Estelle's Genre Is Joy As She Speaks on Music, Meaning & New Album 'Stay Alta'

After a well-deserved musical hiatus, Estelle returns with her sixth studio album, ‘Stay Alta’. Having soundtracked multiple generations with her hit track ‘American Boy’, this latest offering is a radiant celebration of joy, a reminder, in her words, to “find the light in everything, even if you can’t see it right away.” Despite taking a step back from releasing music, she has by no means been sitting still. From fashion and acting to radio and beyond, Estelle has continued to expand her creative universe. It’s no mystery, then, why she speaks with such calm certainty, a grounded self-assurance that feels earned - well-deserved and beautifully lived-in.

With a Grammy win under her belt, multiple chart-topping singles, and collaborations with legends like Kanye West, John Legend, and Rick Ross, Estelle’s impact is undeniable. Her voice, both musically and personally, continues to resonate — not just because of where she’s been, but because of how effortlessly she continues to evolve. After moving to the US and living there for a number of years she explains how her idea of home has changed and continues to do so highlighting the importance of finding ‘home’ wherever you are. 

As she steps into this new chapter, ‘Stay Alta’ isn’t just a return but rather a reminder of who Estelle is at her core: an artist rooted in truth, joy, and evolution. In this conversation, we talk about legacy, self-worth, and what it means to rise again and again with grace.

It’s been a while since your last album. How has it been creating your sixth studio album?

It was intense but intentional. I take my time between records, talking about life and fully formed experiences. I don’t rush to put something out. This felt like the right time, and it came together naturally.

Can you tell us a little bit about the singles you’ve put out already? How did they come to be, and what’s the meaning behind them?

“Oh, I” is an affirmation song, one that felt really good when I recorded it. Most of this album was recorded during the pandemic, a free time for me. Some tracks started in 2018 in spurts, but none were overthought. They weren’t premeditated for a specific reaction, they were about having a good time. After my last album, I had a life restructuring, not a breakdown, looking at my progress and legacy. I didn’t like repeating the same things, so I went to therapy, changed my approach, and found freedom. Every session was clear and dedicated, reflecting real change.

You’ve described this record as for your community and beyond. How do you hope listeners feel when they hear it?

I made this record for everybody, about joy and light, reminding us who we are as humans. We’re conditioned to live in negativity, but I don’t believe that. There’s more fun and life happening than we credit ourselves for. My intention is to touch people’s light, rekindle it, whether through dancing or connecting to a different frequency, like in the single “New Direction.”

You have collaborators on “New Direction.” What do you look for in a collaborator, and what makes the song?

I look for who can do the best job, who sounds right for the moment and gives the song what it needs. Recording wasn’t about being extra busy or in every studio—it was focused, with four-hour sessions with my producer. During the pandemic, I had quiet time to live with the music. Collaborators landed on my heart, I’d be out, hear something, and think, “So-and-so would sound great on this.” It was about getting out of the way and letting the right people come naturally.

You’ve cited influences like Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones, blending many genres. Is that intentional, or does it just happen?

I’m from London, so blending genres is what we do, no second thought. This time, I got super intentional, thinking about songs that made me dance and feel good when I was younger, like music in my house with my mom, aunties, and uncles. It was warm, with changes, bridges, and movement. I studied those influences and applied them to the songs.

This past October marked 20 years since your debut, The 18th Day. Looking back to 2004, what would you say to that Estelle?

You’re doing everything right. Don’t overthink it. The times you got pissed or felt not enough were necessary to understand what “enough” feels like. Every experience shaped who you are today, so keep going, you’re on the right path.

Why does “American Boy” still resonate 16 years later?

It’s fun, pure joy. I prayed for a record that touches people

across all timelines, one that kids’ kids’ kids would listen to. It’s honest, and when people play it for their families, grannies included, it shows real impact.

You’re from West London but now live in LA. How has your definition of home changed, and is it reflected in your music?

I’ve had to reformat my idea of home. I don’t live in London physically, but I feel at home wherever I am. I walk around the world like I own it. Music has taken me to places like Cologne, Italy, Japan, and LA, where I have favorite spots that feel like home. My music reflects that freedom, like my grandma’s wildest dream, living freely, wherever and however I want.

You’ve done music, fashion, acting, and radio. Do you enjoy trying different things, and how do you balance it?

I love it. I’m very present, where I am is where I am. Whether walking through a market or recording, I’m fully in that moment, taking it all in. That’s how I balance it, by staying grounded in the now.

You’re working on a memoir. Is it easy to step back and reflect holistically?

Yes and no. It’s my version of how I saw the world and what I’ve learned to achieve what I’ve done. People always ask, “How did you do it?” Going through 20 years of my career, I rediscover moments and add perspective, even when I don’t look good. It’s a challenge to keep it about sharing knowledge, not ego, but it’s a fun, evolving journey.

You host The Estelle Show on Apple Music. What’s it like connecting with artists and having this hub for music?

I have a ball. I realise how much I know about music doing this show. Interviewing artists like Al Green, Eddie Levert as well as younger artists like Fana Hues, LaRussell plus people my age like Melanie Fiona, and Ledisi is fun. Their stories always come back to self-belief as the through-line and lack of it as the horror story. Hearing how people got to where they are is intriguing.

After being in the industry so long and accomplishing so much, what still excites you creatively?

Life. It’s always evolving, throwing fun twists and turns. Whether performing, doing radio, or interviewing someone like Usher after touring with him, it’s never boring. As long as I’m evolving and doing different things, I’ll stay excited.

Who are you listening to right now?

I’m in my old school, rare groove bag. I saw Teedra Moses recently, and Shae Universe opened—she’s really good. I always shout out girls doing their thing, especially since when I started, it was just me and a few others working from the ground up. Seeing new artists figure it out makes me happy.

Anything you want to add about the new album and what we can look forward to?

Just express some joy. Life doesn’t have to be tough. I’m a fan of finding the light in everything, even if you can’t see it right away. If you need a soundtrack to find it, this album’s got you.

Listen to 'Stay Alta' below!