We recently connected with Be Steadwell and have shared our conversation below.

Be, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I spent many years wrestling with imposter syndrome. I thought to myself, I’m not good enough to be a musician. I don’t know enough about music. I don’t play instruments well enough. I don’t have enough vocal agility. Who cares what I have to say? If you’re a Black, queer weirdo kid like me-imposter syndrome is sort of built into our existence. I constantly told myself and was told I don’t belong here. But I love music and creating. And in spite of my doubts, I couldn’t stop creating. I made music and performed for years because it brought me joy, and eventually I realized I belong here. My story, my voice, my weird style is healing for someone. It is affirming for someone. I always knew I wanted to pursue music, but it took me about ten years of creating and performing to own it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a queer pop musician from Washington DC. I compose songs on stage using looping, vocal layering and beat boxing. My original music features earnest lyricism, and affirming queer content. My goal as a musician is to make other black girlies, introverts and weirdos feel seen and loved. Growing up, I lived for cheesy love songs, but I never saw myself reflected in those stories. So now it’s my job to create joyful content centering Black queer love.

I earned a BA in Black Studies from Oberlin College and an MFA in film from Howard University in 2014. My thesis film Vow of Silence screened in film festivals around the world, including Black Star, HBO’s OutFest, The Schomburg Center and Inside Out Toronto. In 2019, I composed the music for The Alvin Ailey Dance Company’s production of “the gone”. Later that year, Be wrote and directed A Letter to My Ex, the musical. A Letter to My Ex imagines a queer black woman’s experience of healing after a breakup. In 2021 I released my latest album- Succulent. In 2023, I joined the cast of Parable of the Sower the Opera by Toshi Reagon and Dr Bernice Johnson Reagon.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

We all know streaming platforms prioritize mainstream artists. We all know they pay very poorly for streams. We all know the system is broken. Aside from tearing it all down, the best way to support creatives is to engage with their work. Go to the shows. Reach out and tell them what their work means to you. Donate to them directly. Share links of your favorite songs with friends. Get that merch. Ask your favorite independent artist what’s the best way to support their work. My favorite is Patreon.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

One of my favorite resources for creativity is the book The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. This book is magical. If you ever feel blocked, or unsure of your path as an artist-read this book.

Contact Info:

• Website: besteadwell.com
• Instagram: @besteadwell
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbRADKzmIV4zgRv01-sLsWA

Image Credits
PC Steph Gervacio