FMM correspondent Maisie Hayden met up with UK RnB, Soul artist Naomi Belle met up discuss her life, music and inspirations.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a singer and a songwriter? Was there a particular moment during your childhood that inspired this career path?
I’ve always been able to sing and I’ve always wanted to make that happen on a professional level for myself, I just never knew how to. I use to perform in school with my friends and I liked it a lot. There was no particular moment, it was just always something I wanted to do from a very young age. Writing didn’t start till a bit later. I was about 8 years old and I wrote a little poem. My mum thought it was good and she typed it and printed it out. So from there I was like, if mum likes it then maybe I’m good at this too. I was really bad at writing songs when I was younger mainly because I didn’t have much to talk about. But I think I got better with age and just studying other songwriters.
How has growing up in London influenced your work? Are there any places that particularly inspire you more than others?
Growing up in London, or just growing up in Highbury and Finsbury Park has had a big impact on my writing. People are very selfish in London so that encourages me to write about the opposite. I like to write about love or falling in love because I feel like there’s a huge lack of it right now. Living in a major city is really interesting though. I feel like I see so much everyday that I’ll never run out of stories to write.
Are there any British artists that you admire or aspire to be like?
I really like Angel, Labrinth. There’s a writer called Parker Ighile who’s worked with a lot of people here and in America. I admire his success.
Now that you are 24, how has your work in the studio changed from when you were 17?
I know more than ever before what’s needed to make a track complete. I would just write verses and hooks before and leave it at that. But now, I pay attention to detail more. I like playing with harmonies and cool aldibs. Anything that adds layers to the track, makes it more interesting to listen to. My writing style has matured more too. I find I have more to write about now than before.
What similarities do you find between composing songs and writing poems? Are there any differences that you find among the two?
I don’t really write poetry anymore but I think they’re both great ways of expressing yourself. I don’t think that there’s a major difference between the two. The process is pretty similar.
What circumstances led you to start recording in the comfort of your home?
I couldn’t afford studio time! I like recording in my house because I don’t have to rush to get things done in that one session like I did before. It’s so much easier for me now. It was the best option for me personally.
Do any memories from your days of recording in the various studios stand out in your mind?
I learned a lot my first time in the studio. I remember one of the engineers, my brothers friend, getting agitated because I didn’t have any ideas for harmonies. That’s when I realised there’s more to making a track then just the lyrics.
What important lessons have you learned about recording music? Further, what advice do you have for young artists that are learning about the recording process?
You should always have something in the works, always exercise your talent. Study other artists. And always have a vision for yourself and never let anyone talk you out of your vision.
What techniques do you use when writing music to make your work more poetic?
Well, I re write a lot if the song needs it. I’ll write a phrase one way and then think of a better way to phrase it and then just keep building of off it. Improving it each time.
Which piece of music do you consider your best work and what makes it stand out among your other pieces?
It would have to be my current song, Make You Love Yourself. It’s the most well rounded piece of work I’ve put together and I’m really proud of the lyrics on that one.
Your music is deep and meaningful, so how do you expect to manage in the music industry where highly commercial, insubstantial music is becoming more popular?
I’m confident enough in my writing skills to say that I can be versatile and appeal to whoever. At the moment, I’m not focused on being commercial or mainstream, I’m just starting out so I just want to solidify myself as an artist and build my fan base. I think my content can work on a lot of formats. Not everything is a party. Sam Smith and John Legend aren’t always partying but people still love their music.
Can we expect more experimentation in your music in the future?
Of course. I’m working on some new songs now so music will be on the way before the year ends.
Are you working on any projects that we can look forward to? If so, what can we expect from you in the near future?
You can expect some great music and a lot more videos on my YouTube channel. Just more content.
For more on Naomi, check out her You Tube Channel HERE
Interview by: Maisie Hayden, maize.hdn@gmail.com
