Karen Bella

Rising singer-songwriter Karen Bella, released her much-anticipated, self-titled EP on March 13, 2021. Karen Bella follows her debut album Ordinary Girl in 2013. Bella was able to perform the songs live at the Rockwood Music Hall in NYC on March 13, 2020, the night before the world stopped due to Covid-19. Following the performance, she suffered a few setbacks among them a broken wrist resulting in surgery and physical therapy, and then she came down with COVID-19. All of this resulted in delaying the release . . . until now.

“The world needs music more than ever now. That’s what I’ve learned from all the world’s struggles – including my own – of 2020,” said Bella.

The press release announcing the project defines the EP as a heartfelt record that she describes as “transcending genres and symbolic relationships, inviting listeners to take a journey through triumph and tribulations, wonderment and weariness and, most of all, love and hatred.” To achieve this, Bella enlisted multi-instrumentalist Josh Dion of Paris Monster to produce and help create an album that she says “captures her experiences and spirit,” and one that is already being called her strongest to date.

You’re releasing a self-titled EP. What can fans expect?


Fans and listeners can expect genre variety that still maintains a thematic sonic similarity to one another. There is something for everyone. Every song is a mix of folky alt-rock/pop with a tinge of R&B. But, some songs have more folk than rock, and some have more edge than sweet. This record is much more produced and well-rounded in comparison to my first record—which was not really produced but more acoustically lucid and raw.

Do you have a favorite song on the album? Maybe a favorite lyric?

It’s hard choosing a favorite song because I love them all equally, and each represents my emotional state of experiences. I’ll say that the song that I am most excited about is “Jack Honey” because it’s such a fun song to hear. It’s got that Nashville, bad-ass, alt-rock vibe that sets the evening to have fun at your favorite hang-out spot.

Regarding my favorite lyric? I will say it’s from “Needle In The Hay”: “I’ll never be Adonis / I just wanted to be a Goddess anyway.” It means I always wanted to be perfectly beautiful, but I know I’ll never live up to that Adonis image of perfection, at least in my mind.

Everyone’s idea of what perfection is varies from person to person. In school, I was tormented about my looks and, as a little girl, I always prayed to God to make me pretty with long hair so that my schoolmates would stop making fun of my appearance. Being traumatized from childhood by getting ridiculed can have a massive effect on your self-confidence as an adult. Currently, I’ve worked hard to improve my self-image, self-love, and self-acceptance.

Tell us what the songwriting process looked like?

Songwriting, for me, is a form of self-expression that comes from my inner soul’s voice. I feel more like a songwriting conduit. Think of a fax machine. A melodic message or lyric idea is sent to me in my head, and I immediately get it down to “print” or develop it. It almost feels like a co-writing experience in a way. That’s how I wrote my song “Indio.” The first line of the song just came into my head. I had no clue what or where Indio was located. I looked it up and knew this was a song that I needed to write. And it unraveled itself naturally. That’s how my songwriting process usually is—regardless if it’s from personal experience or imagination.

You worked with Josh Dion of Paris Monster to help produce and create the EP. What did he bring to the table?

Josh brought these songs to another level. He just got it. Working with him was also an incredible, educational, and inspiring experience. His professionalism, knowledge, feel, and understanding of music is exquisite. He put a lot of thought and effort to help recommend ideal musicians, studios, engineers, etc. for this project. The creative work was organic and smooth because he listens and cares about the beauty of the songs and relates to the artist’s creativity since he is a fantastic artist himself.

There was quite a production team involved with the new EP. What was it like creating music during quarantine?

Yes. I’m lucky that so many talented and wonderful people worked on this record so fittingly well. This EP wasn’t recorded during the pandemic, actually. We began recording in the summer of 2018 and finished the entire project in January 2020, with the date of release set for March 2020—months in advance.

Then the world shut down. Everything was canceled, and I couldn’t do anything with this project. So, I decided to delay the record release and figure out how to adapt to this new reality. In fact, it’s actually best that there was a delay because I had so many hardships in 2020, which forced me to focus away from music for a bit.

You had sort of a rough 2020, as did most people, suffering a broken wrist and then contracting COVID. How did that affect your songwriting and creativity?

You’re right. We all had a rough 2020. On top of losing music work and a deferred EP release (which brought about a deep depression), I was dealing with financial struggles, the outside world stresses in the news, the end of a relationship, breaking my wrist (as you mentioned), then the death of my beloved dog (she was my heart and rock), and, shortly after that, I caught COVID. To be honest, I didn’t write so much last year because I think my body was in such shock, experiencing one traumatic event after another, that I kind of shut down.

