C.O.B.S. MAGAZINE:
Welcome to C.O.B.S. Magazine Artist’s Corner. We are elated to have the pleasure of speaking to New Orleans native singer, songwriter, and actress Belle Lundon. Belle is hoping to continue to create a lifestyle of integrity, success, and happiness. We will be discussing her journey to becoming the artist that she is today. Belle, can you give
us a little insight into your upbringing?
BELLE LUNDON:
I am the youngest of three siblings and my parents have been married for 53 years. I spent half of my schooling in Houston, Texas because of my father’s job transfer. During my upbringing in Houston, my mom would take me to acting & modeling class. When my family moved back to my hometown during high school, I continued my studies at the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts. My parents were very supportive of my dreams from a young age. My love for music and film never faded, and my parents still believe in my success now.
C.O.B.S. MAGAZINE:
When did you discover your love for music? Once you discovered your love for music, is that moment you knew you wanted to become an artist? What genre of music
would you categorize yourself? Who were your influencers?
BELLE LUNDON:
I discovered my love for music at the age of two. The pastor would hand me the microphone at the end of the church to sing a gospel song to close out the service. It was a tradition every Sunday for me to sing at the end of service; it is the reason I am never shy to sing in front of a crowd. Around the same age, I admired Raven Symone on The Cosby Show. After seeing an actress on television that was my age, I knew this was a career I wanted to pursue. My love for songwriting came shortly afterward because I always wanted to express my inner thoughts through lyrics. I particularly love to sing jazz, rhythm & blues, and pop music. Michael Jackson & Patty LaBelle influenced me most at a young age. Patty Labelle taught me the letter “X” on an episode of Sesame Street. In second grade, I would have my dad mail letters to Michael Jackson (I wonder if he ever read one.) I even wrote to MJ’s music label, and the label (Epic Records) wrote back to me once. The label encouraged me to sing as much as possible and never stop singing if it is my passion.
C.O.B.S. MAGAZINE:
Can you tell us about your single Many Different Wayz and the story behind the song?
BELLE LUNDON:
One night I went out salsa dancing and wind up meeting someone who spoke several different languages. We danced the entire night! On our way home, I wrote the hook to Many Different Wayz on a napkin. I finished the entire song a few minutes later once I got home. The next day I met with my friend, Kalani (@Kalaniondabeat), to create the instrumental and record the song. Soon after, I filmed the music video with Kalani’s partner, Carl (Frank’N’Land Studios) in the
green room set up in the same building. The music video can be seen on YouTube and heard on all streaming platforms.
C.O.B.S. MAGAZINE:
In your bio, I read you tried out for American Idol. How was that journey and how did you get through the auditions?
BELLE LUNDON:
Sometimes I look back and wonder what would have happened if I continued my
journey on American Idol. At that same time, that opportunity awarded me to
book a television film for Lifetime Network television. I feel contests just aren’t for me. My passion for music is not a game to me. I have been supporting myself since the age of 18, therefore, when I have to make choices, I have to choose gigs that are going to pay me. Up until now, I have been
doing everything on my own by paying for all my music videos and recording sessions on my dime, without any help from a manager or booking agent.
C.O.B.S. MAGAZINE:
You are not only a singer and songwriter but also an actress. Can you talk about your journey as an actress, and do you have any future projects that you are currently working on or will be released soon?
BELLE LUNDON:
I studied at the California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, CA. While I was there, I
learned a lot about my vocal instrument, Shakespeare, Tai Chi, and the Stanislavsky method of acting. Immediately after Cal Arts, I attended the Sanford Meisner Center in Los Angeles. I also studied with many great acting coaches such as Ivana Chubbuck, Amy Lyndon, and most recently,
Mark Tillman (who studied from Sanford Meisner himself!). My next film release will be with 20th Century Fox called, Other Side of Infinity. I would describe the film as a future cult classic. It is a very powerful film with timely messages on current topics and matters of today.
BELLE LUNDON C.O.B.S. MAGAZINE:
The community tends to hate beautiful female artists. Have you experienced that type of hate and how do you deal with it? Do you ever get the wrong type of attention? How do deal with the negative energy that comes with being an artist? How much of a role do you feel social media plays?
