The Eighth Note is 8 quick Questions with Wellington Musicians. A chance for us to catch up with people & see what they’re up to, or introduce you to a new musician/band and their music.
Up next is Bella Cook, who records under the name Belladonna, and has just released her debut EP.
Who are you? Tell us a bit about your music:
Kia ora! I’m an artist who goes under the name Belladonna. I write indie pop music out my room in Newtown.
What have you been working on lately? Any new tracks or albums on the way?
I’ve just released an EP ‘Salty Dog’ and now I’m getting back into the groove of writing. I’ve found myself being particularly drawn writing about experiences in suburban New Zealand.
Where is the best place people can follow you & find your music?
You can listen to me on Spotify and Apple Music and find me on Instagram and Facebook posting about my music.
What were the 3 most influential albums to you growing up?
Beautiful collision – Bic Runga
Woodface – Crowded House
After The Gold Rush – Neil Young
Which other Wellington musician (s) would you most like to work with?
I saw sports dreams at Newtown Festival at the start of the year I love their songwriting and their live set up was really compelling. I also reckon me and my friend Air Hockey could write a bit of a banger together.
What’s your favourite Wellington venue to play in?
I’ve actually just started my live journey so I haven’t played any gigs with my full band but I’d say anywhere in Newtown!
In your songwriting or composing (or the band’s songwriting) how do the compositions and songs take shape?
My songwriting process is always evolving in order to find something that I think is worthy of a song. I like to collect photos and stories that interest me and then build narratives from then, but really it’s just a whole lot of playing till I uncover something I like.
Where/when is your next gig?
Due to covid my release Gig at Newtown Library had to be posptponed, but has been rescheduled for this Friday! My band will be jamming my EP and there’s always books if you get bored haha…