2020 was focused on surviving, adapting, healing, and resting so that I could emerge stronger and with the ability to prepare myself for the next step in my career. Essentially, I had to break down completely in order to put myself back together again and move forward on my goal-oriented path. Every day I say to myself: “Keep your eyes on the prize.”

What inspired you to pick up the guitar and play?

A few things inspired me to learn how to play guitar. I wanted to be able to sit with a group of friends and play fun songs in a circle and have a great time. But you can’t do that if you don’t know how to play. In college, I really admired one of my professors, who is an incredibly talented musician, so I began taking lessons with him. It’s so funny thinking about this now because I had no clue then that I would be writing songs on anything other than a piano. Playing guitar changed my world and opened up that door to me finding my current sound.

Speaking of guitars, I see you added a new Martin to your arsenal. Tell us about your Martin.

Oh yes! I have a new guitar baby in the family! I purchased a Martin Road Series GPC-11E, which has such a polished look and bright sound. She fits really well on me and is smooth to play. I named her “Lady Sadie.” All my guitars have names. She is currently in the shop because I wanted to switch out the pickup to a Fishman® Acoustic PowerTap™ Earth pickup to get the ideal sound when I created percussive sounds using my looper at live shows. I can’t wait to hear what she sounds like! I should be getting her back in a few weeks.

When choosing an instrument, what do you look for in terms of tone?

When looking for an instrument such as a guitar, bass, or ukulele, my focus turns to the quality of sound I like—which is a warm earthy tone. Everything from the shape to the wood to the types of strings used is important. Regarding keyboards, because I play a little piano, I like full-sized 88 key electric pianos that have the most natural sound; as close to a real piano as you can get (because you can’t drag a grand piano to a gig that easily, haha!).

In the press release announcing the new EP, you said, “The world needs music more than ever now.” Truth! What does music mean to you?

Glad you agree! Music is the answer, coping mechanism, medicine, and sonic evolutional understanding when nothing else makes sense.

With the cancellation of live shows because of COVID-19, what have you been doing to stay connected with your fans?

Musicians have had it hard during this pandemic! Initially, when everything locked down, I took that time to unwind and take a break from music for a week or so to just digest what was going on. Adaptation is key to anything in life. Change is something we will always have to rely on. For the first few months of the lockdown here in New York, I began streaming on social media as well as doing Zoom performances along with other female singer-songwriters in the local scene—which landed us on the cover of the 2nd section and an article in Long Island Newsday discussing our persistence to keep the music scene shining during dark times. The lockdown also allowed me some time to create demos, which I hope to fully begin recording sometime in the next year or so.

As the weather improved and COVID cases dropped, I did begin performing a lot (taking all safety measures) at outside, social-distanced events. Social media and online platforms are an ideal way to continue interaction with fans, musicians, and more. - Guitar Girl Magazine

Karen Bella, Long Island's prolific songwriter is sure to win this year's "Gloria Gaynor I will Survive Award."
Karen is an example of what hundreds of musicians are going through this Covid-19 world, with show cancellations, audiences that are afraid to go out, and clubs unable to even advertise their names of who are performing. A Five Towns College graduate, she released her first album, "Ordinary Girl" in 2013. Over the next few years, working with many established artists, she built a strong following the old fashioned way...by getting out and performing wherever and whenever she could. No place was too small, each offered an opportunity to be seen by new fans.
After working with many other musicians, she was set to release her new "Karen Bella" EP at a record release party at Rockwood Music Hall March 13. Warner Music was among those who said they were coming.
Bad timing. Just at that time, Governor Cuomo announced the state was locking down. Karen's preview went on that night, turnout was good but many didn't come due to the bad publicity.
Karen, like many of us, was feeling down for a while and vertainly questioning her future. Then, in mid-July, when the scene partially opened, she found that she was in demand as venues looked for solo and duo acts.
Then a few weeks back, disaster struck. Karen fell and severely injured her wrist, requiring strong medical treatment. Never to give up, she was barely out of the hospital when she started performing again, this time with good friends playing guitar while she sang. She scored some shows at the Paramount's Founder's Room series, and as her wrist improved, she started to play keyboards and some guitar.
Karen is a great example of turning adversity into a strength. Go see her at one of her many shows and visit her at karenbella.com for more information about her music. - GoodTimes Magazine

Just as the pandemic hit and the quarantine began, Bella released her new self-titled EP featuring the single, “Jack Honey.” “It deferred everything I planned in terms of promotion,” says Bella, 36, of Merrick. “This was after two years of preparation.”

