Ever wondered what it’s like to be a self produced singer songwriter? This article interviews UoA student Bella Fong about her life, what’s coming up and where she gets her inspiration from! Let’s dive right into it…
Introducing Isabella, known to friends as Bella. The girl who’s constantly humming a tune, has lyrics written on her phone during bus rides back from uni or random words from songs constantly popping into her head. A self created singer, songwriter!
What’s your favourite song you’ve written and why?
‘Swimming Lessons’ – this song is about that fuzzy stage in a relationship where you like them too much to see them with someone else but oh yeah you’re too scared to commit too. Will they, won’t they? It’s a lot about sitting and waiting or staring anxiously at your phone but then realising they aren’t yours anyway. “I really enjoyed producing this song and recording all the different instruments that were a part of it. The vibes are cool because it’s something different to what I’ve done before. I am used to piano ballads but I explored the drums and bass more here, so it was super fun to play around with instruments.”
What were the behind the scenes of creating a music video like?
Bella said it was a LOT more work than it appears to be because if you envision something it might not turn out the way you thought it would. “I had to learn how to be adaptive and plan for multiple different outcomes.” On the day itself, filming was so much fun…”as an artist, you lose track of yourself as you go through the emotions.” Bella reminisces on having her friends around her to remind her of what was important, Her two chaotic highlights encapsulated; the fact there was a rain scene with no rain so she had to be hosed down and spending 45 minutes trying to set a flower on fire
What would you say your day in life looks like?
“I think it’s about realising moments of struggle will come. No inspiration, blank music sheets and feeling lost. But learning that this is a CONSTANT process of discovery is really important.” Some days for Bella have instruments, experimenting and song-writing whereas others might look like listening to other artists, taking a walk with a friend to a coffee-shop or doing something else for inspiration to strike.
Describe your process of inspiration and creativity to me…
Bella said that a lot revolves around the song; while some are inspired by real life people and their situations, others are influenced by the music she listens to or branched from a simple melody. “Reading has helped me a LOT, to gain story inspiration or vocabulary, I love it.” Music is a form of storytelling so whether it’s reading a good book or having a karaoke session with a hairbrush as a mic, Bella continues to explore different avenues to inspire her music.
Favourite artists?
“Taylor Swift because of her lyrics and story-telling, Maisie Peters because her style of music has a very unique and distinct flavour and the Bees Gees – a comfort band I’ved listened to for so long and who’s music production and instrumentation I love.”
Any last comments?
Bella says she hopes to build more confidence within herself and her music by doing some gigs, getting her music out there and working on releasing her EP. She has been singing since she was really young having been in senior choirs, performances, productions and auditions. On her road to establishing herself as an artist she’s shared with us some behind the scenes insight into the good days, the bad days and the betweens. Stream her music to delve into how she sees love stories and the world around her.
Bella has an E.P coming out very soon in August. You can find her music on
Instagram – bellaashmusic
Spotify – Bella Ash
Youtube – Bella Ash
TikTok – bellaashmusic
