Hannah Bell
Interview conducted on Feb. 15, 2021
by Dan Locke
Hannah Bell released her latest single “Get Rid of It,” exclusively premiered by The Women Of Country available now on all streaming platforms. Early supporters of Bell’s have expressed their astonishment at her tenacity at such a young age. Produced by GRAMMY-nominated producer Brad Hill, “Get Rid of It” exemplifies her unwavering character as the listener accompanies Bell on a journey through the end of a relationship and taking the high road as someone moves on from a relationship. This modern love song embodies the experiences many people have to go through at some point in their lives and reassures them that they are not alone.
What is your upbringing?
I grew up in Arlington, Texas. Arlington is right in between one of the biggest cities in the United States, Dallas, and one of the most rural big cities I’ve ever been to, Fort Worth. This impacted my music so much because I was right in the middle of two completely different cultures.
How did you discover music?
My first experience with music was when my Dad bought me a guitar for Christmas in the 2nd grade. Pretty much ever since then I’ve been playing guitar. I first discovered songwriting when I was about 13. I watched Taylor Swift Journey To Fearless Documentary and said “if she can do it, then I can do it.”
How was it to start writing music in middle school?
My first couple of songs that I wrote were far from good. I remember showing my mom my first song “Best Friends” and she did her best to be supportive but, I also remember the song not making any sense. Ever since then, I have written with so many people, and I have improved so, so much.
Describe your music.
I pull inspiration from so many artists in different genres. My music has a blend of pop phrasing, and country, storytelling lyrics. Most importantly, I write songs that come from my heart.
How did you get your first guitar, and do you still have it?
I got my first guitar when I was in 2nd grade. My dad saw a purple Hannah Montana guitar in Toys R Us, and even though I hadn’t shown much of an interest in music yet, he got it for me for Christmas. That was the gift that started my love of music, and we still have that guitar in my parent’s attic in the box it came in.
What is your guitar of choice now? Year, make and model?
My guitar of choice is a 914ce Taylor Guitar. I have a 914 right now, and I am honestly in love with this guitar.
What was your first performance like?
My first solo performance was at my 6th grade talent show. I played the piano and sang Taylor Swift’s Jump Then Fall. At the time, I had really big stage fright, so I remember being excited to show everyone that I could sing, but also incredibly nervous.
What makes a good songwriter?
Listening is one of the most important aspects of songwriting. If someone has an idea for the song ya’ll are writing, you have to be able to listen without getting too in your head about things. Being open-minded with every idea that comes into the room is so important because, otherwise, you could miss an opportunity to write a great song.
How was it to work with Kristen Parisi and David Reuter on such recordings as Sneaker Budget and Death of me?
Every time I write with Kristen and David, it is so natural. We have known each other for years now, so I feel like we all know our strengths and where each of us can contribute the most in each song. The day we wrote Sneaker Budget I came into the room with the phrase “champagne taste on a beer budget” running through my head, but I was in the mood to write an empowering song, and Sneaker Budget is what came out of that. For Death of Me, I came into the write with the chorus already. I remember walking into the write and telling them about this guy I had been talking to and showed them the chorus I had written. Kristen and David loved the idea and we finished the song within 2 hours.
What is the process of writing your music?
The most interesting thing about songwriting is that it happens differently every time. I used to almost always write melodies first, but ever since I moved to Nashville in high school, it is more common for the lyrics to come first. But sometimes I find myself singing a catchy one-liner over and over again, and the whole chorus can come from that one melody. I also love music theory, so sometimes it starts with a cool chord progression that I come up with. I love how honest songwriting is and how there is no formula on how to write a song.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
I belong to BMI! I met Jody Williams, former BMI executive when I was 16 years old. He was so supportive and made me feel at home there, so that’s when I decided to be with BMI.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
My first original song was called “Best Friends.” To this day, I still don’t know what I was trying to say in that song. It was honestly all over the place. I’m pretty sure I recorded it, but I was in 5th grade so I honestly have no idea where that recording would be now.
6 months after you arrived in Nashville you released your first self-title EP. What was it like to get it released?
It was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. I had so many emotions going through me. It was one of my first times being in a studio too, and we recorded it on music row, so recording the album was just an introduction to all the feelings I would have. Everything that was happening was so new to me, and all I wanted was for people to like the songs. I was so proud of them and I honestly felt like the coolest 15-year-old ever!
What is your favorite track on your album?
Even though it’s hard for me to pick a favorite, I would say “Waste Your Time” is my favorite. I remember writing the song with Renee Martin, and how emotional and honest it was. I had written that song for one of my friends who was really going through it with a boy and the only way I knew how to show her how he was affecting her, was by writing a song about the situation.
Tell me about your latest single “Get Rid of It”?
I wrote Get Rid of It with Craig Lackey and Larry Vail. Get rid of it was always a phrase we would say when writing, and we ended up saying it so much that Craig said we should write a song with that title. It was probably the fastest song I’ve writing; it took 2 hours to write. I am so proud of this song, and I hope you like this empowering, break-up song.
On the promotion photos for Get Rid of It, you at a small airport. Do you have a pilot license?
That would be so cool! I do not, but my mom was in training to get hers back in the 80s!
How was it to work with Brad Hill on the single?
