Nestled in the heart of Balham, London, The Bedford proved to be the perfect setting for a showcase of Stella Prince, a folk singer-songwriter originally from Woodstock, New York. Earlier this year, the nineteen-year-old singer made the move to Nashville, before embarking on her international tour.

Prince kicked off the night with her single that was released in August, Two Faced, a gentle and melancholic ballad. With lyrics such as “Desperation paves way to mistakes/ Loneliness is two faced,” she quickly demonstrated her introspection skills and ability to capture the attention of her audience.

While the crowd was small, the intimacy of The Bedford allowed for a unique connection between Prince and her London audience. In true Nashville style, she openly told anecdotes and personal stories between songs.

For example, before playing her current most-streamed song Dear Future Me, Prince took the time to quickly share which details her insecurities and the thought that maybe, one day, her future self will shed them. Perhaps, it is only in this track’s lyrics that you can tell Prince is as young as she is, as she often sounds like a seasoned professional. Throughout, she demonstrated her ability to write poetically while showcasing her uniquely old-soul style.

While she focused on her original songs, six of which she played, she also sang two cover songs. The first was Top of the World originally performed by the Carpenters, in which Prince sang with her beautiful soprano voice. Prince also shared her take on Elvis’ hit Blue Moon, further proving that her vocal and performance skills are beyond her years.

Within just eight songs and in under an hour, Prince showcased her mastery of the folk genre, as she effortlessly switched between different moods and tempos. Her set was filled with soulful melodies, heartfelt storytelling, and a purposefully intimate connection with her audience. While Prince has been in the music business for a few years now, it’s evident that her career is just beginning. Her love for songwriting and appreciation for those artists that have come before her will serve her in the years to come.