A chat with Bella White
Hey Bella, how are you?
I'm doing well today!
Easy question first, where are you right now, and what are you up to today?
I’m currently in my house on Vancouver Island and I am spending the day writing and editing songs as I'm about to go into the studio for my next record.
How would you describe your music?
I would say that my music has been heavily influenced by bluegrass, country, and folk songs. I like to think that there are components of each throughout my songs.
Just Like Leaving came out a year ago now, how do you feel about the album a year on?
I still love Just Like Leaving very much and I think that it is still very representative of me as a writer but at the same time i feel that i have grown a lot as a person since realising and recording it and I hear a lot of my past self/younger self in my voice when I listen to it. I think that the past years have really forced me to grow and evolve.
What was the first song you wrote for it? And did you know that was the start of making an album?
The first song I wrote for the album was ‘All I Gave To You’. I wrote it with the intention of unpacking some feelings but had no idea at the time that it would inspire many more songs and spark a record.
Are there any songs on the album which you feel you would have done differently had you made the album today?
I think I would make the entire album differently, not because I don't like it, just because I've naturally grown and shifted as an artist since the creation of the record.
What’s the story to ‘Do You Think About Me At All’?
I wrote ‘Do You Think About Me At All’ upon returning to my home in Boston after a tour in the Southeast where my father is from. I was thinking about all the places that I remember him telling me about as a kid and how they had found their way into my life too. I was also going through some heartache at the time and somehow that always manages to creep into my songs. I wanted to pay homage to the sound of traditional bluegrass and thought it was the right song to do so.
I know ‘Broke (When I Realised)’ is about divorce, do you find writing about topics like that help to process things, or are your songs an outlet for expression?
I think that they are both. For me songwriting is a very healing way to unpack baggage and process but at the same time an outlet for expression, and those two things are intrinsically connected.
When was the first time you heard that bluegrass/country type of music that just Like Leaving does so well?
My dad was in a bluegrass band throughout my whole childhood so I was exposed to bluegrass when I was just a baby.
How surprised have you been at the reaction from places like the UK to your music?
It’s very wonderful to know that people all over are enjoying Just Like Leaving.
You’re from Calgary originally, what’s your most interesting fact about the city?
My favourite part of Calgary/what i find to be the most interesting is that it is right in the middle of the prairies and the Canadian Rockies. one of the world's most beautiful mountain ranges.
With the poor $ numbers from streaming, what’s the best way for people to support you and your music?
The best way anyone can support is to buy records, CDs, and merch! Also coming out to see shows!
What’s coming up for you in 2022?
I am making my second record and will be touring a lot! So lots to be excited about.
Have you got any plans to come to the UK? You’re exactly the kind of artist we love over here!
Nothing confirmed at the moment but it is definitely something we are planning for.
If you could recommend one artist to listen to this week, who would it be?
I think that everyone should go listen to Erin Rae.
What’s the question I should have asked you today but haven’t?
Nothing I can think of. I would say you’ve covered all your bases!
Finally, how do you take your coffee?
A little bit of oat milk and honey.
To find out more about Bella you can visit her website. You can check out what Bella’s up to on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. Her album, Just Like Leaving is available to buy on Bandcamp, stream on Tidal, or stream on all other services.
