Stress Dolls

Stress Dolls is the moniker of Chelsea O'Donnell, a songwriter from Buffalo, NY.

O'Donnell began playing around Western New York in 2013, initially calling herself Wolf and eventually forming a band. After releasing one EP, the group went through a few different line-ups and, in time, changed their name to Stress Dolls.

Due to differing pursuits the band split in early 2017, but O'Donnell decided to keep playing under the name Stress Dolls. She made a move to Nashville, TN but was only there 6 months before chronic health issues she had been struggling with sent her to the hospital. Following a surgery she moved back to Buffalo, and after a period of recovery, began writing, performing, and recording again.

In early 2022 she was invited to work with producer Jim Wirt (Jack's Mannequin, Something Corporate, Incubus) at Superior Sound Studios in Cleveland, OH. After recording several songs together, including her singles "Body," "Ghostwriter," and "Alone," she was offered a record deal with Sun Pedal Recordings. Her debut album, Queen of No, is set for release on May 17th, 2024.

Currently, Stress Dolls takes on several forms live: solo with O'Donnell and her acoustic guitar; as a duo when joined by longtime collaborator Sally Schaefer on violin; or as a band when combined with members TJ Luckman (bass), Jordan Smith (lead guitar), and Josh English (drums). The project's sound has drawn such comparisons as "Joni Mitchell meets Nirvana," "Avril Lavigne and Foo Fighters in a blender," and "Kathleen Hanna fronting Modest Mouse."