Bella Hutton has a quiet strength in her music. The 19-year-old found her love for music at a young age and pushed through challenges with dyslexia to become the artist and songwriter she is today. Influenced by artists like Amy Winehouse, Billie Eilish, and Matthew Healy (The 1975), Bella’s music features vibrant and upbeat tracks paired with lyrics that explore the ups and downs of relationships.
Her recent single, “Shadows,” showcases Bella’s powerful vocals and skills as a songwriter. Characterized by lush melodies and haunting lyrics, “Shadows” explores the pain of toxic relationships and feelings of being reduced to a shadow of your former self. Even while reminiscing on the imbalances in these past relationships and the pain that comes from it, Bella’s empowering performance clears away the shadows and brings forth the light.
Bella and I connected via email to talk about influences, writing process, and guilty pleasures. Check out our conversation below.
YMM: You’ve said that you’re influenced by Amy Winehouse and Matty Healy of The 1975, how have their styles inspired your own music?
BH: Both Amy and Matty are two artists I hold in high regard in terms of their writing and style. I often use both their music to influence me during the writing stage when I create my own songs. I love the originality of their sounds and particularly the production methods used by The 1975.
YMM: You’ve recently released a new single, “Shadows,” can you tell us the inspiration behind that song?
BH: Strangely, the inspiration for ‘Shadows’ came after the writing stage. I usually will listen to songs to get writing ideas but it happened the other way around. I wrote the chorus and worked with my producer to create the rest of the song. We listened to The 1975’s ‘Inside Your Mind’ from ‘A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships’ and Billie Eilish’s ‘Party Favour’ to get inspiration for the production.
YMM: If you could choose three people to write with, who would they be and why?
BH: That’s such a hard question! There are so many incredible writers to choose from. I'd have to say, Matty Healy, Billie Eilish, and Ed Sheeren! I think that collaboration would be very interesting!
YMM: A lot of songwriters and performers have rituals before they start a writing session or take the stage. Do you have any, if so, what are they?
BH: Haha great question! I wouldn’t really say it was a ritual but drinking a lot of water and steady controlled breathing is definitely something that helps me stay calm before a performance. And before writing sessions, I would say food!
YMM: If you could tour with any artist or band, who would it be and why?
BH: I’d have to say Billie Eilish. She seems to have so much fun on tour and after seeing her live the set and atmosphere is electric!
YMM: Who have you been listening to lately? Any new artists we should check out?
BH: I have been listening to a new artist I discovered called Luz. She has such an amazing tone and her songs are so touching. Sody is another artist I recently discovered whose songs are truly beautiful.
YMM: If you could collaborate with any band/artist/songwriter who would it be and why?
BH: Billie Eilish for sure! Her songs are so amazing and a duet with her would be incredible, her harmonies are always on point in all of her songs, and her songwriting is amazing.
YMM: Do you have any guilty pleasure songs or bands that give you a bit of shuffle shame?
BH: I’ve become a fan of Lauv’s music recently and I listen to him a lot. But The 1975 too - whenever their songs come on I’m singing as loud as I can!
YMM: What’s next for you? Do you have anything in the pipeline that you can tell us about?
BH: I have another release planned but I can’t elaborate too much on the details, so you will have to stay tuned and see!
If you’re looking for a rising pop artist to add to your playlists, give Bella Hutton a listen. Check out “Shadows” on all the major streaming platforms and be sure to follow her on Instagram for the latest updates.
Comments