Hailing from the state of Georgia, pop artist Kate Belle is a singer, songwriter, and international model. She appeared on American Idol’s Season 17, catching the attention of the judges with her rendition of Jennifer Hudson’s version of “Golden Slumber” and earning a golden ticket to Hollywood. In 2021, she garnered more than 1 million digital streams of her releases. She also received many five-star reviews as well as attention from blogs and interview publications for her single, Daughter.
Katie started in music at an early age, getting the spotlight in her third-grade school choir and later performing solos in school plays and church. At age 12, she wrote her first song, Born For This, on a hotel napkin. At age 14, she captivated audiences from small venues to stadiums when she joined the Teen Nation Tour. Katie was encouraged around the age of 15 to get into the modeling industry. As a result, she enjoys international travel, the friendships she’s made, and the amazing clothes she gets to model. In addition, Katie sings with her friends on weekends in a wedding band, Color The Night, performing “all your favorite cover songs”.
This year, Katie’s focus is on finishing the tracks she wrote throughout 2021. Additionally, she has been working with veteran industry producer Josquin Des Presto for the past two years and will continue to work with him to put together fresh, spunky sounds. Following her successful single Daughter, Katie has released her new track, Now That I Know, a “break-up song from a liberated perspective” which encourages the listener going through a break-up to feel powerful.
I recently interviewed Katie Bell on her new single, her transition from country to pop music, her band Color The Night, what she learned from her American Idol experience, what she thought of Luke Bryan’s reaction to her, her modeling career, mentoring young talent, and much more.
Congratulations on the release of your new single ‘Now That I Know’. What would you like for listeners to come away with after hearing it? Is there a message you want to be conveyed to them?
I just hope they listen, do it, and dance for a while. It’s really a break-up song from a liberated perspective so if the listener happens to be going through a breakup I hope it makes them feel powerful, and a little better.
What did you learn from the experience of garnering over 1 million digital streams of your releases last year?
I learned that my goal for 2022 was to get 1 million streams just on one song!!! I’m very proud of everything I accomplished last year but the problem with numbers is you want to keep seeing them go up, so hopefully, by the end of this year, I’ll be at 2 million!
Take me through the strategy for achieving that many streams. If you didn’t have a strategy, how were you able to accomplish this?
A lot of research in promotion but also a lot of prepping on the creative side. You always have to ask yourself “is this my strongest song”, and “why do I want to release this”. Choosing the “right” songs to release is definitely a part of it.
You finished up 2021 with the release of “Daughter” which received a lot of attention from blogs and interview publications as well as many 5-star reviews. Why do you think the song resonated so much?
As one of the most personal songs I’ve ever released, I feel like people can relate to it because we’ve all experienced heartbreak. “Daughter” was written about the kind of heartbreak that takes the air right out of your lungs, a pain none of us like to remember but one you can never forget.
How did you get the opportunity to work with producer Josquin Des Pres and what do you like about working with him?
I met Josquin through Roxanne Stone back in 2020 and we kind of all got together to create a team for me and release some music. Josquin is a veteran in the industry and through the 2 years I’ve known him/ worked with him he has taught me a lot.
Explain your production process.
I personally do not produce (although I plan to learn) . I do like to be in the room when all of that is happening because I know what I like and what I want to hear. I work with some amazing producers like Josquin Des Pres, Vanessa Campagna, Kwill, and many more that really bring my ideas to life.
What is your favorite microphone to use in either the studio or when performing?
I swear by my Shure BLX24r for live shows. For the studio, there are several that I like but I love the Shure SM 57 for just jamming out at home.
Why have you started to transition to more of a pop sound from country music?
The pop genre in my opinion is just so much broader in topic and sound. I don’t have to stick to just southern references in lyrics, I can say anything I want. I can also experiment with so many other musical influences and it still is acceptable. I just feel like I have more space to create.
In what ways do contemporary pop artists, classic rock, and classic country influence you?
I grew up listening to a lot of classic rock. I’m a huge fan. I try to incorporate that inspiration in my songwriting and by using live instruments whenever I can. I have a feeling that vein of rock is going to come back around and I want to be ready for it (laughter).
Tell us about the Color the Night band that you are the lead female vocalist for.
Color The Night is a wedding band I sing with on the weekends with some of my friends! The band leader and main vocalist is Sean Crawford, he’s so talented and I’ve been working with them since 2019! We have a lot of fun and sing all your favorite covers.
What has been the biggest challenge of your music career so far?
Staying focused! With so much to do and being my own social media manager, my own concept creator and branding manager, stylist, and assistant I can get distracted from what actually matters, making music. Instagram and all of the planning are great and definitely a part of the job but I have to remind myself that It’s all pointless if I have no music.
How do you think women artists can be better supported in the indie music industry?
Showing up for each other! Going to live shows to give your support, reposting each other on socials, writing sessions with each other, and being friends outside of music! True genuine connection without competition.
Why did you audition for American Idol Season 17? What did you learn or take away from the experience?
Honestly, when the opportunity came to me, it was perfect timing so I took it. And I’m so happy I did, I couldn’t have had a better experience. Not to say I didn’t have some long days and shed a few tears but it was well worth it after the fact. I learned more things in the 3 months I was a part of the show than I had learned the whole 5 years prior so I’m very thankful.
What did you think of Luke Bryan’s reaction (falling out of his chair) after you received the Golden ticket to Hollywood? What did you think of being called Gisele of Georgia?
At first, I was a little nervous, I didn’t really get the joke. I honestly thought he was having a medical emergency but then everyone started laughing so I caught on. It’s a funny story and once I realized what was going on I was flattered.
Explain how utilizing your modeling, acting, live performances, singing, and songwriting talents work together to challenge you?
I think they all intertwine, I don’t really look at doing all of those things as a challenge at all. I think to do one thing you have to be kind of good at another so I just practice all veins as much as I can. It can be a little overwhelming to have a week where I have a modeling job, a songwriting session, and a day on set but it keeps me pliant and on my toes.
You say you are open to all opportunities in the entertainment industry. Can you tell us what you would be interested in doing specifically and why?
I’ve never had a speaking line in a show or movie and I think that would be really cool. First, because I haven’t done it before, it would be another thing on the bucket list. Second because it would be a challenge for me. I’ve never had the guts to really get completely submerged in a role but as I get older I get more curious to try and recently I’ve been really curious.
When and why did you decide to be a model? What excites you most about modeling?
Every girl wants to feel pretty. Modeling was something I was interested in because of the way I assumed it would make me feel. I grew up loving clothes and watching Victoria’s Secret fashion shows with my friends, setting up fake runways in our bedrooms. When I was about 15 -16 I was encouraged to get into the modeling industry because of my height and measurements, and I was all for it! And I’d say what I love most about modeling is the travel I’ve gotten to do because of it, the friends I’ve made, and the amazing clothes I get to wear.
As a Barbizon graduate, you mentor young talent. What is rewarding about mentoring?
It’s amazing to see work with younger talent because not so long ago I was their age and in a similar place. We all have to start somewhere, it’s an honor to be a part of that journey for these kids and share the things that I wish someone told me when I was starting out.
How have the past two years of the pandemic affected your music and modeling careers?
The pandemic was really rough on my career, just like everyone else in the world all of a sudden my life just stopped. Everything was postponed and put on hold for almost 2 full years. But now it’s 2022 and I’m so glad and everything seems to be picking back up. Live shows have resumed, studios have opened, people are meeting in person again, and I thank God.
What other projects are you working on this year?
I have lots of new music coming out this summer, music videos, giveaways, and live shows. I’m so excited for this year and to share what I’m doing with you all. Make sure you follow me on Instagram @officialkatiebelle to stay in the loop!!! Thank you so much for having me!!
Follow Katie on her Spotify Artist Page, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter
Katie’s music is also available on Apple Music and AmazonMusic