Little Stella
Gig Seeker Pro

Little Stella

| SELF

| SELF
Band Folk Rock

Calendar

Music

Press


"Little Stella at Rainbow (Live Review)"

Style: Canadian alternative folk rock, including a bounteous amount of soul pleasing guitar and vocal harmonies.
Crowd: On weekend nights, Ottawa’s Rainbow Bistro is a notoriously seething hot pot packed with people looking for a night of good music – and local bands Little Stella & The Gallop certainly did not disappoint. The architecturally dynamic venue attracted a modestly young and energetic crowd Saturday night. Audience participation ranged from those bench warming the balcony seats of the second floor to people boppin’ away on the dance floor. Little Stella evidently had a lot of audience support; fans were chanting words of encouragement to the group members in between songs, generating an optimistic ambiance between the musicians and crowd.
Technicalities: Despite the mere four-person collective, Little Stella encompasses a surprisingly substantial sound. Equipped with keyboard, harmonica, a digital organ bass pedal, two electric guitars, and a drummer who doubles as lead vocalist, these talented comrades multitasked a riveting game of musical instruments (get it, like musical chairs) throughout the set. The sound tech was a little wonky at parts, though it didn’t take away from the set and/or overall vibe whatsoever.
Sex appeal: Subjectively speaking, I find harmonic dueling guitar solos to be one of the most aurally arousing musical techniques. Something about the slow wail and wane in which Little Stella guitarists Zach Ledgerwood and James Siwanowicz perform is enough to make even a nun’s panties drop. Furthermore, hearing their fans chant a inebriated chorus of, ‘SEX-Y, SEX-Y’ in between songs undoubtedly amplified Little Stella’s sexual swagger.
Memorable moment: Sanctioned back for an encore, Little Stella decided to perform a song from their cover repertoire. The group broke out an insatiable cover of Outkast’s ‘Hey Yeah’, complete with a growly (and admittedly impressive) rendition of Andre 3000’s mid-song rap, which had audience members shaking it like an album of disarrayed Polaroid pictures as they promptly and properly saturated the dance floor.
Overall: Bands Black Dogs and The Gallop complimented Little Stella’s musical stylistics suitably in terms of stage presence and Canadian folk rock nature. Having recently performed at Cobourg’s Music Experience, Little Stella has a plethora of local and cross-provincial gigs lined up for the coming summer months. The band also recently shot their first music video for their original song titled ‘Bluff’, which includes a priceless still life panoramic shot of the four members being fed grapes and showered in champagne by an entourage of beautiful ladies. You can hear musical innuendos comparable to that of Fleet Foxes and Half Moon Run on Little Stella’s two EP’s, both of which are available for download on Bandcamp. - The Scene Magazine


"Best Free New Music"

Ottawa alt-rockers Little Stella recently released the video for “Bluff,” off their self-titled EP. These Canadians know how to make a catchy rock song, and you can watch as the band lives the rock star life in the video. Prophecy of things to come? You’ll just have to keep an eye of for what Little Stella brings us next. - Zumic - Music News


"Little Stella, Big Waves"

"A different feature of their music will jump out and demand your attention each time." - Herd Magazine


"Little Stella EP Release"

As I prepare to embark on the long journey home to London, Ontario to see family and shamelessly commit one of the seven deadly sins (TURKEY GLUTTONY), my only regret is that I have to miss out on the EP Release Party for Little Stella’s new record. Luckily, I saw them perform several of their new tracks last weekend at the ’4in1' September Session and they pretty much stole the show. I’ve seen them a few times now and I have to say they are only getting better, not only creating music with depth and soul, but also nailing their live performances with melodic precision – and they’re having fun too.

I am actually pissed that I can’t make it, but I know that I’ll see them play again soon. These guys are genuine to the core, and if you get the chance to meet them, you’ll probably be on the receiving end of an appreciative high-five for listening to and supporting their music. So, that being said, if you have nothing to do on a gloomy Saturday night this weekend, hit up Ritual Nightclub and help support some of Ottawa’s great young talent. Judging from the songs I’ve already heard, this EP is going to be noticed. The songs demand attention. I saw Jonathan Chandler of Amos the Transparent FIRST HAND turn his head in amazement and say “Who are these guys? They’re awesome!”… So, there you have it. - Ottawa Showbox


"BIRP! November Indie Playlist"

Featured on BIRP!'s November Indie Playlist - BIRP!


"Little Stella"

Its been a great few days for new music discovery and my latest find is this very talented young band from Ottawa. Little Stella’s music is a treat for the eardrums. Their brand of folk-pop flows with ease carried along by each infectious hook and wonderfull harmony. As I listened to their self titled EP over and over, certain elements of their music was reminiscent of The Fleet Foxes. The band’s sound has grown considerably from humble beginnings. What began as a nonchalant talent show gig between Jeff Watkins, Ryan Tansley and James Siwanowicz grew to something so much more with the addition of their bass player Zach Ledgerwood. The band began taking it all more seriously and to develop their sound through meticulous practice and experimentation. They recently released their second self titled EP and you can listen for yourself, just how polished this young band has become. Keep up the great work guys!

If you are in the Ottawa/Hull area, they have a show at the Blacksheep Inn on November 9th, which is sure to be a fantastic show. Head over to Soundcloud of Bandcamp to listen to their new album and purchase it for only $5. What a steal! -K - Yeti Music


"Locals- Little Stella"

Just after discovering them, I saw that I missed their last show last Sunday at Casa Del Popolo in Montreal and I was so disapointed. I will need to catch them next time they come in town because Little Stella looks like they could be the next big thing in Ottawa after the released of their second EP called Little Stella. I know, I know we are only supposed to write about artist when they just released something but guess what!? It’s my blog and I decided to write about them because I couldn’t wait until they release something else. They’re just that good.

As a follow up to their debut EP Songs for Spain, released in August 2011, Little Stella new EP holds 5 songs that catches your attention into their world. They started with a first class ballad, the song Woods, which I think is the highlight of their EP. It begins with a joyful strumming on an acoustic guitar and a some sliding notes on the electric guitar. The harmonies are tights, effortlessly layered and support well the lead singer while he stretches his notes througout the song. It makes it very beautiful and melodic. The song is completed with something I haven’t heard for a while, a great simple guitar solo full of soul. My second favorite is the second of the EP, Bluff, and it strangely reminds me of some Sam Robert with the pop rock guitars, catchy lyrics and vocal melody. At the bridge of the song they layered some other percussions and a flute on top of the bass drum and it feels like we are walking through the jungle. It adds a different aspect that show the variety of their sounds and their capacity to bring other elements. On the fourth song the lead singer comes with another catchy pop ballad with an emotive strong voice. It’s the kind of song we would hear on the radio.

Througout the EP, Little Stella brought earthness and strenght and we can hear their determination and potential to go further. Although they are thight as a band, they seemed to be still exploring their own sounds and direction. I think they should keep on exploring the full harmonic potential to bring the same feeling from Woods to the other songs. I can’t wait to see them evolve but for the moment, Little Stella is definitely an EP to own. - Keys and Feathers


"Review: Little Stella – S/T"

Ottawa based Little Stella is Ryan, Zach, Jeff and James and they list their influences as the Jonas Brothers and Slayer. A lesser reviewer might have run away and hid, but fortunately I saw straight through their cunning ruse and went directly to the ‘play’ button. Their second (self-titled) EP (five tracks / 16 minutes) places them securely in the same firmament as Fleet Foxes, Mumfords and many others in the new alt-folk movement. Obviously they’re operating in a popular genre, but the group appreciate to stand out they’ve to be leaders rather than followers, and they do everything they can to carve their own quite separate niche. This they do through strong, distinctive songwriting, and there are a number of occasions on the EP where they sound more than capable of succeeding.

First of all “Woods” provides an inspired launch. Guitars and vocals combine beautifully and the song’s structure and arrangement is fully realized. It’s followed by “Bluff”, a pristine three-minute folk-pop song; the sort of thing that should be blasting out of a radio five times a day. “Cold War” burrows in just as deep and “Highwire” indicates a willingness to rock. All in all, a filler-free EP - try and hear it if you can.
www.facebook.com/littlestellaband
www.littlestella.bandcamp.com
Tony S. - Leicester Bangs


Discography

2011- Songs for Spain EP
2012- Little Stella EP

Photos

Bio

Little Stella is a young Folk/Rock band from Ottawa, Ontario. Their most recent self-titled EP, released in October 2012 showcases their original approach to both lyrics and music. Live, Little Stella exhibits surprising attention to musical detail, without compromising the high energy sought by show-goers. The drummer, Ryan Tansley, is also the band's lead vocalist, which brings a touch of surprise and excitement to live performances. With dedicated followers in Ottawa, Little Stella is now looking to gain exposure and grow its fan base in other parts of Canada and the USA. The band is now working on its first full-length album meanwhile booking more shows at showcases and festivals, such as the Ottawa Folk Fest, and as opening acts for established artists.

The band is Ryan Tansley on lead vocals and drums, Zach Ledgerwood on bass and guitar, Jeff Watkins on keyboard and James Siwanowicz on guitar, with all members contributing to vocal harmonies.