Stella Jang Rediscovers Herself in Stunning Second Album ‘STELLA II’
Five years after her last studio album, Korea’s renowned singer-songwriter Stella Jang is making waves with the release of her second full-length album, STELLA II. Selected as May’s Track Zero Artist of the Month by Kakao Entertainment’s music platform Melon, Stella Jang took center stage on the latest episode of Melon Station to share her creative process and uncover hidden musical gems.
“At first, creating this album felt easy, but I only realized near the end that I was making a full-length record,” she said. The album, she explained, focuses on self-realization. “In the past, I’ve released music without expectations and saw it gain love in unexpected places. I’ve never really done things with a strategic goal; I just follow what feels true to me.”
During her Track Zero appearance, Stella Jang curated four songs that illustrate her musical evolution: “L’Amour, Les Baguettes, Paris” from her 2021 mini album Stairs, new tracks like “What Makes You?” and “Workman,” and “A Journey Unexpected.” The album opener and her upcoming solo concert’s title song, “What Makes You?”, was born from a period of personal burnout. About “Workman,” she shared how her fondness for old-school wired earphones and a nostalgic ‘80s vibe laid the foundation for the track. She added that “A Journey Unexpected” took inspiration from The Lord of the Rings character Gandalf, expressing her wish to become a wise and kind elder like him.
In the hidden gem segment, she introduced Bon Iver’s “Everything Is Peaceful Love,” saying the song gave her a rare moment of peace. She also mentioned being deeply moved by Ennio Morricone’s “Un Amico,” a piece so powerful it brought her to tears one morning.
Looking ahead, Stella Jang is preparing for her first live solo concert since her debut studio album—which was released during the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing live shows. “I’ve put much thought into the setlist, leaning heavily on new songs,” she said. “I want to present a fresh experience at every performance.”
Track Zero is Melon’s ongoing indie artist spotlight series, selecting one standout artist and several recommended tracks monthly. It remains South Korea’s only mainstream platform providing consistent support for independent musicians, aiming to foster balanced growth within the music industry.
