Interview: Bella White

With two albums already under her belt at the age of 22, Bella White seems poised for a remarkable career. Through her haunting, soulful voice and heartfelt, down-to-earth lyrics, White’s first album, Just Like Leaving, showcases her old-time, country, and bluegrass roots. But in her newest album, Among Other Things, released in April, she flourishes as a lyricist, growing into her own distinct voice through poetic storytelling and collaborations with prominent indie/folk musicians to produce a beautifully enchanting and introspective album. 

Prior to opening for Band of Horses at Rabbit Rabbit on Friday, Oct. 20, White spoke with Asheville Stages about her father’s southern roots, the wellspring of her creativity, and breaking out of the genre box.

Beth Keefauver: I am always fascinated by artists who come from outside the American South, and who sound so authentically southern. Gillian Welch is a great example — she grew up in New York and LA, but sounds like she was literally plucked from a farm in Appalachia. You are from Calgary yet have an authentic southern American sound as well. Can you talk about your musical roots, and how it has shaped your songwriting?

Bella White: My dad is from Lynchburg, Virginia, and his southern roots majorly impacted my musicality. He was always playing bluegrass, old-time, and country music around the house and was in a few different bands throughout my life. It always seemed so fun and, like, such a beautiful way to gather. I think simply by being around it all the time, it snuck into my music in ways that I didn’t even realize. There is such a large canon to draw from and an endless well of inspiration. 

BK: Can you talk specifically about your bluegrass/country/Americana influences? What about influences outside those genres? Any particular female singer/songwriters you see as role models?

BW: I would say my biggest music influences are folks like Emmylou Harris, Joni Mitchell, and Lucinda Williams. I love how they all can be so gentle, yet so powerful and thick-skinned. I’m so inspired by their writing and messages, but more than anything am inspired by how those women have carried themselves throughout their careers. It's hard to narrow it down to a few because there are so many incredible artists in this world.

BK: You have recently taken a more independent path with your music, especially with your new album Among Other Things. Can you talk about how you came into this new style? And how has diverging from more traditional genres like bluegrass and country helped you find your voice?

BW: I’ve never really been one to stay in any kind of box. I grew up on bluegrass in such a fundamental way, but throughout my life have always enjoyed all types of music. I think that sticking to one genre is limiting. I’ve always written songs for where I am at that specific moment in time. It felt very empowering to create something without any margins in mind and leave room for full self-expression.  

BK: Diverging from more traditional roots has also opened doors for collaboration, such as with Big Thief guitarist Buck Meek, which might otherwise not have happened. Can you share more about the new opportunities that emerged in the making of your new album? 

BW: I feel like regardless of how or why, whenever you widen your perspective and community, you bring in so much opportunity for growth. Working with Jonathan Wilson, who produced the record, played a huge part in that widening. He was able to help connect me with a bunch of musicians — including Buck, who added so much to the record.  

BK: At 22, you have accomplished a lot with two albums already in your repertoire. Do you ever worry about "running out" of songs? How do you envision your career as a musician unfolding? What drives your creative momentum? 

BW: (laughs) I definitely do worry about that, but I have to remind myself that I don’t actually believe it is possible to run out of songs. Witnessing human nature is a huge driver for my creativity, and in this world there is a never-ending supply of that — be it seeing the dynamics at play in my own personal relationships, or watching other people exist.

BK: Fill in the blank. If ______ and ______ had a baby, it would be Bella White.

BW: These kinds of questions are always tough for me because I have a hard time equating myself to the people I look up to and admire the most. I guess you could say I’m striving to be some kind of Emmylou Harris Joni Mitchell lovechild. (laughs)

BK: Love it! Thanks for that. Finally, how do you feel about touring with Band of Horses?

BW: I feel very grateful about it. Those guys are all so kind and have been treating us so well. It's always a privilege when a band invites you to come on the road with them.

IF YOU GO

Who: Band of Horses with Bella White
When: Friday, Oct. 20, 7 p.m.
Where: Rabbit Rabbit, 75 Coxe Ave., rabbitrabbitavl.com
Tickets: $39.50 advance/$45 day of show

(Photo by Bree Fish)