NYC-based singer creates Van Gogh-inspired pop music.
Bella Saona has no problem switching from fronting a rock band to rocking EDM nightclubs to taking on the role of a popstar. As by now she’s done it all: first as half of The Fire and Reason electro-rock band, then as an Ultra Records’ ward and now as an indie-pop solo entity who’s just unveiled her latest single “Van Gogh” along with its surreal music video. Get to know Bella Saona, who’s so much more than just a bella.
Your hometown/homebase?
Right now I’m based in NYC but I’ve been bouncing around since I was a kid. I’ve lived in various countries including Paraguay, Brazil, Canada and the US of course. I consider myself a citizen of the world.
What’s your story so far?
I’m an artist, singer-songwriter, model and actress living out her dreams.
What was your favorite song when you were 13?
At 13 I was writing my own songs and taking it very seriously, ha! But I would say I’ve always been inspired by classical music. I love Mozart,Vivaldi, Beethoven and Bach. On the pop side I remember being in love with the music of Bjork and Gwen Stefani.
What should we know about your latest single “Van Gogh”? What the song is about?
The song is the second single of my upcoming album. It’s a story about two soul mates overcoming immeasurable odds to be with each other. The starry night painting inspired me and its visuals helped me paint the story. Van Gogh’s art is eternal as is the character’s love in my song.
You walk around New York City in the video a lot. So what’s your secret NYC getaway?
It wouldn’t be much of secret if I told you now would it? But I will give you a hint: it has a small secret garden in the back!
What’s the craziest thing that ever happened to you on these wild streets of New York?
I was walking in Hell’s Kitchen with a friend and he got sucker punched by garbage man… It was hilarious and weird all at the same time.
What’s been the most unforgettable experience you had when you performed live?
When I performed my song “Next Life” (first single from the album) at the Pyramid Club and people were singing the lyrics back to me. That was pretty surreal since it was the first time anyone had heard it. I knew right then the song was magical.
If you could pose for any famous painter, dead or alive, who would that be?
Definitely Salvador Dali. He would get my weirdness down on a canvas.
You had a single called “Next Life,” so who or what would you like to be in your next life? Dream big!
I would be in my multidimensional being traveling through time and space.
Tell me about that Little Wicked film project you announced in May. What it’s about and when will we see it?
Little Wicked is a TV pilot directed by Robert La Force. It’s a dark comedy and I played the leading actress, Lola. My understanding is that it’s being shopped around to see if it get’s picked up by a network and/or streaming service like Netflix or Hulu. You can visit my website to watch the entire pilot.
What’s a perfect night out look like in your world?
It would start with perfectly big and wavy hair (no frizz) and a very breezy summer dress. It would be in the '80s with clear skies so you can see the stars. Dinner out with my closest friends/family at an intimate restaurant near the beach with live music and lots of dancing. I would probably sing one or two songs with the band while standing at the bar or on a table because I get crazy like that. After dinner walk barefoot on the sand and maybe go for a late night dip in the ocean. End the night with some pisco sours, an acoustic guitar next to a fire and singing at the top of my lungs till the sun comes up.
What’s your secret karaoke weapon song?
I’m the worst karaoke singer in the world! I’m awful at singing other peoples songs… I’ve tried and failed miserably. It’s kind of weird since I’m a singer. I just don’t feel like I do the artists’ justice.
What do you have planned for the rest of 2016? More singles? Or maybe an EP or an album?
I just released “Van Gogh” as a single. And I have a Van Gogh – Remixes EP coming out very soon, probably late June. Later this year I plan on dropping my debut album PAROUSIA (meaning presence or arrival). I will most likely drop one or two more singles with music videos before the album comes out. I am also looking forward to performing my record live and introducing my new music to the masses.
5 fun facts about yourself. Go!
- I love frogs and monkeys
- I hate it when people litter. I literally get into fights with people when I see them litter.
- I’m a bit of a clean freak and germophobe.
- I can’t listen to music for long periods of times since it drains me mentally. My brain keeps rewriting all the melodies and rearranging them as I listen to a piece of music.
- I’m attracted to weirdos and outcasts: those are my peeps.
