Name: Lucy Bell
Hometown: Downpatrick
Genre: Alternative Pop
◀ Q & A ▶
▶ Tell us about your band name
It’s quite simple – it’s my name! For a while I changed it to ‘Lucy Valentine’, it’s a family name and was recognised for music but I ended up changing it back after a few months. I wanted to build on my own name.
▶ When did you start playing music and how would you describe your sound?
I’ve always loved music but I started playing music around 4 years ago. My eldest brother, James, came home with a guitar for his birthday and told me he’d teach me a few chords. I got lessons for a few months and then have kept it on ever since! My sound has been described as jazzy and alternative pop.
▶ What releases have you put out so far?
So far I have two original songs recorded and posted online on my YouTube channel [www.youtube.com/lucybell] and I intend to record more soon but I’m keeping busy.
▶ Is there a particular live show that stands out amongst all the rest?
I once played back up for ‘The Untouchables’ in a local bar/restaurant for a charity event. I remember the entire crowd started singing along with me and it was to this day the best feeling I’ve ever experienced. It was then I realised I could never stop playing music if I tried.
▶ Can you talk about a Highlight and a low point of the journey so far?
A highlight was definitely playing at Belnash Singer Songwriter Festival 2017. Being surrounded by so many amazingly talented people who all share a passion for music is something that’s difficult to forget. I think everyone has low points with music, obviously there were times I doubted myself – and still do but it’s through those experiences that I’ve bettered my music and skill. At least I hope I have!!
▶ If you weren’t a musician(s) how would you spend your spare time?
I have a huge interest in Film, Drama and Acting, so if I wasn’t perusing a career in music you could guarantee it would be in one of those!
▶ If you were to go on a world tour and you could pick any 3 acts come along, who would they be?
Paolo Nutini, Hudson Taylor and Panic! At The Disco. They all put on a show and I’d love to be part of that.
▶ What would be the 3 strangest things on your rider if you were able to make any demand?
I don’t know about strange but I’d have a fridge filled with ice cream – for emergencies of course. A saxophone player to play jazz music whenever I wanted and multiple cinnamon candles.
▶ Is there a particular aim or goal which you hope to achieve through music?
I think everyone in music simply wants people to hear their music. I’d love for people to take something from my songs, for them to mean something to them as much as they do for me. Although ever since my first proper live show a huge goal of mine is to have an audience sing my own songs back to me. I’d be completely overwhelmed.
▶ Who has been your biggest inspiration as musicians?
I’d have to say Hudson Taylor. To me they are the type of musicians I aspire to be. That said I’m a huge fan of Paolo Nutini, David Bowie and Gabrielle Aplin and I can’t say they haven’t inspired me as well.
▶ Are there any other Northern Irish musicians we should check out?
Yes for sure! Sam Wickens, he has an extraordinary voice with such pure and raw emotion seeping through in his songs and Ben Cutler. Ben is so young yet so incredibly talented, he works hard and he’ll go places.
▶ What is next for you?
I’d like to keep playing music and hopefully write and record a good few more of my own material. I’m always on the lookout for opportunities and events so hopefully one day you’ll hear my name or know one of my songs. That would be great.
◀ LISTEN ▶
Facebook ▶ /Lucy Bell
Twitter ▶ @lucybellmusic
