Additional Information
Bella White is a somewhat newer singer-songwriter on the country and bluegrass scene, but her influence is quickly taking hold. Originally from Calgary, Alberta, she released her full-length debut, Just Like Leaving, in 2020 and the follow-up album, Among Other Things, in 2023. Bella grew up around the bluegrass sound, played by her father around the house, who was always in some sort of bluegrass band. She uses her arresting voice to make way for simpler and calming, traditional bluegrass country music that chronicles the times of life.
Bella also loves to put her own twangy spin on country standards with her EP of singles cover Five For Silver, like “Concrete and Barbed Wire,” by Lucinda Williams, or more contemporary songwriters, like Jeff Tweedy (of Wilco). We spoke to Bella ahead of her show at Petit Campus on March 29.
PAN M 360: For readers who have no idea who you are, who is Bella White? How did you get into music?
Bella White: I was born in Calgary Alberta Canada into a very musical family. Both my parents definitely passed their love of music down to me. I feel very lucky that I was encouraged to play and follow that thread my whole life.
PAN M 360: I love your cover of “Unknown Legend,” can you talk about how Neil Young has inspired your songwriting? Or anyone else?
Bella White: I love Neil Young so much. I’ve always been a really big fan of his. I can’t think of any singular way that he’s inspired my songwriting, but I think absorbing that over the years gave me an appreciation for the craft.
PAN M 360: As a fellow Albertan (I’m from Edmonton), do you think that kind of folk-country bluegrass influence came from your upbringing? Maybe because of the Rockies and open skies?
Bella White: The Rockies in the open sky definitely influenced my love for music. I think my main appreciation for country folk Bluegrass came from my dad, though. He grew up in Lynchburg, Virginia, and always played that kind of music my whole life.
PAN M 360: Are you planning another release or working on something for 2025?
Bella White: I am! I went into the studio this winter and recorded a third album which I’m very excited to share!
PAN M 360: When you were starting out, did it take you a while to find that country twang in your voice?
Bella White: I think it came pretty naturally to me since country and bluegrass was kind of what taught me to sing.
PAN M 360: Do you feel your records are all connected, coming from the same place, continuing the same story and themes or completely different and why?
Bella White: I think that they’re all different. I wrote them all at different times in my life, and they captured different moments for me. I guess they’re probably also connected in some way, shape, or form, and maybe they are continuing my larger life story, but I like to think of them as being different.
PAN M 360: Do you sit down and carve out time to write songs, or is it a more drawn-out process?
Bella White: It definitely goes both ways! Sometimes, it’s more structured, and sometimes, it’s more free-form.
PAN M 360: Are you bringing a band for your show in Montreal? What can people expect?
Bella White: I’ll have a trio with me! Sam Gelband plays the drums, and Gina Leslie plays the bass. I love playing with them so much, and we can’t wait to be in Montreal!