Brad Hill is one of the most talented people I’ve met honestly. He’s worked for people like Maren Morris, Brothers Osborne, and The Swon Brothers. The first day we were in the studio together, we immediately started working on Get Rid of It, and everything just clicked. Right after her started working on the loop for the song, I knew he was the perfect producer for the song.
What is the Women of Country?
Women of Country is an important organization that is giving women recognition. There are times when women are forgotten about in the industry, and Women of Country does a great job at highlighting talented women.
How do you stay healthy while performing?
It is important when you’re singing to eat and drink the right things. I make sure to drink multiple bottles of water per day and to try and stay away from dairy. Dairy clogs up your throat so if I’m planning on singing in the next few days, then I stay away from dairy and drink lukewarm water.
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
I have mixed feelings about streaming music. Artists work so hard on their music and deserve to be compensated fairly, which is a big argument against streaming. Streaming platforms also recognize so many independent artists, which is so important.
Digital vs. vinyl?
I absolutely love vinyl! It feels so different listening to a song from a vinyl record or cd, than from my phone.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
Jesus Take the Wheel is a song that I will never be able to forget. It is so applicable to my life now and it’s been a while since I’ve heard a song that moves me as that one does.
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Both (Pfizer and BioNTech) and Moderna have conclude Phase 3 Study of the Coronavirus vaccine. With the both vaccine, it takes two shots. How many people do you think will take it and how many will forget to take the second shot? remember there only has to be a 70% for Herd immunity (Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a community (the herd) becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. As a result, the whole community becomes protected — not just those who are immune.)
Since I’m so young and pretty healthy, I am going to be one of the last people to get the shot. I really want to get back to performing for big crowds, so I hope that the vaccine gets distributed fast. I honestly never thought about people forgetting to take the second shot just because I thought they would want to get back to their normal lives. I guess getting one of the shots is better than getting none though!
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music? Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
I think COVID has made everybody more conscious in every industry, but the entertainment industry definitely got hit the hardest. I don’t think live concerts will ever be the same, even though I would like for them to be. Every artist is just trying to do what they love, and it will take time but we can hopefully start having more concerts soon.
How is it being at Belmont University and be working on music?
Belmont University is known as a music school, so most students and professors understand what everyone is going through when they aren’t in the classroom. Yes, I am super busy being a full-time student and doing my music at the same time, but going to Belmont only makes me want to work harder.
You are majoring in Music Business with a minor in Audio Production. Are you more into the laws of music or the merchants of music?
I would say the merchants of music. Music is meant to be creative and when you are in a room with a bunch of other musicians just being creative, it’s unlike anything else.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
I have been working on songs like crazy in quarantine. I’m daydreaming and creating scenarios in my head to write about. I’ve also been producing a lot more, so maybe you will see me as a co-producer on one of my records!
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
I’ve been into working out recently, but ever since quarantine with nowhere to go, I realized how much I missed walking around and not thinking about anything. It’s the perfect time to go outside and just breathe.
95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. This includes people who don’t have television and using their computers to do streaming of programs and movies. Which is your favorite streaming channel?
My favorite streaming channel has to be Netflix! It’s the first streaming channel I ever had and I use it all of the time.
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on livestreamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses.
The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will includes [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only.
How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
Technology completely changed the way we listen to music. Facebook also had part in this. I feel like Facebook Live started the “live” aspect of social media. Facebook Live is also a way artists can reach their fans without concerts being things right now
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Governments around the world are hearing the call of thousands of music creators and included protections for the music community in the omnibus bill. In addition to extended and improved unemployment benefits and small business loans for freelance creators, the package includes several bills which the Recording Academy, its members, and the larger music community advocated for. From the Save Our Stages Act, provided a lifeline to performance venues and promoters, to the CASE Act, which creates an avenue for smaller creators to defend their copyrighted works, Congress has ensured that both music creators and those who act behind the scenes to bring music to life are given the support they need during this difficult time.” .
Do you think this will help save the music industry?
This is such a big step in the music industry. It is so important to support artists, the music they make, and the people who work behind the scenes in the music industry. I’m glad these issues are coming into mainstream conversations because it is a problem that most don’t know about.
In the past if a musician stop doing music they find a new career. For example David Lee Roth from Van Halen became a licensed EMT in NY for 6 years, San Spitz (guitarist for Anthrax) became a master watchmaker, Dee Snider (Twister Sister) voice over work for SpongeBob SquarePants.. If you can’t do music what would you like to be doing?
When I was young I said I wanted to be an interior designer. I was also always told that I need a “back up” plan in case my music doesn’t work and that would always be my answer. Luckily, I am releasing so much new music and my dreams of being an artist are coming to life.
What is your happy place?
My happy place is when I’m on stage. There’s something about being on stage and looking out at people who relate to you and understand you. Seeing people sing back lyrics to you is something that can’t be beat.
Sony Music in November and Warner Music Group in December, The ByteDance-owned video app revealed on (February 8) that it has struck an “expanded” global licensing agreement with Universal Music Group. Now that TikTok is now fully licensed by all three major record companies, will you start using TikTok more?
At first, I got into Tik Tok because it was entertaining and it was so easy to get obsessed with. Now I’m doing music on it and I absolutely love the app! It is such an easy way to reach fans and meet new people!
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