She had 27 gigs booked in April at places like The Irish coffee Pub of East Islip, West Hampton Beach Brewery, Tres Palms of Babylon, RHUM in Patchogue and the Campagne House in Bethpage. All of them got scrapped.

Immediately she brought her music, described as “folk-pop with a rock edge and a twist of R&B,” to Facebook on Tuesdays and Thursdays with some streams drawing over 2,000 viewers.

“This platform allows you to interact with people you might not have otherwise from the stage,” she says. “It’s not just local. People can watch you from all over.”

INFO facebook.com/KarenBellaMusic - NEWSDAY - LIFESTYLELONG ISLAND EVENTS

News 12 is holding a series of concerts via social media to keep our audience and viewers entertained and engaged during these challenging times.

You can watch live original music from local talent on the News 12 Facebook page. Just go to Facebook.com/News12 at 8 p.m. on the days listed below.

Watch the performances from March and April below!

April 7 - Karen Bella - NEWS 12 Long Island

Long Island singer-songwriter Karen Bella has been perfecting her craft seemingly forever. She began taking piano lessons at age nine, and by time she reached her mid-twenties, she was fluent in drums and guitar, as well. After living in Israel for two years, Karen returned to the States with a fresh perspective inspired by her collective experiences. She released her first album, Ordinary Girl, in 2013, and is now getting ready to release a follow up EP this fall.

Recently, AQ had the opportunity to check in with Karen and chat with her about her artistic journey.

Hey Karen. Thanks for taking the time to chat with AQ. Can you share with our readers a little bit about where you’re from?

Currently, I reside in Merrick, NY. It’s a cute little town. But, I was born in Queens, NY. Most of my life, I’ve lived on Long Island. I actually lived in Israel for 2 years. It was one of the most inspiring experiences that helped build my character and become a stronger person. The Tel-Aviv music scene was so supportive and fertile. I improved my Hebrew as well as understood how different that part of the world is in comparison to America. It taught me that I am strong enough to live in a different country with a different lifestyle, mentality, and language. Plus the food is amazing and the Mediterranean sea is exquisite.

Indeed! So, how long have you been an active musician and how did you get started?

Singing was something that I’ve always done. Ever since I was in diapers, I sang every day. It was just as important as eating and drinking. Professional training began when I was 9-years-old. My parents supported me by getting me involved in extracurricular activities; both in and out of school. Piano lessons began at 9, too. Drums in elementary school at 12 and guitar in college at 24 years of age. I have been musically active for 26 years. The last two years have been life changing for my career. The places I have performed and people I have met thus far are teaching me so much as to how to approach my career—not just as a creative artists, but as a self-managing musician.

How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard you before?

It’s always tricky to explain to someone using words as to what you sound like (laughs). If I had to describe it to someone it would be something like… “folky meets indie alt-rock and pop with a tinge of RnB. I believe that would be more the Americana route. Some songs have a dreamy aspect to it mixed in. I’ve always listened to a variety of genres and tried to incorporate them into my songwriting and performance. I do my best to really showcase my voice more as an instrument, if anything. My ultimate goal is to be musically playful with genuine integrity. I love playing with people’s ears—that includes chord changes, key changes, unique subtle things via production—but that of course has a lot to do with the producers and musicians working with me, too. Lyrically it is important for me to stay poetic and smart with phrasing. Some songs are hooky and some of it—if broken down—are rootsy, as in traditional.


What was your latest release of music and can you talk about that a bit?

In 2013, I released my first album on all internet platforms. Though it’s simple in nature, I released it more for myself to get my feet wet. The album is called Ordinary Girl. Most recently, in spring 2019, my Americana singer-songwriter friend, Johnny Nale, had me featured on his single, “Hey! I’m a Lady.” This song also includes musicians such as drummer Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), Tony Franklin (bass) and guitarist Peter Stroud (Sheryl Crow). The message of this song is about respecting women and not talking down to them. I was happy to have been asked to sing on this song, because it’s a message we all need to hear regardless of gender. The next project to be released will be my upcoming EP which is currently in mixing stages. This is the project I am most excited about because I have had the honor of working with incredible people whose talents are superb. My songs are my babies and I have been really blessed to have met my producer, Josh Dion, who is the drummer, synth bass player, and vocalist from Paris Monster. He just got the songs and simply knew how to cater to them while bringing out their best features. The musicians that played and worked on the record were guitarist Teddy Kumpel (Joe Jackson), Ryan Scott, Chris Parker, Geoff Kraly (bassist of Paris Monster) and Grammy-nominated engineer, Jake Lummus—and they are all remarkable.So much hard work and time was put into this project.

