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Meet Bella Kaye

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Bella Kaye.

Bella, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My love for singing and performing started at an early age. As far back as I can remember, I would put on shows for my family. We have so many family videos of me singing and dancing around the house. I loved having an audience to perform for. My parents recognized my love for performing and started putting me in performing arts camps and classes. As soon as I was eligible, I tried out and was accepted into the Chicago Children’s Choir. I trained and performed with them for three years (until we moved to San Diego). I started regularly performing in my school’s talent show by singing solo performances in front of the entire school. I was also active in musicals in my school and community.

In the summer of 2015, my family and I moved to San Diego. My singing took a more serious direction at this point. I started taking private vocal lessons and shortly after started recording in a studio each week. I began posting cover videos to my YouTube channel. In 2017 I started learning guitar and by December of that year, I went to my first open mic show at Lestat’s. Immediately after getting off stage, I was approached by the booking manager who asked if I would perform at the upcoming Christmas show. Since that evening, I have been performing regularly across Southern California at coffee shops, festivals and county fairs. In the summer of 2018, I performed several shows at the San Diego County Fair. Performing on a big stage in front of a large audience was an exhilarating experience for me and I couldn’t wait to do it again. Following the fair, I began writing my original music. I have released two singles, Heartache and Fake, and my debut EP, Reflections. All the music I have released so far was written by me over a few months that summer.

Has it been a smooth road?
I think to put yourself out there, especially as a teenager, is always difficult. In some ways, I am different from my peers because I am pursuing my path as a singer-songwriter. Having things be in the public puts me in a vulnerable position, which is not always easy.

I have a lot of self doubt that comes and goes. When I was producing my originals up until they were officially released, I would cycle in and out of phases when I questioned everything I was releasing. I think many artists struggle with self doubt. For me when I’m feeling low I remember why I do this, the deep passion within me and the love I have for it. I also have days when creativity flows out of me and other days when I can’t write a verse. I wrote Heartache, the first single I released, in a day. However, other songs have taken me several weeks to finish.

I’m also a perfectionist. While this can be good at times, I have to learn to balance this with perspective. I try to remind myself that nothing is perfect. What I might think is perfect is different than what someone else thinks. Plus, I understand that there are so many ways to make music and my music will not resonate with everyone.

Writing music has allowed me a way to process emotions. I tend to get inspiration from my own life or other people. Going through the writing process allows me to make sense of my feelings and helps me to move past situations.

Please tell us about your art.
I try to make music that represents me at that time. I like telling stories and writing music that people can relate and connect to. I love knowing my songs helped someone get through a difficult situation and feel less alone. Being authentic as an artist is very important to me. Whether I am writing or performing, I know being myself allows me to be true to who I am and express vulnerable emotions.

I released my first single, Heartache, in August 2019. Heartache is an emotional ballad that captures the pain of a broken heart. In October I released my second single, Fake, a pop jam that tells the story of when I moved to a new school and had to figure out the complexities of new social situations. My debut EP was released in November and touches on themes such as heartbreak, hope, drama, and daydreaming.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the weather in San Diego. Spending so many years in Chicago I know what bitter cold feels like. I really enjoy the San Diego sunshine and warm days. I also love being so close to the beach. There are many different areas of San Diego that have unique characteristics, making it fun to explore.

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Image Credit:
Steven Wetherbee

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