Interview with up-and-coming pop singer-songwriter Bella Kaye.
Drawing on influences from artists such as Taylor Swift, Madison Beer, Bea Miller and Nina Nesbitt, Bella brings her own style, intensity and emotion to the music she performs. Bella writes lyrics that are engaging and moving in a way that reflects her unique style. In 2018, Bella started publicly performing covers at local coffee shops, festivals, and county fairs and began writing her original music in the summer of 2018.
In the summer of 2018, she performed several shows at the San Diego County Fair, which became a significant turning point in her musical aspirations. Performing on a big stage in front of a large audience was an exhilarating experience for her and one she couldn’t wait to experience again.
Following the 2018 fair, Bella began writing original music. Within two months, she wrote a dozen songs, writing songs in a way that others can connect with and relate to. Her first single, Heartache, is an emotional ballad that captures the pain of a broken heart. Released in November 2019, her debut EP Reflections touches on themes such as heartbreak, hope, drama and daydreaming.
Follow Bella at @iambellakaye
[vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmEkt9AvkoE” title=”Bella Kaye – Heartache (Official Lyric Video)”][vc_column_text]
Hi Bella, please tell us a little about you?
Hi. I’m a 16 year old singer-songwriter from Southern California. I was born in Chicago and spent my first 11 years living the city life before I moved to Southern California. I now live much closer to the beach and love it. I’m the oldest child of three and have a toy poodle. I love listening to music and love creatively telling stories through my own music. I’ve released an EP and four singles so far!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Kindhearted, creative, empathetic
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
My love for singing and performing started at a very young age. My favorite thing was putting on shows for my family….I loved having an audience to perform for. My mom recognized my passion early on and got me involved in musical theater and the Chicago Children’s Choir. In 2015 I moved to Southern California. This is when my music started to get more serious. I started recording in a music studio each week and began posting covers to my YouTube channel and Instagram accounts. In 2017 I started learning guitar and shortly after began performing at local coffee shops, festivals and county fairs. In 2018 I had my biggest performances to date, which inspired me to start writing my own music. In 2019 I started releasing my original music with my debut single “Heartache”, another single “Fake” and my debut EP “Reflections”. So far in 2020 I released two other singles “Missing You” and “Happy Together”.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Lyrical, emotive and melodic
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I chose to make music because music is a part of who I am. Being a singer and performer has always been my childhood dream, and I couldn’t envision myself not doing music. From a personal standpoint my mom has whole heartedly encouraged me to follow my dreams and supported me every step of the way. She is very involved in my career, and we work closely together. From a musical perspective, Taylor Swift has had a huge influence on who I am as an artist. I really admire Taylor’s storytelling and her ability to creatively paint a picture and bring each song to life in a different way. She’s also an amazing performer with an extremely captivating stage presence. I started listening to Taylor’s songs when I was a little girl and actually have a lot of videos of me singing and dancing to her songs (some are pretty funny!). In 2018 I saw Taylor’s Reputation Stadium Tour, which was amazing. Seeing her live also inspired me to begin writing my original music.
Do you play any instrument?
Yes, I play guitar mostly. I know some piano, enough to have written several songs on it. However, I’m always trying to grow and improve my guitar and piano skills.
Do you ever get nervous?
Yes, I definitely get nervous. I actually get more nervous if people I know are in the audience versus people I don’t know. I find that taking time to center myself before I go on stage helps. Once I’m on stage and have played a song or two, I’m able to find my groove and the nerves subside.
Tell us about your single “Heartache?”
Heartache is a really special song to me because it’s the first song I’ve ever released. It’s an emotional ballad that captures the pain of a broken heart. It’s about being in a relationship that you think is perfect and going well only to discover it’s not at all what you thought it was. I was actually just playing around with chords and lyrics one day on piano and everything just flowed out of me. It wasn’t until the whole song except the second verse was done when I realized it could actually be a song.
What are the five things you can’t live without?
My mom, music, my phone, my guitar and my favorite jeans.
What’s next for Bella Kaye in 2020?
I’m releasing my next original single in early August. I am really excited for this one…it’s an emotional one for me! Going forward I plan to continue to release new music on a regular basis. I want to get my music heard by more people and grow my fanbase. Once life returns back to normal (or a new normal), I hope to start performing again at bigger venues.
What is your favorite song? And why?
I love a lot of songs and my favorite is always changing. However, my favorite song at the moment is “Wrong Direction” by Hailee Steinfeld. I love this song for so many reasons! The lyrics are so touching and emotional and the production is very well done. I especially love the hook, “falling in the wrong direction.” I immediately loved it the first time I heard it.
Any loves other than music?
I enjoy working out. I also love to journal (and it helps with my songwriting).
Best advice ever given?
It is hard to choose the best advice I’ve ever been given. However one thing that has stuck with me is everything happens for a reason. Have faith that you are on the right path and trust it’s all part of your journey.
How’s a typical day in your life?
I usually start my day with a workout. I then do my school work (during the school year). The afternoons I am usually either practicing, writing songs or recording.
Name one your strengths?
I can read people well and feel the room’s energy.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
Wake up, workout, brunch from my favorite restaurant, chill outside, watch the sunset at the beach.
What is you favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Love Story by Taylor Swift.
What is your own definition of happiness?
My definition of happiness is when you can live each day in the moment with a grateful heart, feel at peace and see the beauty within yourself and the world around you.
Do you support any charities?
There are a lot of important causes I feel passionate about. Two of my top ones are the environment and racism. I am starting to get involved with local musicians who are trying to raise awareness against racism and use their voices for social change.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Roasted vegetables.
And your favorite cheat food?
Dairy and gluten free vanilla cupcakes.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
There are so many people I would love to meet. However, I would have to say Taylor Swift. She has been such an inspiration for me since I was a little girl so it would be amazing to meet her…..it would be a dream come true!
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I hope I am a well known singer-songwriter touring the world.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Trendy, cute, casual
What do you think of Social Media?
I think it’s very important to use. It’s a great way to connect, share and reach more people. However, it’s important for me personally to limit my time spent on it and not consume myself in the false illusions of it.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram @iambellakaye
Website www.bellakaye.com
Facebook Bella Kaye
YouTube Bella Kaye
All Streaming Platforms – Bella Kaye
Quote: “To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh
Movie: A Star Is Born
Travel Destination: Italy, Bora Bora, Paris, Fiji (I can’t just choose one!)
