At only 18 years old, Bella Rios already has a musical past life. After years of exclusively performing covers, she spent her high school years releasing rock-leaning originals, inspired by the classic records she was raised on. “My parents would wake me up by playing Led Zeppelin, Heart, Fleetwood Mac,” Rios says. “It really brought my family together.”
At the same time, she was also traveling and to performing with professional children’s choirs; all while received classical training in both voice and piano.
Her diverse musical background did however lead to a bit of an artistic identity crisis, which inspired her to attempt songwriting in every imaginable genre, determined to find her sound. Bella’s upcoming singles are the successful products of that process: moody, powerhouse pop songs with an edge. Inspired by artists like K.Flay, Dorothy, and Bishop Briggs, Rios’ upcoming release “Bitter” reflects the image of a young artist coming into her own, finding confidence, strength, and a newfound sense of self along the way.
Who inspired you to make music?
Initially, my parents and the artists they blasted throughout our house from Queen to Led Zeppelin to Earth, Wind, and Fire and more. They instilled music in my soul and nature of expression. Many others have helped me push my musical limit, from my classical piano and guitar teachers, friends who I performed with frequently, amazing cowriters, the list goes on.
What is your creative process like?
I go into almost every session something on my mind, something that I need to get off my chest. Typically, the other writers, producer, and I pick a reference song that we think embodies the vibe of the story we’re going to tell and come up with a basic bass line or guitar riff to write lyrics and melodies over. With the other writers, we translate my word vomit of a story into lyrics and put them to a melody. Usually the consideration of the two are simultaneous, as we occasionally have to revise a phrase to fit the melody we like or vice versa.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
If I could go back in time – Queen, for the sole purpose of being so incredibly star struck. They are my favorite band of all time. Don’t even get my started on Freddie Mercury. Today – Jon Bellion. He is an incredible artist whose music has inspired me musically and personally.
What would you be doing right now if it weren’t for your music career?
Well, I am a full time student at Princeton University. Music will hopefully be my career, but I am definitely giving my all on the academic front. I am currently an Economics major and, if life takes me down that road, will probably explore business or law.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
My parents have given me LOADS of incredible advice, which I should listen to a little more often, but don’t tell them that. One that immediately comes to mind is “He who hath many friends hath none.” While that quote is Aristotle’s, my parents and siblings have helped me through many difficult times where I needed to hear exactly these words. While it might sound cynical, it has indubitably assisted me in sorting my priorities and surrounding myself with the people who have supported and loved me without fail.
Who are your main musical influences?
The list is never ending. While I have my go tos like Fleetwood Mac, Queen, Aerosmith, U2, Aretha Franklin, Adele, Jon Bellion, Maggie Rogers, etc. I am constant influenced by “new,” to me at least, artists and songs I discover weekly like K. Flay, Matt Maeson, “Pretty Boy” by poutyface, and emlyn.
What are your top two favorite albums of all time? Why those albums?
Ok. I would like to preface this in saying that this is an incredibly difficult question
The Human Condition by Jon Bellion
This album and, frankly, pretty much every song Jon Bellion has ever released have been the soundtrack to my life since my freshman year of high school. His lyrics touch me in the most intimate way any songs ever have. His unique production makes me want to dance in the car and my jaw drop every time. This album encapsulates, to me at least, every element of the human experience and it has been through much of it with me as one of my greatest confidants.
Rumors by Fleetwood Mac
I started performing classic rock music when I was 10. I had no idea the impact it would have on me, how much of my life and passion would be spent on it. My greatest friends to this day are people I played and practiced with for years. My experience with them exposed me to so much music that inspired me and still does. We played a show entirely of the music of Fleetwood Mac. Every time I hear Rumors I am reminded of the friends who made this music special for me, the harmonies that I can still sing verbatim, the far from flattering dance moves of the entire group. Rumors takes me back to a special time and place.
If you were to write an autobiography, what would the title be?
Molten
Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
Gal Gadot
If you could ask your future self one question, what would it be?
What the hell did you end up doing with the rest of your life? And how much longer till I decide?
What’s your favorite children’s story?
Elephant and Piggy series
If you were talking to a younger version of you, what advice would you give yourself?
Be kind to yourself.
Inspired by artists like K.Flay, Dorothy, and Bishop Briggs, Bella’s’ new single “Bitter” reflects the image of a young artist coming into her own, finding confidence, strength, and a newfound sense of self along the way.
Over quarantine, Bella spent months on end reimagining, reinventing, redefining, and reclaiming her identity both inwardly and artistically. However, this long and arduous process was well worth it, as it led her to discovering her sound and genuine artistic identity.
According to Bella: Bitter marks the beginning of a series of releases that I feel demonstrate and introduce the world to my most honest musical style. This song in particular introduces a side of myself that rarely surfaces in my daily life- a confidence in my power, an awareness of what I can’t control, and the continued journey of self acceptance”.