FOCUS "YOUR OWN WORDS" Interview to Bella Deer

On Rotation: BELLA DEER 'CARE TOO MUCH'

Hi Bella, welcome to AFX. What first inspired you to make music?

I was inspired to write music when I didn't want to play what my classical piano teacher made me perform, because it felt too controlling and boring. I didn't want to play what was on the page. That's when I began songwriting.

What would you say is your greatest strength as a singer-songwriter?

It would be able to take a story that speaks to me and make it feel somewhat personal. For example, one of my songs 1966, is about a story I read about a woman from Sydney AU that lead a very interesting and successful life but had a very sad and slow demise. It really spoke to me so I had to put it in a song. Many people tell me it stands out to them when I perform live.

Do you write with a specific audience in mind?

Human beings with feelings and emotions. The worriers. The fearless and big dreamers.

What is your preferred method of writing and producing music, alone or in a team?

I have my moments of solitude but then it become really stale and I need some stimuli with some new perspectives and ideas and hard decision making skills! I think it depends on the project/song.

Do any of your songs based on personal experiences? If so, can you tell us about one that’s particularly special to you?

Absolutely. It's free therapy right? A song that's really special to me is called Blindfold. It is about a friend who lost his mum really suddenly to cancer. She was a wonderful and intelligent woman who was always really big supporter of my music. I couldn't imagine losing a parent at such a young age, but eventually this will happen to all of us at some point. I know she's looking down and smiling knowing that she will live on forever in the places and people she loved and those she educated.

What role does technology play in your music-making process?

Technology is huge one for musicians today, and although I don't consider myself much of a gear head, I've learnt to embrace technology more over the last few years. I probably should do some more training in different areas! More recently I've been learning more with editing on Davinci Resolve and my friend and co-director of my latest music video David Fromholtz has been teaching me lots of tricks. It's so much better than watching a Youtube Tutorial when you have passionate and kind friends willing to teach you. So grateful for you David!

If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?

Keep creating, because it only gets better with age; like a mighty fine wine.

Catch 'Care Too Much' On Spotify and YouTube: