- Bryon Harris
Kathy Bell - Exclusive Interview
Kathy Bell began at a early age with a dream to perform and sing at the Grand Ole Opry. As she sat on a bench with her dad at the end of a show she fondly recalls saying, "Pop, I want to perform there," and his comment was, "Maybe one day." Kathy Bell began at 10 years of age, playing the piano and singing at the church where her grandfather pastored. In high-school, she played flute in band and sang alto with the choir. Shortly after, she began writing songs and going to Nashville, Tennessee to the songwriter festival. She competed, in costume, in Karaoke competitions and did well. This led to her current career as a Karaoke Host, Wedding DJ, and a fun loving, clean, comedy act called "Ma Bell." Kathy loves her music and entertainment career, and her dream is to still to perform at that Grand Ole Opry, but for now she loves sharing her music and comedy with others.
What got you into music?
I got into music when I was very young. My grandfather was a pastor of a local church in Indiana. I began playing piano around age 10. I went with him to Nursing Homes and Hospitals helping play piano and singing.
What is your favorite part about being an artist? Is it songwriting, performing, recording, something else?) Tell us why.
I truly love to perform. I love it all, but my favorite is performing. I think its because in costume I become totally engulfed in the music. Some things in my performances, due to adrenaline, I actually don't remember, because I'm so caught up in the music until I see the videos, and then I am going wow... that's me? I did that?
Can you tell us what being in the recording studio is like for you?
That is very important to me. I live on a budget so have to save to go to the studio. For me it's extra special. I get to see something I write come alive. Up until studio it's like a puzzle. I put words together, change them, change them again. Once the music, the harmony comes together it makes those words come alive. It truly is a dream I never ever thought I'd be able to do.
As a songwriter or musician, are there any obstacles you have had to overcome or obstacles that you are facing right now in your career?
For me in every aspect of life there have been obstacles. In music, it has been some people saying you are not good enough; in some it's I don't have the budget to do what I want to do. Some people think because I struggle financially, I am crazy to put energy and dollars into my songs. I am for the most part just now overcoming these... regarding dollars..just save. My confidence keeps getting better. I try to not let obstacles stop me. They are just a part of life.
Who do you admire most in the music scene today and why?
Dolly Parton. I feel she is the whole package. Stage presence rocks, Vocals awesome but different. Personality I feel she is a real person. I wished she or Reba Mcentire could be my mentor.
To date, what do you think your best song is? Can you describe the song for us?
"America She's Crying". It explains everything America is facing. It's a very serious topic for our country but with an upbeat country feel. It talks about many things but the title says it all. America truthfully is crying. Can we the people take our country back? Are we still the boss? Is the constitutional rights at risk? Some would say this song could be one not liked. Many I have talked to love what it stands for.
Are you working on any new material right now or what's in the works for the upcoming year?
I honestly have been working on promoting America She's Crying to get it heard. My goals in the future are I'd love to be booked out more. I really want to entertain as Ma Bell and am looking forward to the future. As previously stated my new goal is to try and write comedy for Ma Bell which I am new at.
Tell us where fans can access your music?