Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stells Di Rossi Hurst. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Stells , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Navigating the within the entertainment and music industry and its scenes as a plus-sized woman of color in rock has its unique challenges. It’s is far from what most would assume the experience actually is from the performers perspective.
It often feels like I’m the only one in the room facing these obstacles more frequently than people realize because my peers are majority Caucasian and aren’t treated with the intolerance I face far too often.
The scarcity of women of color, especially larger women, in rock music is something many concertgoers fail to grasp.
Being constantly reminded to lose weight or conform to a standard I can’t relate to is frustrating. It’s a constant battle to stay true to myself in the face of societal norms and fixed mentalities that make no sense.
It’s a constant struggle to be oneself without question or indifference of some sort and can be overwhelming. Speaking up about it can make others uncomfortable, but it’s essential to break down barriers and pave the way for equality.
Unfortunately, many people don’t understand the daily struggle of fighting creative apartheid and what that means. The fact is that you can’t stop something culturally engrained that no one wants to acknowledge or address socially, culturally or emotionally. Especially if it’s because it isn’t happening to you. It remains an elephant in the sociological room.
But on the bright side, being a beacon for others who see my resilience and authenticity inspires them to embrace their true selves.
It’s a double edged sword and means you have work far more and harder than that of your peers because of socially engrained generational bias and curses.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I work mainly in the Arts, Media and Entertainment sector and am known for many multifaceted roles as a recording artist, performer, and studio musician. I’m a modern day Renaissance woman that uses art, music and media to bridge social gaps and bring people together. Art with Heart and a little rock n roll.
Everything my art does has deeper meaning from the guests I interview, the paintings, the concerts and performances – it’s all performance art with cause to end creative apartheid and break social stigma.
Complementing these endeavors, I host a podcast talk show, that likes to find hidden gems and spotlight emerging talents and conduct interviews with individuals from more diverse backgrounds.
My life’s work and one of major passion projects is Method to the Madness, my band that has toured internationally since its inception in the late 90s. My original music is characterized by a unique sound and compositional structure, marking a revival of alternative grunge rock with a contemporary feminist perspective and a twist of multicultural influences.
My goal is to challenge the prevailing stigma surrounding female rockers and diversify representation within the industry. As a plus-sized, multi-cultural woman of color, I’m keenly aware of the lack of diversity in an industry largely dominated by male, Caucasian figures.
Through combined media, music, art and other initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity, diversity and inclusive representation; I aim to provide platforms for marginalized voices to be heard and celebrated.
Ultimately, I aspire to break down the barriers of creative apartheid by fostering unity and acceptance within the arts community by providing access those that are far to frequently marginalized or overlooked due to stereotypical stigma and social disease.
My hope of championing diversity and advocating for underrepresented individuals, is to reshape the landscape of the music and entertainment industry as a more realistic and promote a culture of
inclusivity and support for all artists.
To put it short, “I’d like to stick my stiletto heel through the glass ceiling that is social and creative apartheid fueled by stereotypical stigma that ostracizes and censors creative peoples and break down the imaginary walls society tolerates out of traditional bias by inspiring and uplifting others diversely.”
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, my three qualities that have been most impactful are resilience, authenticity, and continuous learning with an open mind.
Resilience because the ability to bounce back from setbacks and persevere in the face of challenges has been crucial.
Throughout my career, I’ve faced numerous obstacles and rejections, but my resilience has allowed me to keep pushing forward. Whether it was overcoming creative blocks, navigating industry rejections, or managing personal struggles, resilience has been my foundation.
– Advice
For those early in their journey, developing resilience is essential. Embrace failures as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. Cultivate a mindset of resilience by setting realistic goals, seeking support from mentors or peers, and maintaining a positive outlook even during tough times. Remember that setbacks are temporary, but your determination to succeed is enduring.
Authenticity
Staying true to oneself and one’s artistic vision is essential for long-term success and sanity. I’ve learned that authenticity fosters genuine connections with not just audiences cut also professional peers too. That connection allows artists to create work that resonates on a deeper level. Throughout my career, I’ve stayed true to my unique voice and artistic identity, which has been instrumental in building a loyal fan base and sustaining my passion for music.
– Advice
Spend time exploring your unique voice and artistic identity. Don’t be afraid to embrace your quirks or vulnerabilities—they often serve as sources of strength and creativity. Be honest in your expression and strive to create art that reflects your genuine experiences and emotions. Authenticity is magnetic, so trust in your voice and let it shine through in your work.
Continuous Learning
The journey as an artist is never-ending, and the willingness to constantly learn and evolve is key to staying relevant and inspired. Throughout my career, I’ve embraced opportunities for growth, whether it’s refining technical skills, exploring new genres, or studying the work of other artists. I’ve found that a commitment to lifelong learning keeps me motivated and energized.
– Advice
Stay curious and open-minded. Seek out opportunities for growth, whether through formal education, workshops, or collaborations with other artists. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who can offer constructive feedback and guidance. Remember that growth takes time, so be patient and persistent in your pursuit of excellence. Never stop learning and experimenting—it’s the key to unlocking your full potential as an artist.
Overall, for those embarking on their creative journey, I encourage you to embrace resilience, authenticity, and continuous learning as guiding principles. By cultivating these qualities and skills, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the challenges of the creative path and fulfill your artistic potential.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Yes, I’m always open to collaborate and partner with creatives from diverse backgrounds and genres. It’s what I enjoy most whether it’s musicians, producers, or other creatives, I love stepping out of my comfort zone and exploring new musical/Art territories.
Currently, as my music embarks on a new direction and sound with its 9th studio release, I’m particularly interested in collaborating with cross-genre artists who bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. It’s time to shake things up and get a little more creatively loco…. and back to the bands core and root objectives now that’s that I’ve relocated.
Now that I’m working with RHMedia Production on my podcast show we are always open to submissions for the next episode., we welcome individuals who are passionate about pushing creative boundaries and exploring new sonic landscapes.
Whether you’re based in the Bay Area, another state or beyond, -If you have a story or something to share we just might air it so we welcome people to send us an email or contact us through our socials. It is exciting to connect and create together as well as give support and expose to others. That’s why we do it.
Feel free to reach out to our team via email at [email protected] to discuss potential collaborations or submit your work for consideration on the podcast, THOR Radio. I’m always on the lookout for new guests and music submissions too from all walks of life and genres. I believe in giving people a chance in an industry with too many gatekeeper. Let’s join forces and create something extraordinary!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thorradio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getalittleloco?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/getalittleloco
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCFyi3GkGWVCdZlfoxDmI75w
- Other: Art https://fineartamerica.com/art/estella+di+rossi+hurst
LocoWear Fashion https://www.bonfire.com/store/locowear-fashion/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=store_page_share&utm_campaign=locowear-fashion&utm_content=default
Artist EPK https://mbentertainmentgroup.com/method-to-the-madness
RHMedia Instagram https://www.instagram.com/rhmediacorp?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Photograph Courtesy of RHMedia Productions and Method to the Madness
