Today our featured artist this time round is Belle Vex, the talented pop singer-songwriter who keeps it real. Because in a world where celebrities seem to live only for parties and awards, Belle Vex gives us something to think about. Born and raised in New Bedford, MA, he once played the cello, tried his hand at acting in LA before finding music.
The latest single of the songwriter titled “Nobody, But Me” is all about maintaining one’s identity while in an industry that strives to change you. In addition, his stage name also speaks volumes of his past struggles with medication as well as his escape from it. He draws inspiration from movies as well as day-to-day life.
During this conversation, Belle gets candid on the creative process employed by him, his family’s musical background and the ways he learned about the business aspect of music. He never got into any kind of competition – his sole concentration is being himself and crafting music that touches people’s hearts.
Let’s dive into the world of Belle Vex where honesty reigns supreme and positive vibes are represented and he acknowledges each fan who has ever cheered him on. Let’s go!
Watch Nobody, But Me below
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What is your stage name?
Belle Vex
Is there a story behind your stage name?
The name I originally chose was L-Vex. I was on a ton of prescription pain meds at the time I shifted to music. It would’ve represented how cursed I felt with the pills I had to take. However, I couldn’t part with the letter B and just sounded them out together making Belle Vex, which makes Beautiful Curse and that’s kind of what it was. Plus the B looks like that unlucky number 13 and everything just fell into place.
Where do you find inspiration?
A lot of my inspiration comes from movies, believe it or not. I often leave the theater with a new idea. Other times, it’s real life situations, but since I’ve removed myself from toxic ones… it’s mostly entertainment and worldly ire.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
I was excited when I first started playing the cello, then I hated it. I was forced into it like one of those child musicians you see. In school classes, out of school classes, private classes, etc. I then kind of treated it as a joke for a while until after college when I leaned on music heavily.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
Yeah, basically. My siblings and I all are all trained string instrument players. The women can sing much better than me and the men all played in bands. It goes back generations on the paternal side. That said, I’m the one who has the drawing skills. My first college acceptance for that.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
I did it, because I had to. I was pursing the dream of being an actor and was injured in a couple of car accidents. It was a terrible time. I would just be numb listening to the radio and it was really, really bad. So I started making it myself and it helped me vent, heal, dream again.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
Trial and error. I learned everything by failing at it intensely. Then, over time, it just gets better.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
I went to a lot of basement shows and hip hop showcases long before I went to an actual concerts. When I finally did go, it was My Chemical Romance with Alkaline Trio, then MCR and Yellowcard the next day. Childish Gambino some time later. That’s it. Just 3 mainstream. Tons of local. To this day, I may go to a dive bar or two to see a band play.
How could you describe your music?
At the very least, they’re catchy. They’re mostly upbeat, even the low key ones, and they’re arguably rebellious. I never give full autonomy. I think my attitude never changes in that if I could go back and change things, I wouldn’t.
Describe your creative process.
It’s simple and complex. I have this idea. Whether it’s a lyric, a chorus, a full song, or just some chords. I lay that down and I go with it for a while. There’s no guarantee that song gets produced, but if it does, I make the music. That music is usually sent to a hired producer who I’ll work with to get a sound that’s “mine”.
When I get that back, I might commit the cardinal sun of combining it with my own. I haven’t done that in a while though. Then re-track the vocals and off to mastering it goes. That’s the simple part. The complex part is that I don’t write anything down. If I can’t remember it, it’s not worth making.
What is your main inspiration?
When I started, I had so much to say. These days, I’ve already said so much. I’m a musical artists, though. It’s what I do and I do it because that’s who I am so when I do have something to say, or a story to tell, that’s when inspiration hits. Again, I feel it mostly after watching a film or going through an ire.
What musician do you admire most and why?
There’s no one. I don’t keep up with other musicians. I don’t know what’s going on with others and that’s sort of my way of respecting them.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
Yes. I look back at the first project and amateur doesn’t even begin to cut it. I think it’s much better now.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
I don’t know. I’m just doing my thing. There’s people I know that view me as competition, but that’s pointless. There’s plenty of room for everyone. Probably best to not try to push me into action, though.
What are your interests outside of music?
Movies. TV. Anime is my step dad. Superhero media. Acting and everything involved with that. Overall, maintaining good health. I’m interested a ton of stuff in general.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
Acting. I would pursue that. Probably on my own terms. I want to do that stuff any way as that’s the dream. Music is what I do.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
Social media. I hate it. I love meeting people, but social media has devolved into this place where people flood my inbox attempting to sell something. Fake A&Rs, Fake press, Fake writers, digital marketing experts, etc… They all have the same message. I hate opening the apps, but I make sure to repost and share content I’m mentioned in.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
I think it’s too late for change.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
“Nobody, but Me” was the original title before the song was even written completely. I meant to change it, but it just stuck.
What are your plans for the coming months?
I’m in the middle of shooting some music video related things and I have a couple songs loaded. Please look forward to them.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans?
Nope.
What message would you like to give to your fans?
Just a thank you for listening and watching the stuff I put out.
