CMA Fest: Q&A With Bella Raye

  1. Where and when are you playing during CMA Music Fest? I am playing at Piranhas on June 5 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
  2. When did you start singing? I have sung my whole life, but began to get serious about actually making music my full time career around the age of 16. Ever since then it’s been pedal to the medal. 
  3. Who are your musical influences? I would probably just start by listing my top ones which would be Taylor Swift, Kasey Musgraves, Carly Pearce, and Kelsea Ballerini, but there are so many more that have shaped who I am as an artist today! I’m sure I will continue to fall in love with more talented people in country music as I develop more and more. 
  4. What is your favorite concert you have attended? What made it memorable? My favorite concert that I have ever attended would be Taylor Swift’s Reputation Tour in Nissan Stadium. After watching her perform and sing the songs she poured her heart into for that record I felt so much more inspired to continue on the path that I’ve already started paving! She’s just a phenomenal artist and person, and I don’t know who wouldn’t want to be like her one day. 
  5. What is your favorite place to perform? What do you like about it?I don’t know if I have a favorite place, but I definitely have a favorite crowd. And that crowd would be people who intently listen and pay attention. I love being able to truly connect with my audience and help them through whatever they need that night during my show – that’s the best feeling! They came to have fun, so that’s what I try to do for them! 
  6. Other than artists, who has been influential in your decision to become a singer? My parents have definitely had a huge hand in supporting me and pushing me to reach my full potential as an artist and as a young woman. I strive everyday to make them proud, and to make everyone who’s rooting for me feel like it’ll be worth it one day. 
  7. What was the first song you ever wrote? The first song I ever wrote was in a Taylor Swift composition notebook, that I continued writing in and still have for a long time, and it was about doing all of these cute little romantic things for a boy to make him like me. So amateur, but so necessary. That song started me off with writing and I haven’t looked back since. 
  8. What is your favorite original song? What was the inspiration behind it? My favorite original song is probably “Dear 17,” the title track off my EP. it really just tells my whole story, and I wouldn’t be who I am and where I am without it. I also think it’s so relatable which is my top priority for being an artist, that I can show that I’m just like everyone else and I’m no better than any single person. I’m just human, and I’ve had scars and pain just like the rest of the world. 
  9. Where can people listen to your music before CMA Music Fest? People can listen to me on every single music platform there is! Amazon, iTunes, Spotify, Youtube, wherever! They can also follow me on all social medias @bellarayemusic for updates on what I’m doing.