Q&A: Bella Stine Transforms Hurt into Musical Catharsis Through ‘i know you’re awake’
I KNOW YOU’RE AWAKE IS A HEARTFELT EXPLORATION OF THE INTRICACIES OF HEALING AFTER HEARTACHE. Bella Stine's music draws from her personal experiences, making it profoundly relatable to anyone who has grappled with unrequited love or the aftermath of a painful breakup.
What's striking about Stine's journey is how her music served as a transformative outlet. She found solace and healing through the creation of these songs, using them as a means to cope with emotional turmoil. Now, reflecting on the project, she sees it as a testament to her growth and resilience. Her pain has been beautifully transmuted into a source of strength and self-love, and her music carries this empowering message.
For those who connect with Bella Stine's music, it offers a sense of universality and comfort in shared human experiences. Her EP reminds us that we're not alone in our struggles; others have navigated similar pains and emerged stronger. Regardless of whether you've experienced heartbreak, her music is a compelling voyage through the spectrum of human emotions.
In a recent interview with Luna, Stine discusses how each track encapsulates the phases of letting go, from the initial confusion and pain to taking control and dealing with the aftermath.
LUNA: Your EP, i know you're awake, explores the different phases of letting go of someone, from confusion and pain to taking matters into your own hands and handling the aftermath. Could you share a bit more about the inspirations that led to this emotional journey in your music?
STINE: I always draw from life to allow my music to be as authentic as possible. So obviously because of that I had centered this ep around how vulnerable I was around the time that I wrote each of the songs. I experienced feelings I had never felt before so everything was super prevalent for me at the time which made the person who influenced it all the main premise.
LUNA: It's evident that this EP delves deep into the complexities of healing after a difficult experience. How did the process of creating these songs help you personally in transforming hurt into something you can love?
STINE: I’m glad to say now I’m completely healed and indifferent with the past experiences that gave me the motivation for these songs, but during the process each song had different levels of feelings. For “Wasted Potential” it was just super cool seeing my thoughts be made into a song because I was still very new to being in the studio so I was able to get my mind off of the problems to an extent. For the others I was more stressed and emotional so I used those sessions in the studio as a coping mechanism somewhat by putting all of my feelings into the music. In the end, any pain and issues I had brought out music that I’m so proud of and no negative association will ever made for me with this ep, I love it and I’m so excited about it.
LUNA: Many listeners may resonate with the emotions you've poured into this EP. What message or feeling do you hope they take away from listening to your music?
STINE: I really hope listeners who relate to the music find it comforting to know that their experiences are universal and they’re not by themselves with handling pain. Even if one can’t exactly relate I hope they enjoy the songs overall!
LUNA: Could you expand on the significance of the EP title and how it ties into the themes and emotions explored in the music?
STINE: The most important song for me is “Click or Crash.” The opening line is the namesake of the ep and that was the first part of the song I wrote last October in the middle of the night in my room. The title is the acceptance of the distance that one makes that inflicts confusion and anxiety and knowing that they’re choosing to not reciprocate your same efforts. All of the songs are based around the pain caused from unexplained distance and each aspect of handling it.
LUNA: Share a favorite memory for making this project.
STINE: One of my favorite memories of this entire project was how fast we wrote the “Wasted Potential.” I came in that day with only those two words and almost instantly the lyrics and melody came together.
LUNA: How do you envision your music evolving beyond this EP?
STINE: After this, I’m excited for my music to cover new subjects and how I can leave the inspiration for this ep with just this ep. They did their job and it’s done. I’m hoping to possibly expand on what my sound is somewhat while still keeping true to my writing style. Since writing the ep, I’ve found new artists and genres that I feel will inspire what I write from now on. I’m excited to work on putting new stuff out.
LUNA: What can you share about the visual end of this project?
STINE: The visual aspects are based around a soft color palette for the most part with blues, purple, and pink. A striking red will make an appearance too. I’m pretty much consistently wearing a mix of classic feminine pieces with a modern edge. I love usage of vhs and glitching that have made appearances in my music videos.
LUNA: What intuitions do you have for this fall season?
STINE: Focusing on what really matters personally is a big one. I’m wanting to create more music and enjoy my junior year of high school. Last fall was my “sad girl era” (great for music purposes haha) but I’m planning on making this fall a really positive and memorable one.
