Auralai is the creative vision of Wisconsin native Stephanie Russell (Tschech), a cellist with over 20 years of classical training who has transformed her musical approach to bring cello into the alt indie spotlight. Stephanie discovered her passion for the cello during elementary school, where she honed her talent through after-school string programs, private lessons, and youth orchestras.

Her early career saw her performing with several bands, but it was her founding of Auralai in 2013 that marked the start of her signature style. Initially a three-piece acoustic indie pop outfit, Auralai evolved in 2015 when Stephanie teamed up with multi-instrumentalist Nate Lehner, giving birth to a new chapter as a duo marked by innovative, cello-driven sounds. Together, they released two full-length albums, each a testament to Auralai’s eclectic indie pop vibe. Stephanie continues to experiment and find her voice, with new singles slated for release at the end of 2024.

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