Our favourite Danielle Bellas is back with a new single and music video and is ready to unravel the story behind this emotional surprise hit.
1) Hi Danielle. How have you been?
I’ve been great thank you, I had a nice, chilled out Christmas break and a fun start to the New Year. I’m super excited about 2019!
2) You recently released your third single ‘I Got This’. What’s the story behind the track?
I Got This has a message of positivity, promotes self-belief and explores the idea of changing negative thought or emotion into ‘I Got This’. I came up with the idea when I was experimenting with affirmations, and I loved the idea of creating a song based around positive affirmations, that makes someone feel empowered and uplifted when they listen to it. That’s where ‘to make things clearer, talk to the mirror, this is what you tell yourself...’ comes from - I’d literally been saying affirmations to myself in the mirror trying to heal myself from an illness so I could record my album! There’s so much negativity in the World right now and it’s so easy to get caught up in it. Music has always been a healer for me, so I’m hoping this song can remind people that there’s always something beautiful to focus on, something to be grateful for and a different way of looking at things, including ourselves.
 |
| Stream 'I Got This' on Spotify HERE |
3) The track is co-written and produced one more time by the well-known UK production duo Jud Mahoney and Natalie DeLucia, who has worked in the past with Michael Jackson, Brandy and Britney Spears. How are you feeling about it?
It’s one of my favourites from my album and I remember when Jud sent me the backing track I was so excited, it was exactly the kind of sound I was looking for! The vibe took me straight back to the 90s. It’s had a great reception too, people seem to be loving it and feeling inspired by it, so that makes me very happy! And the music video was just the cherry on top. It gave me a chance to dive into the message of the song, and explore the different negative thoughts or fears that hold us back in life, showing people that we all struggle, no-one is alone in their thoughts and it’s normal not to have everything together. But at the same time, it’s often just our own minds holding us back and imagine how different life would be if we all changed a negative thought or fear into a positive affirmation, like “I Got This”. I was so grateful that people got involved and were willing to open up about their insecurities, it’s not an easy thing to talk about, so the fact that they were willing to share them with the World inspired me. And honestly, I related to everyone in the video, every time someone sent me their clip, I was like “yep, I feel you, I’m right there with you!”
Danielle Bellas - I Got This (Behind The Scenes)
4) Your music video has already touched the hearts of your fans. Would you like to give some advice to your fans who are facing mental health issues and can’t open up to their friends and family? For some people, it is still a stigma.
It saddens me that it is still a stigma, and really, the only way we are going to change that is by encouraging people to open up and talk. If you find it hard to talk to friends and family, then I would recommend seeking outside help. There are various organisations with free counselling services and hotlines, like CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) - their number is 0800 58 58 58. The Samaritans could also help, and can be reached on 116 123 in the UK and Ireland. If like me, you’re in the music industry, then Help Musicians UK can offer you help and support, so definitely check them out. I’m actually an Ambassador for an organisation called Listen Up Music, who are passionate about seeing mental health de-stigmatised and provide a platform to support music industry professionals. They are building a community and support network within the industry and generate conversations around mental health, which is amazing. Having suffered from anxiety myself and people close to me that have suffered with depression, it’s something that I’m passionate about. Counselling was a great help to me and I’ve recently worked with a life coach to keep me on track too. No-one should have to suffer in silence, and if there are people in your life that you think are struggling, please ask them if they are OK and open up the conversation.
5) What's been your biggest influence both musically and personally?
I’d say 90s R&B and Motown have been my biggest musical influences. I fell in love with the Motown sound from a young age and then in my teens I just wanted to be Janet Jackson, Toni Braxton and Aaliyah!
I guess over the last couple of years, the biggest personal influence on my life would have to be self-development - reading books about it, listening to podcasts and going to events. Learning to accept and love myself, not be afraid to shine, and striving to become the best version of myself possible. I’m also a huge fan of Abraham Hicks and the Law of Attraction teachings, which has changed my mindset, my daily practises and the way I live my life.
I guess over the last couple of years, the biggest personal influence on my life would have to be self-development - reading books about it, listening to podcasts and going to events. Learning to accept and love myself, not be afraid to shine, and striving to become the best version of myself possible. I’m also a huge fan of Abraham Hicks and the Law of Attraction teachings, which has changed my mindset, my daily practises and the way I live my life.
6) You have released three singles so far. You are inspired by the late 90’s R&B greats. Are you planning to change your sound in the next single and surprise your fans?
I’ll be releasing my album next so there may be a few surprises on there! A few of the songs are a bit more pop, and some have more of an old-school Motown feel. There are a couple of ballads on there too that I love. I’m excited for everyone to hear it, so watch this space!
7) You were born and raised in UK but you live in Australia. What’s the differences and the challenges in another continent?
The weather is a huge difference, of course! The way of life is very different in Australia compared to the UK - with the good weather and the beautiful beaches all around, it’s a much more outdoors-focused lifestyle and I love it. The challenges are being away from my family and friends, missing seeing my nieces and nephews growing up and also being so far away from where my music is most popular, so I often feel quite out of the loop.
8) What are your goals for 2019 both musically & personally?
My main goal for 2019 is releasing my album and it will be interesting to see what other tracks people pick out as their favourites, which will likely determine what I release next. I’m also looking forward to writing and recording some new material this year and seeing what direction I go in musically with that.
9) Any plans for a tour?
I’d love to tour this year, that’s definitely another goal of mine, so I’ll see what opportunities arise… :)
10) Do you have a special message for your UK fans?
I appreciate your love and support so much, it means the world to me! Keep your eyes peeled for my debut album, and always remember, You Got This!
11) Danielle, thank you very much for this interview.
You’re very welcome, and thank YOU!