theaussieword.com catches up with Bela for a special blog interview.
What can you tell our readers about you? How and where did it all begin?
Well. I like to think it began in the garage when I use to sneak down a play my older brother’s electric guitar, it was right handed and I was left. There was a lot of distortion and a lot of smoke on the water. What can I say about me? I would hope I am not following any rules in music; I am a singer/songwriter who likes to experiment with sounds. I hope this enough information I like to stay mysterious hahaha
What had you first interested in music?
All of my earliest earliest memories are all associated with music, every memory in my life I can bring up the music that was playing and I think through out life that just grew and grew, until I had no other choice but to embrace it and follow it.
Who motivates or influences your quest to make great music?
Lots of different things. I am always trying to out do myself wether it be performance wise or writing wise, I have an amazing producer and co writer who is constantly motivating me in that area. Thom Yorke. I’ve always held on to as a huge influence, Paul Simon, and I always keep an ear out for new music. Yet of course people and places are a great feed for creativity.
Do you have any planned tours coming up?
Yeaaahhhh!! In the summer I plan to head to festival season hopefully escorted by some local tours around the UK, maybe even a sneaky trip to Europe !
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish as an artist?
Basically like most artist to reach a creative threshold which I can remotely be happy with, and also of course to gain recognition in my industry and field, but purely just to be able to create art for people and continue to do it.
What can fans expect from you in the coming months?
Lots is happening in the next few months.In January will see the release of my new EP with my single “Radiate” with gigs to support it, so that’s all go go here, followed my a second EP release around May so lots of new music coming out, very exciting
Success, what is the secret to it and what has been your biggest career highlight so far?Success is a hard one and can easily be mistaken for money, which of course is not true, I think its about knowing who you are and doing what you want to be doing and doing it well and to the best of your ability. If you’re being honest about it then no one can really say your not being successful at what you do. I have had a few career highlights doing the festival season last year was amazing,releasing records which is great for a girl from a coastal town, BBC radio play never thought that would happen I think the more I keep going the better the highlights.
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
There are so many amazing artists out there. I think alt J are making remarkable music, Matt Corby who I have known for a while doing so well, Tom Waits who I adore, Bon Ivor and Janelle Monae. Ask me again tomorrow and it would be a completely different list!
How would you best describe you and your music to your fans?
A girl who just has to do music, plain and simple. I love writing and I love playing, my music is some what like alt pop it blends my acoustic roots with my more modern electric/eccentric
Very reverby and dreamy but with a bit of a kick!
What can you tell us about your latest album?
My upcoming EP features my single “Radiate” which I love. It was produced beautifully by Glenn Skinner, my producer. A mix of real drums and programmed electric acoustic sounds. I am very proud of it. The EP also has one of the first things I released last year, Eye Pennies, recorded live with my band. Its an eclectic mix but for some reason it works.
Are there any new exciting projects in the works?
Always!! Video is soon to come out followed by the release of”Radiate” and then a second release in May, I am supporting To Kill a King on the 17thof Jan which is well good!!!
And perhaps a cheeky visit back into the studio earlier next year for new material. And some collaboration soon that’s all I can say about that!
The music industry is huge, where do you see yourself a few years from now?
Hopefully still with all my hair that would be great maybe a little taller but that might be asking too much. Honestly to still be making music would be a great plus and still meeting people who like listening to it. If you have those people there’s always a place for you in the industry always!!
Name a few of your favourite Aussie artists.I know she lives in LA but Sia is a massive inspiration to me, Matt Corby and Passenger, Lisa Mitchel Sarah Blasko Silverchair all amazing…. Angus and Julia Stone. There’s so many of us and there is such a great variety of talent in Australia. I am blessed to herald from there.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
If it wasn’t for social media some one in my position may not even have breached the walls that thankfully I have been able to do. Yes the music industry is tougher, but its because there is so much new music coming out all the time. Social media has in fact allowed me to release records with out a label and release them well, but yes being an independent artist is difficult. However, I have successfully been able to get my music to a large group of people via social media, I think we all need to work together in harmony on this yo.
Thank you for the interview! What can you leave fans of theaussieword.com with here today?
Amazing thank you for the interview I had such fun, yes aussieword people you can reach me on facebook, twitter, my website or instagram ( I don’t really take photos of food don’t stress) I hope to see you all soon lots of love Bela
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/belatakeschase