
Hi Belle Aire and welcome to College Radio Charts! How has your autumn been so far?
I’ve been enjoying the cooler weather and I am excited to bring out my boots, cozy sweaters and my snuggie. I love that we are moving into the holiday season, spending time with family, and creating memories.
“It’s Time to Vote” is an anthem with a message. What inspired you to bring this kind of urgency to the dance floor?
The message of my song “It’s Time to Vote” was inspired by my father, a passionate advocate for living your dreams, giving back, and fostering community unity; he taught me that coming together as a people is essential for making a difference in the world. His belief that change starts with each individual motivates me to encourage others to get out there and vote, to ensure their voices are heard, to speak their truth, and to stand up for what they believe in.
You’ve described voting as “one of the most powerful tools we have.” Can you talk about a moment in your life when voting felt especially impactful for you?
I watched my father fight against racial discrimination while working as a Firefighter. I watched him fight for 10 years, and he win! He won by using both his voice and his vote, which put the right people in office. Voting is important to me because of what my father instilled in me, and encouraging others to vote embodies my father’s legacy! My dad fought for the right just to vote. So growing up, I witnessed firsthand the impact of civic engagement and the power of what voting can accomplish. He always emphasized that our voices matter and that real change begins when individuals step up. And it’s important to vote on every level, not just federal. We are living in a time where we can easily become overwhelmed by the political wars and social divides. This song serves as a simple reminder that we all have a say in what happens. If you choose not to exercise our voice, it’s more than a wasted opportunity, it’s a gross neglect of the responsibility we all have to make the future our society a better place for everyone. By encouraging people to vote, I hope to ignite a collective spirit of action and purpose. I want to empower people to create the change they wish to see.
Working with Chico Bennett, who’s collaborated with legends like Lady Gaga, must have been intense. What did he bring to the table that you feel took this song to the next level?
Collaborating with Chico Bennett on “It’s Time to Vote” was nothing short of transformative. Chico has worked with icons like Lady Gaga, Usher, and Madonna. He has an incredible talent for bringing ideas to life…and it was no different with him working on this project. Chico’s unwavering confidence and keen sense of direction quickly dispelled any early concerns on my end. His vision was clear. This was to be an anthem with a powerful message that would resonate with everyone who hears it.
The beat on this track is infectious, but the message is serious. How did you balance those two elements to create a song that’s both fun and meaningful?
Again, that goes back to Chico’s leadership and direction. Working together, we really wanted to create a song that’s not only fun to listen to, but also one that inspires people to take action.
This isn’t your first time using your music for a cause. How do you see your role as an artist intersecting with social issues?
You never know where your path will lead, but I always want to be present, adaptable, and socially conscious. I see my role as a powerful conduit for change. Even if we don’t speak the same language, we vibe and unite through music—our universal language of love.
Your roots in San Diego and the vibrant Southern California culture have influenced your sound. How did growing up there shape you as an artist?
Growing up in Southern California has had a very big influence on my sound. I mean, Hollywood is right here. So Church, listening to and being inspired by artists like Whitney, Celine Dione and Adele, can all be counted as attributors to my craft. If we really want to go back, my parents also kept me active with musical plays at Jr. Theater, acting classes at the Old Globe, and dance lessons that built my confidence. Those disciplines instilled in me the confidence I needed to achieve all the dreams I have. I think this is part of the reason I am so big on giving back to communities that helped shape you. There’s no age limit to this journey—and every experience leads to an opportunity for learning. My love for EDM, techno, and house music reflects those early experiences for me. I like to think that my vibe is a vibe that transcends words. I hope that what I create allows everyone to be their authentic selves and soar like butterflies in a limitless sky. There’s room for everyone if they are willing to do the work to get there.
Do you come from a musical family? What are some of your earliest musical memories?
I absolutely come from a musical family! From singing in church with my dad from at home entertainment with family and friends. It was music for all times and all occasions. You couldn’t even finish your own song without someone coming around the corner and completing it. Most notable of the singers in my family was my aunt Janice. She was in an all-girls group similar to the Supremes. They traveled all over the state. With the hopes of making it big, but life took her in a different direction.
EDM is all about creating a high-energy vibe, but “It’s Time to Vote” shows that it can also be a vehicle for deeper messages. What do you think this says about the evolution of the genre?
I think that the evolution of this genre is being driven by the evolution of the consciousness of the genre’s artist. I believe, as artist continue social consciousness, the genre will continue to expand. And let’s face it, consciousness is high vibration.
The lyrics have this rallying call that feels inclusive-was that intentional, and what do you hope listeners take away from the song?
Inclusivity and unity were thee objectives. We are engaging upon one of the most politically divisive elections in our nation’s history. Because it’s so politically divided the songs message of inclusivity and unity is a reminder that we are still one we may think differently hold different beliefs but we are one united we stand.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received that’s helped you navigate the music industry and stay grounded?
That one’s easy! Stay true to yourself.
You’ve teamed up with major names like Gemini and Dark Child before. How do you choose collaborators, and what do you look for in a partnership?
Funny that you asked Gemini and Dark Child actually found me. Gemini and I met at a restaurant where I was in my signature Belle Aire Tutu when he struck up a conversation and the next thing you know we were working together.
What’s a dream collaboration you’d love to make happen for your next project?
Working with David Guetta and Bruno Mars that would be the dream. I like Bruno Mars for his vocals, style and arrangements, and David Guetta’s production! I don’t know if it could get any better than that.
https://belleairemusic.com/