BELLE LUNDON:
To be honest, I think because I’m so petite, people don’t feel intimidated by me. I’m 5’1 and 107 lbs. I once hated my height because I wanted to model. Currently, size and shape no longer matter to me or in this industry as much. It’s so great that people finally realize that beauty comes
from all human forms. I think it’s more important to know what you stand for! Besides, I currently model with some of the best photographers in Houston! Shout out to Rueben Stunner (@stunnerstudios) who shot my photos featured in this article. To answer your question about social
media it’s everything! Social media can be an avenue for good or evil. It can be used for hate speech or spreading positivity. I believe in kindness, health, wellness, and creating a better world for our youth. You never know what a person is going through and a simple act of lending an ear to someone can help improve someone’s mental health. I also believe if we all contributed a little more, we could eradicate hunger in this world. We may not have the means to save the world, but smiles are always free.
C.O.B.S. MAGAZINE:
In 2020 one of the songs, you wrote and recorded won an award. Can you tell us what award you won and the name of the song? Was this a game-changer for your
career?
BELLE LUNDON:
I won a W.A.M. award in the best gospel song category. My Soul to Keep was originally written for a scene in a horror film. My past experiences in life have provided the caveat of emotions that I’m able to easily pull from place to place into my lyrics and acting roles.
C.O.B.S. MAGAZINE:
What is one of the greatest lessons that you have learned thus so far? Who do you feel your greatest supporters have been through your journey? What is the best advice you have ever been given?
BELLE LUNDON:
I am still learning to this day. I think that is the beauty of life. Even though I know I inhibit certain habits or characteristics, I’m still learning who I am. Sometimes I often wonder if God has His favorites. Why wasn’t I born a rich girl? Why am I not related to anyone in the industry? Why why why? I could go on and on with my questions. But the thing is, I have a beautiful life. I get to create without the pressures of having to please anyone. I have true relationships with people who love me now before fame and money. To me, I feel we are all like seeds in the soil. You can’t necessarily see what God is doing because the roots all grow underneath the soil. Sometimes, there will be weeds that sprout around us. The weeds are things you cannot control such as
gatekeepers, haters, nonbelievers, or even traumatic or unfortunate circumstances. When those bad experiences happen, we tend to want to pull out of the weeds. God wants us to have unwavering faith (or at least faith as big as a mustard seed). When we try to control or take matters into our own hands, we might just damage the roots by pulling out the weeds. You don’t
want to mess with God’s plan. Instead, be patient. My greatest supporters are my
parents. I’ve been advised to “keep going” or “stay tenacious” but the best advice I’ve
gotten was from my parents who taught me to always “trust in the Lord” and believe in myself. It is the advice I try to live by daily.
C.O.B.S. MAGAZINE:
Can you share with our readers the value of strength it takes to be a female artist? What are you currently in the studio working on? Where does Bella see herself in the next 5 years?
BELLE LUNDON:
I believe strength comes from knowledge. Know your craft. I still rehearse every chance I get. I still take scene study classes and vocal lessons. I believe that your strength comes from the power of knowledge. I’m always in the studio continuously making new music. My next song called “More
Remix” is based on the YouTube channel called “Soft White Underbelly”, where I play a homeless addict. Soon after I will release another song called “Don’t You”, featuring two amazing artists JurnyV & DHayez (@jurnyv and @never_change_hayes). Five years from now, I hope to eventually write, direct, and produce films. I want to travel the world, and I want to continue to be of service to others.
C.O.B.S. MAGAZINE:
Can you please share where your music is available for purchase as well as your social media platforms for our readers to stay connected with you and your journey? Thank you for your time and we wish you continuous success.
BELLE LUNDON:
First and foremost, thank you for taking the time to get to know me. I love what this magazine stands for. From the moment I was reached out by the magazine, I was referred to as a “Queen”. To be called a queen is so beautiful. Your kindness and recognition are forever appreciated! My music can be found on all streaming platforms. Stay subscribed and connected because I have so much more music and films to come. Peace, love, and blessings to you all! Xoxo, Bel. Here is all my so more music & films to come. Peace, love, and blessings to you all! Xoxo, Bel.
Check Out This Behind the Scenes Look Into "Don't You"
