Katie Belle- She is an American Pop Artist, musician and international model who appeared on American Idol Season 17. Her breathy voice and playful, stage presence caught the attention of mega stars like Katy Perry and Luke Bryan.
Interview conducted on Feb. 17, 2022
By Dan Locke
It has been two years since I have talked to you.
Wow, how time flies! it has been 2 years! During the initial Wuhan virus shut down, I spent a lot of time writing lyrics and tracking some base melodies, I took an on-line course on music production and although I learned alot I realized I will stick to songwriting and performing! Much admiration to my producers, ALL producers. In 2021 working with my team we released 3 songs, Back To California, B2C Latin/Dance Mix, and finally wrapping up the year with the late November release of DAUGHTER.
How did you start to write music?
I have a great imagination! No, seriously I have always been observant and curious, and those personality traits serve me well when it comes to penning lyrics and concepts. I was a co-writer on my first two songs at the age of 12, “Up To Me” and “Who I Am”. It was like opening a magical box! I have matured so much (not just my age) since then. My overall capabilities during the songwriting process, knowing when to set something to the side if it’s not working, enjoying my co-writing sessions and learning from those who have way more experience than me! 10 years and going strong!
Describe your music?
I am passionate about lyrics and my vocals. I have been blessed to work with producers who feel the same way as I. What will you hear when you listen to a “Katie Belle” song, I strive for my listeners to hear the mood of the song, lyrics that genuinely express that mood and the production to bring the song to life!
What makes a good songwriter?
The things I mention in question 3 are all the ingredients for me as well as working with a co-writers and a great rapport with my producer to bring a song to life.
Tell me about your album?
At this time, I have alot material creative content accumulated. There is no plans for an album at this time, my teams strategy is to continue releasing single.
Tell me about the making of the video Daughter?
The song is about having your heartbroken, reconciliation with the hurt and finally letting it go so one can move forward. The music video concept was brought together with my vision and that of the video producer, Joe Crognele. I am very happy with the outcome. We filmed at StudioPrimeTime, Atlanta, a wooded area near where I live, and a cozy piano store in Newnan, Ga., Piano Crafters.
You now own a video production company Katie Belle Music. Is your company doing any videos for other artist?
I am currently working on special projects and releasing music so I am not doing any work for other artists. It would be awesome moving forward to work with a younger budding musician and give them a helping hand with material, ideas, strategies etc.
Right before Daughter was released you had streamed over 883.6K. What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
Streams are great, but there is so much more to staying on Brand, keeping material fresh and utilizing all the various social media programs. Don’t get me wrong those streaming numbers are exciting and do reinforce I must be doing something right!!!!
The symbol # is known as the number sign, hash, pound sign and a sharp sign in music…….
what a great question! the # sign is a very popular symbol. I grew up as social media was just getting it’s start, I remember thinking when I first noticed the # being used for posts was why are these people using a music symbol!!! it you were to do a street poll of younger social media users ummmmmm there are probably a few of them that do not know that # is a musical composition notation!!! What would Beethoven say!!!!!!!
Digital vs. vinyl?
For me until I start doing touring DIGITAL is more effective then vinyl. I would love to do a vinyl compilation of my songs… I will put this on my bucket list.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
I refer back to my original “Out Tonight” a lot as I like that style.. I also listen to alot of Classic Hits and “Rat Pack” era music… it all gives me great inspiration!
How was it to be named one of the top 50 Independent Artist to watch for?
That was a shock!!! when Tunecore sent me the notification I was THRILLED!!!!!!!!!!!!! Referencing back to your previous question about streams, this recognition was an endorsement that I must be on the right track with my music!!
Do you think that Covid-19 has been a plus to an artist career? With so many people doing live streaming?
Not feeling the live streaming, I don’t really get much connection w my fans doing the digital stuff, I much prefer in person performance.
Recently the virus has come back with the Delta outbreak, which as cause many people in the industry to worry about the future of live music.
How would you like live shows to be held and still keep you and fans safe.
I think we are through the worse of the Wuhan Virus and variants, ready to get back out there… time to look forward, where I live in Georgia, we are back to doing LIVE and I am so excited for 2022. If things change, I’ll adjust but for now, happy to see everyone getting back out there without masks.
Is pay to play still a thing?
Yes there are different versions of pay to play such as: requesting tickets sales, pitching $ in to marketing a show etc…. my team and I want to explore all opportunities which make sense, if we feel our return exceeds the cost we will consider those options on a case by case basis.
If the cost was down to the point you could do it also, would you be willing to do Holographic concerts in our living room?
WOW, I haven’t given this a lot of thought, but sure, if cost was reasonable, I would consider this, this goes back to your previous question. The budget for an independent artist is minimal and all marketing, performances, recording, releases come out of the same pot. My manager, Roxanne Stone, is great at looking for opportunities that make sense for our space in time!
If you can’t do music what would you like to be doing?
I am sure it would be something in the entertainment industry. I enjoy music, fashion, event planning, styling, writing blogs, acting I am sure I could find a place!
What is your happy place? Can I have 2?
I am so happy when I am recording in the studio and doing LIVE performing.
By the end of 2021, SPOT will be home to over 90 million tracks. And that in the early part of next year, it will surpass a catalog of 100 million for the first time.
What do you think what that could mean to independent artist?
OMG! I would be flattered if a large music publisher approached me about that but let me say…… it’s all about the fine print. It may or may not make sense. I have always used TUNECORE as my DSP, they are good at capturing payouts, royalties, sales etc. It is important for me to continue to focus on my music brand through my releases and continue to build my listener fan base. It goes without saying if your fan base grows so will your payouts.
The station will be part of a new TikTok collaboration with SiriusXM and its subsidiary,Pandora, to jointly promote emerging talent. Do you think this platform could became a force in the future of streaming music?
I have not done a good job of tapping into TikTok, but you are correct it offers alot of exposure for music artists. TikTok is already a “force” I am confident it will continue this way for a long time.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Thank you so much for having me interview, in closing I would like to say I am very energized for this upcoming year. My manager and I along with Producer Josquin Des Pres are working on some great projects ( a couple of classic hit releases-remade for contemporary listeners ) and original music releases, music videos, regional shows etc… stay tuned for more from “Katie Belle”.
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