Bella Cutts recently released her second single “Curious”. This followed on from the phenomenal success of her debut single “Run As A Child,” which had 500 playlist adds and airplay from BBC Introducing.
We recently spoke to Bella about her new single and her writing inspirations. One thing we took away from this interview is that Bella is an artist to watch and one we look forward to watching her career grow. If you have listened to her yer…. then you cam thank us later!
1) Curious’ explores what it feels like when someone says they love you without ever really taking the time to know you. Was there a particular moment or experience that sparked the song?
Yes, definitely. My mum and I talk about relationships and love a lot, and whenever she’d ask me what I look for in a partner, I’d usually just say, “I want them to be curious.” Letting someone into your heart, your mind, your past, your aspirations and values etc. is scary so if someone allows you to truly get to know them, It’s a bloody great shame not to jump at the opportunity. I have so many beautiful friendships that have carried me into my twenties, girls who I wouldn’t be myself without. We know each other inside out. That kind of unconditional love sets a pretty high standard and has only further illustrated to me how truly rare those connections are.
2) You’ve previously described curiosity as “an act of love”, which is such a beautiful way of putting it. Do you think we’re becoming less curious about one another in a world of dating apps and social media?
People crave a love story, like the one’s our parents told us. My mum and dad met in Buenos Aries in their twenties for example. “We matched on Hinge” doesn’t sound quite as romantic. But I am the last person to critique the use of dating apps, I think matching with the right person is rare, and so when it does happen through an app on your phone, its impressive in its own way. Its social media with love and vulnerability intertwined which often means people curate their profile in an inauthentic way. I guess that just means you need to get creative on dates, stray away from seeing if they suit your ‘ideal type’ and treating it like a job interview. I guess that’s where curiosity comes in. Lead with curiosity and if you’re lucky it’ll come back to you.
3)Both ‘Run Like A Child’ and ‘Curious’ feel incredibly honest. Is vulnerability something that comes naturally when you’re writing, or does it still feel daunting knowing people will hear those stories?
It’s incredibly daunting; I’ve always been an oversharer, but unpacking my lyrics and discussing them with people has been both terrifying and unbelievably liberating. Hearing how people connect and relate to these two songs has been the most beautiful experience; I am so grateful for everyone who has been messaging and sharing their own stories with me. I think honesty is such a beautiful trait; the music, books and people we connect most to give up a lot of their own privacy in order to comfort us. I am trying to find the balance between sharing my experiences and keeping a bit of myself for myself.
4)You spent your childhood living in Switzerland, Sudan, Myanmar and Turkey before moving to England. How have those experiences shaped not only your songwriting but the person you’ve become?
It makes it a bit easier to put each experience I write about into perspective. I’m not always good at this but I think having moved so much, I’ve adapted to the idea that life is full of loving and losing simultaneously – that’s no bad thing. It’s okay for things to be temporary. I often find that sharing childhood stories bring on a mixed bag of emotions. On the one hand, I’m proud and excited to share stories of the upbringing I’ve had, and on the other, it’s lonely not being able to relate to my friends. I’ve been writing and keeping journals since I was a child, I very often dig them up and remind myself of the lessons I learned, people I met and memories I made whilst I lived in these countries. I feel I probably crave change of scene/pace more than my friends who have always lived in England, but I’m learning to enjoy being settled in once place too…
5)Your debut single received such an incredible response for an independent artist, from thousands of playlist adds to BBC Introducing support. Did that success change your confidence, or did it simply make you want to work even harder?
I think both, it’s been amazing and beautifully overwhelming having so much support so quickly. This is all so unexpected in so many ways, a year ago I would be completely confused and blown away at how this past year has looked. I think that is the magic of life, you have no idea what’s ahead. I have no idea what a year from now will look like, but I’m a pretty optimistic person, so I’m definitely excited. It’s definitely not an easy industry to break into and whilst I don’t think the success I’ve had is all down to luck, I do think that plays a part. I feel very lucky with the support my family have given me to explore music as a career and so it’s just wonderful to see the support grow.
6)You worked with producer Shane Shanahan on ‘Curious’ and collaborated with Ed Harcourt. What have you learnt from working alongside people with so much experience, and has it changed the way you approach making music?
Haha, I don’t even know where to start. I am so honoured to have worked with such talented and experienced people. When I met Ed, I didn’t know how to record in a booth, let alone structure a song so beautifully. Writing with him is magic. I hope to work with Ed again soon; he’s the most talented musician I’ve met, and it’s always so fun seeing what we create after a day in the studio together.
Shane is such an incredible producer. His top priority is making sure you feel comfortable; most of the recording of ‘Curious’ was done on the sofa or on the floor, as I preferred singing cross-legged. The team Shane has at Westpoint are all brilliant, and there is truly never a dull moment. The energy when you’ve got a joint vision, and you’re all working to bring it to life, is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.
7)People have already started comparing your music to artists like Olivia Dean, Adele and RAYE. Are there any artists, writers or even books that have had a particularly big influence on the way you tell stories through your music?
Anyone who knows me would not be surprised to hear me say, without a doubt, ‘Everything I Know About Love’ by the incredible Dolly Alderton. Dolly inspired so much of my confidence to be vulnerable in my writing and was so happy when she became the agony aunt for the Sunday Times Style. I’ve read her memoir twice, once at 16 and again at 18; I’m definitely due a reread at 21. I once had three copies of the book, I am now completely wiped as I couldn’t help but give them to friends to read too. Reading her book felt like reading my own diaries – just with better spelling, wit and retrospective wisdom… Needless to say, this book is one I would recommend to anyone and everyone – I even got my dad to watch the BBC adaptation of the book with me and he loved it!
I am also a complete sucker for a rom com and ‘About Time’ has to be the most underrated Richard Curtis film! This film captures the lightness and laughter of life that is often intertwined with really heavy moments. This ability to blend vulnerability with hope and love is something that has always resonated with me and has definitely influenced the way I express myself in my writing.
8)You’re releasing music at a time when artists are often expected to constantly create content online as well. How do you balance building a career with protecting your creativity and not giving too much of yourself away?
I don’t know if I’ve found the balance yet; it’s so tricky, and I admire content creators so much more since trying to make content myself. It’s exhausting and draining and sporadically rewarding. It does feel like there is constantly a new technique or recipe that you’re trying to follow. As I said earlier, I’ve always been an oversharer, so it’s difficult remembering to keep some parts private – especially when it’s to do with new music!
9)You’ve hinted that there’s plenty more music to come this year. Is there a story or side of yourself that you’re particularly excited for people to hear next?
YES! I am so excited for people to hear the more soulful upbeat side to me. I’ve got a song in the works that my mum and I love dancing to ! At my gigs I perform lots of fun upbeat covers with my amazing guitarist James Davies. I love watching everyone dance. That’s all I want. To make people dance, have fun and let go, I think this next song does just that.
10) Finally, if someone discovers Bella Cutts through ‘Curious’, what do you hope they take away from the song—and what would you want them to know about you as an artist?
That’s a great question. I would hope they would hear the witty side to the song. I’m always a bit fearful that a song sounds so much sadder when I’m not singing it live. I would want someone to hear the genuine confusion in the lyrics of asking someone ‘what on earth did you love if you didn’t get to know me?!’ Finally, I would want someone to know that the next song’s even better so they should follow me on Spotify to make sure they don’t miss it!
You can follow Bella here: Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok
