More than anything, Stella Donnelly’s music is real. It’s about genuine, everyday experiences shown through a down-to-earth songwriting and recording process that saw the Australian artist’s debut Thrush Metal EP made mostly in her boyfriend’s lounge over two years. This out-of-studio approach has imbued Donnelly’s work with a charming real-life resonance that has won over fans in her home country and around the globe. With dates coming up across the US and the UK (most notably SXSW and The Great Escape festivals), this humble songwriter looks set for even greater success this year. Of course, where it began for most fans was with that EP, perhaps even standout single ‘Mechanical Bull’, which has been transformed into a visual inspired by the song’s original source. As Donnelly explains: “Mechanical Bull is dedicated to people who work in hospitality who have to deal with customers, especially drunk ones, harassing them and making objectifying comments,” says Donnelly. “I wrote this about my experience working in bars and it was a nice way to release some of the frustration I had!” Set in a Americana diner with a touch of Wes Anderson kitsch, the young musician takes on the role of waitress to serve customers mannequin body parts, as you do. Forever turning what we expect on its head, the new video for ‘Mechanical Bull’ is a reminder of just why you should be paying close attention to Stella Donnelly. - HT