37. Bad Gigs, Big Harmonies, and Playing the Long Game with Katie O’Donnell of Stella Ruze

Ep.37: Some bands write songs; Stella Ruze builds whole worlds. In this conversation with vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Katie O’Donnell, we get into how a “folky funk” seven-piece from Philly ends up blending New Orleans brass, Americana storytelling, and R&B-leaning ballads into one ridiculously cohesive sound. Katie shares the decade-long evolution of the band, why they let songs breathe instead of chasing three-minute “hits,” and how their latest record Origin finally captures the live energy that blew the roof off Johnny Brenda’s. We also talk about the story behind “Blue,” the documentary that accidentally documented one of the hardest seasons of her life, and what it looks like to keep saying yes to music while you’re raising kids, baking cupcakes, and redefining what success means in year ten of a band.We Chat About:How Stella Ruze evolved from a folk quartet into a seven-piece “folky funk” bandLetting long arrangements and solos breathe instead of chasing radio-length songsThe story and layered grief behind “Blue” and Katie’s first writing credit with the bandRecording Origin mostly live in one room to finally capture their onstage chemistryBalancing motherhood, day-to-day life, and staying connected to music you still “need”Why playing “bad gigs” and corner bar shows is crucial for developing as a musicianKatie’s advice for younger artists on building confidence, taking every rep, and doing it for love, not just for moneyAbout Stella Ruze:Stella Ruze is an award-winning folk rock band from Philadelphia known for rich vocal harmonies, infectious rhythms, and bold horn arrangements. Formed in 2014 by Brendan Johnson and Katie O’Donnell, the group expanded from a quartet to a seven-piece, earning acclaim from WXPN and Radio 104.5 and winning the 2019 PHL LIVE Folk Award. They have played major festivals including XPoNential, Philly Music Fest, and the Philadelphia Folk Festival, and shared stages with acts like Pete Francis (Dispatch), Kuinka, and Blue Water Highway. Their 2020 album The Greater Dog followed earlier releases So Here and a self-titled EP. With new music slated for 2025, Stella Ruze continues to evolve their genre-bending sound.Connect with Katie & Stella Ruze:Follow Stella Ruze on Instagram: @stellaruze_Follow Katie on Instagram: @katieburkeodonnellDive into Stella Ruze’s music and tour dates: Visit the Stella Ruze websiteOther Resources:Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBgCheck out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/Julian on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417Check out Julian’s book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RLMusic Mentioned in this Episode:Songs:Black Submarine (The Black Keys cover reference)Pinch of Salt – Stella RuzeBlue – Stella RuzePass That Bottle – Stella RuzeAlbums & Projects:Origin – Stella RuzeThe Greater Dog – Stella RuzeSo Here – Stella RuzeSelf-titled EP – Stella RuzeGanging Up on the SunArtists & Bands:Stella RuzeGusterThe Black KeysLed ZeppelinThe BeatlesLuciusThe StavesBoygeniusPinegroveI’m With HerSabrina CarpenterOlivia DeanRay / RAYEThe ChatsSarah Farrell Madison CunninghamPete Francis (Dispatch)KuinkaBlue Water Highway