State Of Emergency!! by Bellah
My creativity heightens when I’m in the presence of other musical artists. It is truly inspiring to indulge in someone else’s mind, spectating how they think, process and move in ways that are foreign to mine or yours. A concept is almost always formed when an artist releases a project. It is an intricate and detailed experience that the audience resonates and relates to but my excitement becomes real when I immerse totally in the vision. There’s something about the way the room feels when you’re at a listening party. Intimate with the artist, soaking in the lyrics, transcending to another world, their world.
In what feels like a secret, the venue is cosy at the back of North London, in an intimate spot that requires shoes to be off. On a first walkthrough, a stage was set and the audience started to get acquainted. Whether friends are catching up, artists networking or just the odd one or two waiting for the event to start, everyone was here and excited for the music. And you could feel it.
The light darkens, revealing the colour palette of the EP in a subtle, noticeable way. Then comes the news of a circumstantial delay.. I’ll be honest, a delay kills the vibe. A thin line presents itself between a listening party and a social night when a delay strikes. Is it a serious situation? perhaps not, as long as the artist prefers the audience to be a bit loose, hyped and flowing. If the artist prefers their audience to be serious and to be fully present and aware… a delay could be the make or break of the event.
A community became outlined the moment they roared at Bellah’s arrival. It’s nice to see a room full of people appreciating an artist!
She is the moment, the energy and the star. Everyone was eager to greet her. As intimate as this event proves to be, I’d say, some more time could have been taken to welcome the audience to her experience- especially new faces, that’s how you lock a fan base in. However, I can push that aside as a million thoughts and feelings could be hitting her all at once. The audience felt closer to Bellah as she answered questions about her career leading up to the point she is at right now, letting us into the ugly and gnarly truths that she faced whilst being a rising star.
Bellah took a hiatus between this project and her last, where she described that her life in-between was harsh, facing self-criticism and sickness. The room was still, leaning into her story, whilst leaning back in awe- realising that she is just as human as we all are. That behind the glitz and glamour, she too doubts herself and self-sabotages, shining light on others in the room who may feel that way.
“I know I am called to do this, I don’t know how”
This listening party was real and raw but also live and fun.
Intervals of music featured on the album played, giving everyone a taste of some new Bellah.
I’m sure everyone present would agree with me: I left the space feeling inspired, refreshed and eager for more on my journey because if she (and many other artists) can be a superstar and collaborate with other global musicians, then I can too, and you can too. It was a delight to take a night out into a different reality and connect with people who are just as passionate about music as I am.
This was my short n sweet review on the State Of Emergency listening party by Bellah.