What is your writing and recording process like?

It’s really amazing how artists write songs as well as record them. It’s really so very different for each person. In my experience, I have a few ways that I write. There have been times where I was falling asleep at night or in the middle of a dream. Then a melody would come to mind effortlessly. I would have to force myself to wake up just long enough to grab my recording device and lay the idea down by singing or whistling. Then I would approach it at a later time. Sometimes when I am awake the melody is sent to me—like I am a fax machine! Then I take the idea work with it, almost like co-write with whomever sent me the idea. I believe music comes from another realm, as strange as it may sound. Artists are just conduits to get it out there. When it comes down to lyrics, I really love playing with words, phrasing, breaking the rules with grammar, and emphasizing the syllables differently. I use these ideas subtly in my lyrics. Usually I write about what I am experiencing, inspired by the overwhelming emotions building up inside of me. Occasionally, I am inspired to write about things that I have never experienced, and that’s equally as rewarding. With recording, I usually lay down the guitar first, and build around it. But in recent recording sessions for my EP, my producer and I played together live at the same time. Then we worked around all that for the rest of the production.

Nice! So, who are some of your influences as a musician?

Growing up I listened to so many different styles due to society, parents, and school. At home, my father listened to Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Tom Jones, Willie Nelson, The Beatles, Billy Joel, Elton John, Queen, Ray Charles, the Beach Boys, and so on. My mother introduced me to Barbra Streisand—which changed my life. I realized as a little girl that that’s what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I also listened to Boys II Men, Madonna, Jewel, Alanis Morissette, Dave Matthews Band, Joni Mitchell, Nine Inch Nails, Celine Dion, Whitney Huston, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Stevie Wonder, Tom Petty, Nirvana, Ella Fitzgerald, Dream Theater, John Mayer, and more. The list is endless, but I think that’s why my music has that folk/pop/rock/R&B thing going on. You learn from it all.

Do you have a favorite memory as a musician?

My favorite memory thus far as a musician has been recording at Grand Street Studio in Williamsburg, Brooklyn for my EP. There are so many cool and mind-blowing memories that I have there. We had a handful of full-day sessions which lead to laughs during lunch. Some of the stories the musicians told about their travels on tour or with particular famous artists made us laugh our butts off. But I think the most incredible moment I had was the second full-day session. We recorded my song “Fly.” I remember I was in front of the mic listening to the intro of the song right before the first verse. It was as though all time stopped for a moment and this realization hit me so hard as to what was happening. Up until this moment, I had worked so hard to get everything that was happening in my career.

A few years prior, I had lost my voice for about a year, my father shortly after, and my day job. I was completely decimated. However, I didn’t let that stop me. So, I went to voice therapy, and promised myself and my father’s memory that I will do everything possible to achieve my goals. Flash forward a few years later… not only am I a full-time musician, but now I was in an amazing studio with Grammy nominated, successful and respected musicians who believed in me and wanted to work with me. That moment before I sang, I wanted to pinch myself because a goal was coming into fruition even though I was in disbelief. After we finished the vocals for “Fly,” I went into the control room and told Josh, my producer, how I had to pinch myself! I’ll always remember that moment.

What are your goals for the future as a musician?

The ultimate goal is to be a successful touring singer-songwriter worldwide. I’m working real hard to understand the business side of this industry and to surround myself with the right people to achieve that. Getting signed with a great manager and label is another major goal of mine. It’s important to work with those who really believe in you and like what you do.

What are your plans for the rest of 2019?

For the rest of 2019, I plan to continue playing shows throughout New York and the tri-state area. Recently, I performed in Philadelphia at a music festival there, and I have The Great South Bay Music Festival in July and STATTfest 2019 in September in Farmingdale, NY. My EP will be finished and released by late summer/early fall. Every day is another day to accomplish something and get opportunities you’ve never had before.

Well, good luck with all of that, Karen! It all sounds very exciting. In the meantime, where can readers find your music?

You can find my first album, Ordinary Girl, on my webpage as well as iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, and more. My upcoming EP will also be available on all these platforms.

To get the latest updates on Karen Bella, please visit karenbella.com, and check her out on Instagram and Facebook (@karenbellamusic), and on Twitter (@karen_bella) - THE AQUARIAN

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