The glittery, soulful vibes of Bella Paton’s music are designed to bring to mind the late summer sky at sunset, almost dark with blue and purple-pink hues, driving home with someone you love.

We chatted to the talented songstress about her latest single, ‘Mad Girls’.

What’s your new single Mad Girls about?

People say it’s risky choosing music as a career. I hear a lot of uninformed opinions and assumptions about it and this song is about ignoring that. I’m doing it anyway, and that’s kind of wild. I just want a loyal group of listeners who come to my shows, who see themselves in my music, I want to make the best music I can. Self-expression is beautiful and helps us survive.

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

Lana Del Ray, lyrically has a very colourful way of expressing things. Her ‘Norman Fucking Rockwell!’ album from 2019 has such bold lyrics, “Fear, fun, fearless, fresh out of fucks forever” (Venice Beach) I love the way it grabs your attention. I love the way the alliteration sounds. Then, in Mariner’s Apartment Complex she writes, “You’re lost at sea, then I’ll command your boat to me again”. There’s a sense she can command the waves. The ocean is such a powerful force, but she sings about having so much love for someone you can do impossible things.

What are the biggest challenges you face as an artist?

For an introvert it’s hard to promote yourself. Then there is the absolutely crippling terror of waiting to see who’s going to show up to shows and the biggest reward is when they do. It’s an investment in what you’re doing. There's also always the times when you just have nothing to write about and the music you are putting together isn't satisfying the creative itch, maybe there is no creative itch at the time.

The pursuit of inspiration is an ongoing chase.

What is your favourite live music venue on the Gold Coast?

Mo’s Desert Clubhouse is full of art, the stage is amazing, you can put visuals behind you. The place is full of guitars and gear. I watched Geniie Boy there recently, and they had one of their videos up on the wall behind them while they were playing. It’s great that they have that multimedia capacity. There's also a fridge in the green room. That helps.

What’s your favourite festival?

Falls Festival is my favourite so far. On New Year’s Day 2020 I played in the Smirnoff Tent, and then I saw Of Monsters and Men. It was a great day, and there was this feeling that I was where I was meant to be. That didn't really translate into what 2020 was for us all but it was a great moment.

The video for 'Mad Girls' will be out in mid-April, featuring some crazy antics at Doodle Bugs indoor play centre. Follow @bellapaton_music for more info, and take a listen to 'Mad Girls' below;