Lead vocalist and songwriter Kristi Ormand has been pursuing her passion for music since an early age. While working full time, Kristi recognized that professional musical training could provide the confidence and foundation needed to pursue her lifelong dream of creating and performing music.
After performing at venues and private events throughout the Charlotte area, Kristi began further developing her songwriting, drawing inspiration from personal experiences, relationships, and the world around her. Her distinctive voice and emotionally driven songwriting became the foundation for what would eventually grow into StellaRising. A chance introduction to lead guitarist Tony Oliver-Paull, facilitated by Mike Graci, led to an immediate musical connection. Kristi and Tony began collaborating on her original material and soon developed a songwriting partnership that continues to shape the sound of StellaRising.
Kristi was a 2011 and 2012 Women of Rock and Singer/Songwriter Nominee for Charlotte Music Awards and was invited to perform at the Chick Singer Night showcase in June 2013. She has co-written a couple of songs with a hit songwriter out of Nashville. Kristi and StellaRising have released three EP's, “Motion” - Knothole Recording Studio Weddington, NC, “Karma” GAT 3 Studios, Charlotte, NC “StellaRising” Blackbird Studios-Nashville, TN.
In March 2025, StellaRising returned to the studio to record six new singles at Old House Recording Studio in Charlotte, with releases spanning 2025 and 2026. The band’s continued momentum has brought recognition both locally and nationally.
In 2025, StellaRising was nominated for Queen City Nerve’s Best in the Nest – Best Indie Rock Band, while Kristi received a nomination for Best Solo Performer. In 2026, StellaRising earned two nominations for the prestigious Josie Music Awards, held at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. The nominations include Song of the Year – Pop/Rock Group for “Grey” and Video of the Year – Group for “Cruel Summer.”