Katie Belle

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Katie Belle

Interview conduct on October 25, 2020

By Dan Locke

“Love Someone” was released on March 20th, 2020 for listening and downloading my music. I’m a singer from Atlanta…. welcome to my world #OutTonight (summer of 2019) has gone over 690k digital streams!!!

What is your upbringing?

I was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. I reside in Atlanta at this time with plans to eventually relocate to Nashville or LA when the time is right. Like many musicians, I discovered the magic of music in Elementary school. I attended a Lutheran school and we had school and church choirs. I sang in both and my music teacher was an early mentor of mine, David Kroll. At the age of 12, I attended a large talent contest in Orlando. Although I loved music and I really thought I wanted to be an actor. I performed in all the acting categories and one singing category. The convention was such a learning experience! As it turned out I won the music award for my age category. The prize was meeting with a music A&R which lead to me getting to go to Nashville for a week of songwriting and recording with Jamie O’Neal. That was it!!!!! I was hooked.

What was your first performance at like?

I started performing at an early age and was singing solos by the age of 10. My first solo was performing Bing Crosby’s song “Accentuate the Positive” with a jazz band. I never experienced stage fright and as the years have gone on, I truly have a passion for live performances!

You wrote your first song at the age of 12 on a hotel napkin. Did you record it?
7 years ago, you did a song called “Who I AM”. This was your Anti-bullying campaign. Do you think that this song could be used for another campaign now?

My first songwriting was done under the mentorship of Jamie O’Neal. We wrote two songs, Jamie, Jimmie Murphy were my cowriters. I released both songs: “Up To Me” and “Who I Am”. Those songs forever changed my cross of direction. Even at 12, I understood the positive nature of music, my song “Who I Am’ and a later tune I wrote, “Invincible” are both powerful Anti-Bully songs. “Who I Am” has been used in The Rachel’s Challenge Organization (Rachel was shot during the Columbine HS shootings) “Invincible “was my featured song throughout my 6 years on the Teen Nation Anti-Bully Tour. They are both fabulous songs.

You also asked about one of my first songs written on a hotel napkin. I started working with a producer in Nashville, Kipp Williams when I was 13. My mother and I came up the night before my studio session with Kipp and I was unable to sleep. I literally sat on the bathroom floor in our hotel room and used the napkins found in the room to pen the lyrics for “Born For This” This song went on to win a major song contest with the now-defunct “Ark Music Factory” I won a trip to LA to film the music video for the song. I still keep the video up on my YouTube even though I look so young.

How was American Idol?

American Idol was a great experience, similar to the talent convention I attended at the age of 12, I learned so much about myself. Remember earlier I said I never get stage fright, well this is one time I did!!! My knees were shaking when I auditioned for my Golden Ticket I could hardly breathe. When I realized they were gonna pass me through it was the most electrifying feeling. I would not trade the time on AI for anything. It truly reconfirmed my passion for music on many levels. I applaud all those who step up to the plate and give a singing competition show a try.

2 years ago, you were at the Grammys. What was that like?

I have had the opportunity to attend the Grammy’s twice! I was invited by a musician friend of mine to attend when the Grammy’s were held in NYC and then the following year when they were back in LA. It is surreal to see your idols all in one place!! A true “Cinderella” experience.

Tell me about you latest song “Love Summer”? What was it like to create it?

I have released 2 singles in 2020. “Love Someone” in March and just recently “Carrousel” in September.

Love Someone: The song reflects on the ins and outs of breakups and how so many times you end up getting back together? The big question: Why do we do this to ourselves, lol? I’m guilty!!

Carrousel: Carrousel has such a chill vibe, the lyrics express the emotions of being in love when the other person is not carrying their part of the relationship. The song is saying: it’s just a real “up and down “ride between the two parties involved.
Both of the songs were released as singles. I do have my focus on putting together an EP.

What is your favorite track on the album?

Songs to be included have not been determined.

Want is the different between the world of modeling and the music world?

I get asked this question a lot. To be honest, there is not much difference I always say they run in parallel universes! Both are highly competitive and require patience, acceptance of coaching, and understanding where your style fits in. I enjoy modeling and acting, Atlanta is a great city and most of my bookings occur here in my hometown.

What are you’re feeling about streaming music? Digital vs. vinyl?

Streaming allows easy access to an audience but at the same time, the “audience” is overwhelmed with choices. I have grown up in the digital age of music and my motto continues to be “stay true to myself”, listen to my mentors, and be willing to try out new musical ideas. I get great support and feedback from my listeners and my digital streams are active.
I love the comeback of vinyl… I have been scouring the used record stores in my city. Perhaps a future release of mine can be offered on vinyl.

Any plans to tour?

I am open touring… always… maybe 2021

What are your feelings about the social uprising going on in the United States?

I am proud to be living in America. I have friends from many cultures and LOVE THEM ALL. Communication is the key and it does seem to be an unwillingness for some groups to want to fight it out instead of “talk” it out and come up with a plan that works for everyone. I am hopeful that everyone is wise enough to realize we live in a great country…. Could it be better, of course!

What song from the past is in your mind right now? And what is the meaning that song means to you?

I have been singing “Heart of Gold” by Neil Young. Very simple lyrics which can be applied in multiple circumstances. ….. “keep me searching for a Heart of Gold” …. I am releasing a studio recording of this song in late November. Shout out to my Atlanta producer/composer, Sean Crawford.

How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future? What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?

I am convicted that Covid19 is a temporary change. When things are under control the flood gates will open and music will be back LIVE!!!! During the quarantine, I have written a lot of lyrics, played around with bae melodies, and am learning Pro Tools. Atlanta is not as closed as some parts of the country and has gotten to get some studio time in. i.e. “Heart of Gold”.

Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?

Q20 I have explored my cookin skills!! Been able to get to the beach a few times this past summer and love a good long hike at a nearby National Park.

Lots of people are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Are you planning to do something like that?

I have not done live concerts on social media. I need to do a few of those. I don’t think it is a future means of replacing touring income or even local show income, it certainly is worth it and it helps build your fan base.

Do you think it will be possible to make a living doing concerts this way?

Concerts are getting creative, who knows… they have started doing “Drive In” concerts I think that’s a fabulous idea…. Maybe full-blown concerts won’t be back for a bit… but smaller shows have started back up in many places.

First it was an article in the New York Times, then Rolling Stones talked about it and finally Live Nation CEO said that concerts may not start again until fall of 2021. Do you think this could happen?

I think we will see music fests back in late 2021

What about Holographic concerts in our living room?

Holographic concerts, I don’t know much about those. I should check into that!

How do you see yourself in the next five years?

I will continue to write songs, produce, and release material. Definitely an EP, join a tour. I would love to be on a songwriting team as well. I hope to land a music publishing agreement. Keep learning, keep rocking on, and continue to up my music game!

Anything you would like to say in closing?

I would like to close by saying thank you for inviting me to interview. I love chatting with my listeners and they can find me on all social sites here are the links: