project was about making great music rather than just picking the trendiest new artist to collaborate with. People recognize me from ‘American Boy,’ and I had a relationship with Kanye West for five years
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Estelle is an artist who has influenced the soundtracks of people's lives throughout the years, establishing a legacy that still resonates. The