We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Belle Garcia. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Belle below.
Belle, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?
“There was a particular phase in my childhood when I felt like I was trying too hard to find my place in society. My school years were particularly difficult for me to endure; I felt observed, but not in a way that made me comfortable.
The school I was enrolled in was not particularly good in its treatment of its students. I found myself frequently at odds with the norms and values they would preach and the reality of their methods. I was outspoken, often questioning what I perceived as injustices, even if it meant going against the grain. This wild audaciousness I had as a kid was met with resistance and opposition, particularly since I was a girl; phrases like “We need to do something about her outspokenness” were always thrown into conversations with my parents. Instead of encouragement, I was repeatedly told to be silent, to stay in my lane, and to smile – to conform to the school’s vision of an ideal female student. The implication was clear: if I deviated from their script, I would no longer fit the image they wanted their school to project.
At times, I truly believed somebody was running a smear campaign against me, because even when I had to intervene in instances of bullying towards my classmates or when I pointed out their favoritism toward students, I was labeled as chaotic by the people I was defending. My biggest flaw for them was that I was not capable of shutting up, and I was not afraid to speak up. That’s something that is still hard for me to swallow today. All I wanted was to be seen and accepted by my community, but no matter how diligently I tried to fit in, I encountered rejection, ridicule, and isolation. My peers would talk behind my back, engage in hurtful behavior, and even mock my struggles with mental health. There was a particularly distressing incident where I found myself physically placed in a garbage can. My innate rebellious nature invariably disrupted the social order.
As I grew older, I accepted my fate: that sometimes people would not understand my truest intentions, and sometimes a good action could tarnish your reputation. Nonetheless, this experience still influences my music, emphasizing the idea that some things need to be addressed and spoken up for. My journey as a female music producer is not just about creating music; it’s about using my platform to amplify the voices of those who need to be heard and to advocate for positive change in our society”
Belle, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I was probably 17 when I started taking music production more seriously. I had dabbled with DAWs before, starting at 11 years old, but I didn’t fully commit until I hit seventeen. I had this burning desire to create a demo for my own artist project, but it was financially out of reach. I tried to find a producer who could fit my budget and bring my ideas to life, but my search was in vain. Then, one remarkable day, it struck me that nobody else would step in to make my dream a reality. I needed to take matters into my own hands. So, I decided to learn how to produce my own tracks. And that’s when my true passion for music production ignited.
The idea of producing for others didn’t really cross my mind until the pandemic hit. That’s when I joined an online co-writing club and began collaborating with fellow musicians through video calls. These artists shared stories similar to mine, of needing someone who truly cared about their vision and could breathe life into it. That resonated with me deeply, and before I knew it, people were approaching me to produce for them. It felt like a natural progression, with no external pressure. I just found myself genuinely drawn to the projects, ideas, and artists I collaborated with, and I genuinely enjoyed the process.
My primary genre is Pop music, but my focus is on crafting an authentic sound. I make choices that may not always align with the mainstream but make perfect sense for the artist, the song, and their narrative. I’m passionate about preserving the artist’s identity and prioritize their essence over rigid genre boundaries. My purpose as a music producer is to ensure that their voices and souls are authentically reflected in the music.
I’m always open to experimentation and pushing creative boundaries. I’m willing to invest extra time to explore new avenues, allowing the artist to experiment with different musical outcomes and choose what best aligns with their emotional vision. I thrive when collaborating with visionaries who have a strong sense of their project’s direction. I’m drawn to projects that promise an exciting journey or a chance to explore imaginative realms. Call it poetic, but my favorite collaborators are those who can conjure entire worlds with their imagination.
I’m genuinely proud of the music I create for my own artist project, where I feel the utmost freedom. I’ve expanded my skills to craft sonic experiences I never thought possible. So I’m grateful for every song I’ve produced and every artist who entrusted me with their vision because thanks to them I’m the fulfilled creative being I am today.
I firmly believe in empowering the voices that have long remained unheard and nurturing the imagination of those with compelling stories to tell. My goal is to be a producer my community can take pride in. Who knows, maybe one day I’ll win producer of the year, but today I’m just working towards ensuring my artists receive the musical care they deserve.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
I wish I had understood earlier the significance of community in my artistic journey. Sometimes, it’s not solely about the music or the end product, but rather about being there for someone who shares the same passion and love for art. It’s easy to lose perspective on what truly matters in this industry. The creative field can be challenging to navigate, so it’s essential to lead with kindness, compassion, and empathy. We’re all here to have a good time and enjoy music, and that should always remain the primary focus.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect is the relationships I’ve built. I believe that to bring a vision to life, understanding the artist’s perspective is essential. I invest time in getting to know them, approach conversations with empathy, and aim to grasp their intention even before listening to the track. This allows me to make choices that authentically convey their message in the song. It’s rewarding because it fosters a unique human connection. Sometimes, it’s simply about demonstrating care, and their gratitude is priceless.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bellegarciaofficial.com
- Instagram: @bellegarciamusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bellegarciamusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuvzg4BgPPw0TmHAlp4gnXA/featured