We were lucky to catch up with Bella and Lee Crump and Parada recently and have shared our conversation below.

Bella and Lee, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

We both thrive as artists and creatives. We are both people who really connect with performing live. Having the opportunity to reach people through music is something we both couldn’t live without. It’s a really special gift – And we both feel so lucky to have space as creatives to make and share.

Bella and I both work in the service industry, so I guess that’s what we kind of consider a “regular job”. But I think when it comes to long-term investment in doing something – We both see ourselves doing music. We both will always see life, work, and music intertwining. Money aside, it’s just what we love to do!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

LEE Bella and I started New Misphoria as a 4-piece. We both knew each other through mutual friends and the Tucson music scene. I always admired Bella, and was a big fan of her band at the time. At some point, I reached out through instagram – and we started playing. We later became a two-piece, and thats where we’ve really shined.

BELLA
I’ve been playing the drums in bands here in Tucson since the beginning of my teenage years, but I was immediately blown away by Lee’s singing and songwriting abilities and was ecstatic to be asked to play music with her. I feel a strong musical connection when it comes to playing in a duo such as this.

Bella and I are both very driven by the sense of community we receive here in Tucson. We love what we do, and we love sharing the deepest and truest parts of ourselves. That’s what we try to share with our city. Those feelings of deep connection and vulnerability that can be hard to find. After the pandemic, we’re all navigating the world again – And what human connection looks and feels like. Bella and I feel lucky to help that fruit of humanity grow again!

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Something I find between creatives and non-creatives is a difference in perspective. For many creatives, it can often feel like a burden – a thing you don’t have a choice in. I don’t think people would anticipate that. I know for myself, Bella, and many in our community, the deep draw to pursue a creative life can be exhausting. Bella mentioned the ways she needs a lot of space. Time for quiet, or a kind of social withdrawal. For all the ways we put our hearts on display, we deal with the weight of art! And some may not understand that feeling – But that’s what we’re here for.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

In life, we all encounter judgement. Bella and I have both been affected by the ways people view us. Life is difficult as is, and people can be unkind. Thankfully, we have the gift of music and performance. And in that space, judgement never matters. When music and feeling overcome, people can stare all they want! I guess, the lesson we learned is that it’s okay to let loose a little. Having a good time always outweighs the opinions of others!

Contact Info:

• Website: linktr.ee/newmisphoria
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newmisphoria/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newmisphoria/

Image Credits
Devlyn Aubrey Splak Photos Polaroid Gabe