It doesn’t take long to notice Shelby Stone. Whether it’s the blue hair or the unmistakable power in her voice, she leaves an impression that sticks around. Her debut album comes out April 3, the same night she makes her Billy Bob’s debut and you don’t want to miss it. 

I was first introduced to Shelby Stone at MusicFest in 2025. The second she started singing on stage I knew she was going to become something big in not just the Texas music scene, but the music scene in general. Her sound has both rock and country tones to it and her voice is quite literally one that could read a menu and you would hire her. But perhaps what is most remarkable about her is her charisma and charm. Whether it be on stage or in an interview, Shelby has a presence that leaves you wanting more.

I was fortunate enough to sit down with her in Bryan, Texas, after her show for the Pre-Party at Troubadour Fest. She performed at the Palace Theater in downtown Bryan, opening up for American Aquarium. For those in the crowd who did not know her before, they definitely left being fans of hers. I even watched the girl next to me look her up after her set!

Growing up in Texas, outside of the DFW area, music was part of her life at a young age. “I started on the worship team, which I feel like is how everyone starts out,” Shelby said. She first started singing in eighth grade and “once they learn you can sing, you are on every worship team.” She got her first guitar in junior high from a guy who at the time was selling it, but for Shelby he gave it to her for free. “I taught myself how to play every song I could. When I got to college (at UT Arlington) I worked for the radio station the Ranch and saw that my dream was attainable. I could play shows that were actually in my reach.” It was then she realized that she did not want to be a nurse anymore, music was going to be her career. 

Your voice is truly like no other. When did you first realize that you have this powerhouse of a voice?

My mom told me. She is my best friend and biggest hater. Obviously, my mom thought I was good but she put me in voice lessons to see if other people thought I was good. I sang “Stay with Me” by Sam Smith in one of the lessons and that is when I realized that I sound like what I hear on the radio. I ended up getting a degree in Music Business and took some more vocal classes before I met Dalton (Domino). He helped me unlearn some bad habits that people do vocally. 

You definitely have some rock influences in your sound. Who did you grow up listening to that you take inspiration from?

Joan Jett and Reba. What a range, right? My dad was a rodeo clown, so I grew up going to rodeos with him. At home, I listened to country music but at the rodeo in between events they played rock music. Along the way I have also met a lot of people with rock influences. Sonically, it is a lot of rock but my writing is more of a Guy Clark, Jason Isbell vibe.

Cody Canada is one of your biggest supporters. What is it like getting to go out with Cross Canadian Ragweed since they have reunited after all those years?

It is truly surreal. I grew up listening to Ragweed. In my mind they were always the real CCR- I did not know who Creedence Clearwater Revival was. When you think of Red Dirt, you think of Ragweed, Casey Donahew, etc. 

You get to work with Parker Ryan, Jordan Nix, Jacob Stelly, etc. all the time. How is it having your own little community within the red dirt scene?

I actually borrowed Parker’s band when I was just getting started. I know he has an amazing solo career, but I always tell him if he ever gets tired. . .

I think of it as graduating classes every few years. You had Pat Green, Casey Donahew, Roger, Kevin and then you had Parker McCollum and Koe Wetzel. I feel like we are in the class with each other and then even after us you have Hudson Westbrook, Ty Myers, the real young guys that are making a name for themselves. 

I had the chance to talk with Logan Ryan and he mentioned your name as someone he would like to collab with. Do you have anyone you would want to collaborate in any capacity with?

Butch Walker is a producer who has done some of Fall Out Boys albums. Angel White would also be cool. Right now my favorites are the Kruse Brothers. I do not do altitude well but I went up on that gondola at MusicFest to catch their set. 

Your song, “All I Ever Wanted,” will be on your debut album. Was it hard for you to write such a vulnerable song and have to perform it?

It is hard to play. I get really defensive over it so I go back and forth. If people are talking and not paying attention I do not want to play it, but I always think about the one person who is listening and needs to hear it. I have had not just girls but guys approach me and tell me it means something to them. That is the song that made Dalton Domino want to start working with me. It was not finished at the time, but he told me I was “writing songs that actually meant something.” He eventually told me I could not play any more covers and if I did not want to perform this song live, then I better start writing songs I will. When I did the American Aquarium run I realized they actually gave a damn about songwriting so I played it there. It is my most honest self, so it took a lot to write and start.

Your debut album, “Silveryear,” comes out this Friday. What all went in to creating this album?

It is a long, long time coming and so much work went into it. We crowd funded to produce this record and I truly think MusicFest is the reason we were able to do it. The people there are just so nice and care about what you do. I was able to raise a lot of money thanks to the people there finding it and in return I am still shipping out stuff. I do not have a first born, but this album feels pretty dang close. It is my emotional scrapbook. From “Fight or Flight” and “Each Other” to “Burns Blue” and “All I Ever Wanted,” you can see my growth and what I have been through throughout the album. I hope people just take a step back and look at the stories. From the songwriting that went into it to all the highs and lows, I am very happy with how we made it and proud of how it came out.

The shirts you wear on stage are iconic. Where do you get them from?

This is all me. I have a list in my notes app on my phone. Besides that it is just me and my iron on letters and paint pens!

If you have not had a chance to go see Shelby Stone live, I cannot recommend her enough. She is exactly what the music scene needs. If you are in the DFW area this weekend check out her concert at Billy Bob’s! Tickets can be purchased here. Be sure to check out her debut album, “Silveryear.” You can purchase the digital download on her website!!

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Cover Photo courtesy Shelby Stone

Emily Hord is the Assistant Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine and a native Texan. She graduated from Texas A&M University, and in her free time she enjoys going to see live music and spending time with her friends and family.