We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rebelle a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Rebelle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
The most significant leap I’ve taken was venturing to the USA to pursue my musical education and carve out a path as an artist. I firmly believe that chasing your dreams is the most fulfilling endeavor, making it the best risk worth taking. Initially, the idea seemed far-fetched—I lacked the financial means to relocate across the world, navigate the complexities of American education, and adapt to a new culture. However, fueled by a relentless desire, I decided to take a year off, working double shifts in marketing, and organizing four solo concerts to secure funds for my first year of college expenses, hoping an American university would admit me.
Reality and a hint of fear hit when I received an admission letter from the Los Angeles College of Music, accompanied by a generous academic scholarship. Overnight, my life transformed, and in the blink of an eye, I found myself on my first flight, stepping onto American soil for the first time. High palm trees, a non-functional cellphone for calling an Uber, and four suitcases were my companions. Yet, despite the challenges, I felt ecstatic.
It’s been two years since I commenced my studies in Vocal Performance, and the learning curve has been steep. While there are moments I yearn for simplicity, particularly as someone without relatives in L.A., I take pride in how well I’ve navigated my life and finances. Hard work and kindness paved my way, with multiple campus jobs and additional scholarships, and I’ve built a close circle of friends with whom I can create incredible music. Being an indie artist while balancing academics is undoubtedly challenging, as you essentially play every role. However, diving deep, maintaining kindness and professionalism, has resulted in friendships that not only changed my life but also propelled me closer to my dreams.
By my junior year, I’ve fostered beautiful friendships and collaborations. I released my debut single “Break Me” and I am working on my first EP, I served as a co-writer, arranger, and top-liner on various projects, participated in two Grammy U Mentorship programs where I learned from Matthew Puckett and Amira Gadd, performed at prestigious venues like LA City Hall and USC Auditorium, clinched the Fan-favorite title at Music Forward’s Open Mic Fridays, all while maintaining a high GPA.
Yes, it does get exhausting—there’s always so much to do, and financial constraints persist. However, my love for music runs so deep that I’d risk it all repeatedly in future lives. I feel blessed to pursue my passion in Los Angeles, the epicenter of the music industry, where incredible people, opportunities, and music abound—luxuries I didn’t have back in Croatia. The city is teeming with competition, but it’s also a place where one can glean invaluable lessons from both the city and its people. Embracing the inherent risks here can either break you or make you, and breaking is not part of my plan!
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.
Today, I am a disco/dance-pop independent artist, vocalist, songwriter and session-singer. In my childhood in Croatia, I was influenced by Whitney Houston, Britney Spears, Queen and Kelly Clarkson. I started performing at children’s festivals at the age of 5, and that encouraged me to start my elementary music education, where I played accordion for 6 years. In 2011, I made it to the Superfinals of Croatia’s Got Talent! After middle school, I enrolled in Varazdin School of Music where I double-majored in Solo Singing (opera) and Music Theory under MA Blanka Tkalčić. That allowed me to star as the main villain “Dina” in Croatia’s first-ever musical “Music of My Heart”, written by Ivan J. Skender in 2018, and I can certainly say that that project ended up being a game changer in my life. Experiencing the music outside of the classical world really impacted me, and lit up the fire inside me for commercial pop music and musical theatre. And that is why I allowed myself to dream, and apply for American colleges. By that time, I have performed at various festivals, charity concerts, showcases, including special appearances for Croatia’s president and secretary, and international projects.
Before I got admitted to the Los Angeles College of Music, I organized five solo concerts to make funds for my education, and I remember them as one of the most treasureable moments of my life. So far, I have collaborated with notable artists like Phil Crosby Jr., Teresa James, Hrvoje Šenjug, Phil Lo Presti, LUPO, Charlie Lo Presti, Jean Tariech, and even opened for some amazing bands. I have also performed at the USC Bovard Auditorium for the 2023 Croatian Cultural Extravaganza and at the LA City Hall for the Croatian Culture Week celebration. Currently, I am enrolled in Grammy U Mentorship program for the second time, learning from Matthew Puckett, and previously learning from Amira Gadd.
In September I released my debut single “Break Me”, and helped LUPO release his debut single “FullMetal”. I am proud to say that both singles have surpassed 4K streams across all streaming platforms, which I think is AMAZING for debuts!!!
Looking back to my story, I have to say that I ran back to music my entire life, and is all I ever wanted to do, no matter how hard it would get. If I could perform 24h a day, I would. I really do music from the moment I wake up to the moment I go to bed, whether I’m working on a school assignment, writing/demoing a new song, or practicing singing!
I have always been fond of music with honest lyrics, and even though I listen to all kinds of music, I find myself being the happiest when listening to dance or disco music. The adrenaline moves me and stops time, and that is exactly what I want to give the world with my music. I will never let a performance go without a memorable outfit, cute choreography, strong vocals, good musicians and audience engagement!
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Unlearning the lesson of harsh self-criticism has been a transformative journey for me. It’s funny you bring it up because being kinder to myself is a lesson I’m still in the process of mastering. Often, the digital realm, especially the pressures of social media, creates a backdrop where I feel my efforts are never quite enough. I find myself in the loop of comparison, overthinking, and, at times, discarding the very work that could lead to self-improvement.
Perfectionism has been a companion on my creative path, and I’ve been told it might do more harm than good. I see the truth in that observation, yet there’s a part of me that always finds a way to justify it, fueled by the desire to be the best. However, the realization is sinking in that being kind to oneself is not a compromise but a necessity.
As an independent artist, the journey is a blend of beauty and challenges. It’s easy to forget that there’s only so much one person can accomplish in a day. The world of comparison, especially with the accomplishments of renowned idols, can distort the perception of progress. Learning to be patient with myself and embracing the pace of my own growth has been a crucial shift.
In essence, I’m unlearning the notion that self-worth is solely tied to an unattainable standard of perfection. Instead, I’m discovering the value in recognizing the journey, with all its ups and downs, as a testament to personal and artistic development.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
There’s something incredibly satisfying about waking up and genuinely loving the work you do! For example, I love making and giving a good show—it’s my passion! I thrive on making people move, sing, and maybe even shed a tear or two. My music isn’t just a personal outlet; it’s meant to be shared with the world. Every lyric, every note, and every beat tells a story, waiting for someone to listen.
Sure, I want to be seen as a great vocalist, performer, and songwriter. But the real magic happens when I’m not doing it alone. Without an audience, it’s like singing my heart out in the shower—fun, but missing something essential. I love being part of a bigger picture, creating an experience that fills people’s ears with joy and guides them to a better place.
It’s not just about the craft; it’s about growth together. I want my music to be remembered for more than just entertainment. It’s about shared moments and connections. Music, literature, all these non-material things we create—they’re expressions of our need to feel, express, and love. If my music can offer a moment of comfort, encourage someone, or simply let them escape for a while, then I feel like I’ve truly embraced the artist in me.
Ultimately, the most rewarding part is hearing how my work touches someone’s life. Whether it’s providing comfort during a tough time or adding a soundtrack to a joyous event, that’s the real magic. It’s about creating a sense of belonging and reminding people that, through art, we’re all connected. Artistry, in music or any other form, is a celebration of our shared humanity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/rebelle_music
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelle_official_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079553966899
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-posavec
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrQ6htM7fek16WGFybjQd9g
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0zd05cxkyyEojQXvV1JFEA?si=x5RIcgohRT-6n-JiJN2pfQ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rebelleofficial_
Image Credits
Godspeed Photography, Finlay Matthias, Councilmember Tim McOsker