BELLE
[Ingenious Records]
“There’s an inner purity and deeper meaning to this redemptive debut that elevates it beyond others in this mainstream genre.”
—John Smithies for The Epoch Times, about Belle’s full-length debut ‘Never Too Late‘
Australian-born and New York-based singer/songwriter, Belle, brings a fresh energy to the folk rock scene, combining luscious melodies and heart-felt introspective lyrics with a genuine, crystal clear voice and a perceptive social consciousness. Drawing inspiration from a deep spiritual well, in Belle’s voice can be heard influences of Alanis Morissette and Sheryl Crowe, with deep-set emotional shades, reminiscent of the fiery cinders of artists like Joni Mitchell and Tori Amos.
Belle’s music communicates a delicately beautiful blend of coffee-house indie with piano tinged vocal pop, drawing on earthy, woody tones, above which Belle’s sometimes melancholy, but always hopeful voice is allowed to soar. Her poignant lyrics are cleverly woven through a mix of rhythmic folk rock and electronica that have audiences smiling and clapping along at every show.
Belle’s experience and reach is truly global. Originally from a small Australian country town of Mittagong, Belle began writing her own songs at 15 as a way of dealing with her own complex teen relationships. While in her twenties she courageously traveled to Beijing to peacefully demonstrate in Tiananmen Square against the persecution of Falun Gong, for which she was subsequently arrested and deported from China. Following that harrowing event she began writing songs to raise awareness of human rights issues and working with other similar-minded musicians in Australia. In 2009 she moved to New York and was soon after signed by Florida-based indie label, Ingenious Records. Her successful debut album, ‘Never Too Late‘, was released in August 2011. Never Too Late spans an adventure of over a decade, from her introspective poetry as a teen drug addict, inspiration while jailed in a Chinese prison cell, the struggle to achieve harmony in her marriage, to overcoming herself and gaining the confidence to share the gift of her music. Eschewing the mindlessness of the vacuous pop of the moment for a much more thoughtful expression, Belle brings a fresh maturity to the folk-rock scene with her honest lyrics that resonate from her own life experiences.
On Never Too Late, Belle worked with producer Adrian Morales-Demori at Heiga Audiovisual Studios with the participation of special guests like Kevin Dippold (Smashing Pumpkins/Spirits in the Sky) and Sterling Campbell (David Bowie, Duran-Duran, B-52’s) and mastered by Multi-Grammy Award Winner Felipe Tichauer (Christina Aguilera, Daddy Yankee). Belle also received endorsement from Daisy Rock Guitars.
Belle opened herself to the world when she performed her song “Be The Voice” to an audience of hundreds at New York City’s Union Square for World Falun Dafa Day. She hopes to inspire constructive change in the world through her music and aspires to encourage women of all ages to have a positive self-image of their own inner and outer beauty, empowering them with confidence to deal with their own challenges in life and love. Never Too Late is a powerful statement and at the same time an exciting preview of what this talented artist is capable of.
