#MusicExchange: Kayleigh Bell releases new single off upcoming album
7 Apr 2021
Kayleigh Bell is the new kid on the block in the Cape Town music scene. She hails from the Eastern Cape where she has been making waves with her indie/folk music for some years.
Her live performances have been described as “honest, raw, gritty and catchy”. The indie songwriter’s inspiration comes from a place of vulnerability; based on personal experiences.
The distinctive style of performers like Birdy, Florence Welsh, Billie Martin and Adele have been a huge influence, helping to pave her way as a performer.
She recently released her new single “Better Days”, which was produced and mixed by Jon Shaban at Sit the Folk Down Studio.
This is Bell’s third single off her upcoming album, Tomorrow Is A Better Day, which is set for release on 7 May 2021.
“I wrote ‘Better Days’ whilst still in high school. I can clearly remember sitting behind my piano one day and writing this song. I was going through a very difficult time; dealing with the after-effects of my parent’s separation as well as trying to decide what on earth I wanted to do with my life as university applications were knocking on my door. For a 17-year-old, having to make these decisions was incredibly difficult. I was struggling, as I had people pushing me in certain directions.
“My hope for this song is that it serves as a reminder that no matter what you go through, there will always be brighter and better days ahead.
“You just have to pick yourself up, lift your head and keep looking forward. People in this world will try and break you down, but don’t let them. “Keep your light shining!”
I chatted to Bell before the Easter weekend.
The new decade means:
Change.
Fame is about:
People knowing and loving what you put out there.
Retirement will happen when:
I have enough money.
I don't do:
The smell of fried eggs.
What does music mean to you?
Absolutely everything – it’s life.
My music is about:
Truth, real experiences of life, all the ups and downs and in-betweens.
I would love to co-write with:
Masie Peters.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?
Being able to get on stage and sing to a bunch of complete strangers.
The song you must do in every show:
“Better Days”
Any funny moments on stage:
When a Tinder match screamed at the top of his voice: “Hey we matched on Tinder!” (And, no, it did not lead to a date.)
What is your most treasured possession?
My songwriting book.
It’s your round, what are you drinking?
Champagne.
Dream gig to do:
Kirstenbosch Gardens and Red Rocks in the States.
What makes you stand out?
The fact that my voice doesn’t match the way I look, or so I have been told.
Nicknames:
KJ, Kays, Kayleigh B.
If you were not a musician, what would you do?
Well, my actual day job is that I am a data analyst for an asset management company.
Who would play you in a Hollywood blockbuster and why?
Kristen Bell because a) we have the same surname and b) she is just a badass.
Pick five words to describe yourself:
Unique, bubbly, honest, brave and crazy.
Five favourite SA albums of all time:
Prime Circle – Hello Crazy World
Jeremy Loops – Trading Change
Beatenberg – The Hanging Gardens of Beatenberg
Matthew Mole – The Home We Built
Seether - Disclaimer
What is your favourite word?
Phenomenal.
Favourite fashion garment:
A scarf.
Give us some real proper slang and what it means:
Kunners – sweet that’s lekker man.
Top of your bucket list:
Go overseas for the first time.
Your greatest achievement:
Having written and recorded my first album, which will be out on 7 May 2021.
What do you complain about most often?
How bad Cape Town drivers are.
What is your fear?
That my brakes fail on my car.
On stage, I tend to:
Talk super fast.
The best life lesson you have been taught?
Life’s too short to drink crap wine.
Wishes and dreams:
My wish is for people to enjoy my music and my dream is to have an international hit.
Social media:
