We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Louie Bello a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Louie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made (either in terms of time or money)? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)
Looking back on my career, I’d say the worst investment I made was pouring too much time and energy into too many people who didn’t match my level of drive or commitment. It was draining, and I often found myself frustrated by the lack of other peoples effort. I sacrificed alot to get the little I have and it really is something that you don’t see in alot of creatives. That said, it wasn’t a total loss—through that experience, I gained a deeper understanding of my own values, resilience, and what I need from those I choose to invest in. It was a tough lesson, but one that ultimately helped me grow.
Louie, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My journey in music began at 15, harmonizing with friends in my dad’s basement, a spark that soon ignited into street performances at talent shows and basketball tournaments. We’d sing for small crowds, and I fell head over heels for the rush of bringing joy through music—the positive attention fueled me, and I even craved the criticism, eager to sharpen my craft. At 17, I penned my first song and never looked back, driven by the power of my stories and voice to inspire or comfort others, cementing my path in this career. Navigating the music business taught me hard-earned lessons through missteps and bold choices, but along the way, I crossed paths with incredible people who spurred me to carve out new avenues for my dream. Those years of writing and performing worldwide built me a recognizable brand, one I’ve recently leveraged to branch out into a fresh chapter of my entertainment journey. I began consulting for venues, sharing insights on spotting and nurturing talent to elevate their own identities. That expertise led me to launch the Country Money Tour, a residency in Boston featuring weekly guest artists—both Nashville-signed and unsigned—for a full year. It’s not only bolstered the venue’s reputation but also forged new connections, linking my writing and performing to major songwriters and labels, amplifying my career in ways I’d always envisioned. I am proud of all the hard work my team and myself have put into all my endeavors because without that great group of people behind you it makes it harder to push thru to the top of your game.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
I think being The ability to pivot has been a cornerstone of my career, a skill I picked up watching my family hustle—my grandfather juggling three jobs, my dad and mom doing the same at times. I started young, mowing lawns at 11, and since then, I’ve worn countless hats to fuel both my dreams and my family’s needs. Chasing a creative path is a wild ride, demanding real sacrifice, and I’ve poured my heart into it—balancing fatherhood, entertaining, and entrepreneurship through a divorce and raising two kids. I’ve hit rock bottom, watched deals crumble, and lost friends who faded when the going got tough. But every setback forced me to adapt; I had no choice but to pivot and claw my way out. Over time, I realized it wasn’t about retreating—it was about stepping sideways, giving myself room to breathe and plot my next move. Those sidesteps opened my eyes to new angles, fueling growth I couldn’t have imagined. They led me to score TV song placements, tour Europe, and build a fresh arm of my brand that not only feeds my creative fire but keeps my bank account thriving too.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most exhilarating reward of tapping into my creative side is witnessing its ripple effect on others. There’s an indescribable rush in hitting a note or delivering a lyric that strikes so deep it moves someone to tears, resonating with a hidden chord in their soul. Collaborating with different writers and crossing paths with countless people along the way nourishes my spirit in a way that money alone never could—though, don’t get me wrong, the financial payoff is a sweet bonus. But it’s those raw, electric connections with fans and colleagues that stand out as the most breathtaking moments of my life. At 10 years old, I couldn’t have dreamed I’d be living out experiences this wild and profound.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.louiebello.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louiebello/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louiebellomusic/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfNL3aqs-HeiC5Ne92hgcXw
Image Credits
Alicia Tardugno @leesha_lens
Drea Catalano @13photo