A Diva State of Mind

This month’s Diva Spotlight is provided by J. Bennings!

Singer/songwriter Katrina Bello is an up and coming R&B artist.  A native of the D.C. Metropolitan area, this DIVA has been singing for as long as she can remember and has one of the most soulful voices I’ve ever heard.

After attending the University of Pittsburgh for 2 years in pursuit of a nursing degree, she boldly decided to follow her dreams of being an artist and transferred to Berklee School of Music in Boston where she studies Music Business/Management. Her ultimate goal is to become a recording artist and she’s making positive strides by recording both original music as well as covers of popular songs. She recently released a mix tape titled The Boiling Point which features some of her original music.

Raised by Nigerian parents, music was a major part of her upbringing. It was at the age of 12 or 13 that she realized she wanted to pursue music. When asked what artist she admires or looks up to she says “old school artists such as Prince, Chaka Khan, Tracy Chapman, and Eric Clapton.”  Some of her current favorites include Miguel, Jazmine Sullivan, Keri Hilson, and Melanie Fiona. She adds “I could go on forever because I can usually find something to appreciate in most artists. As long as they are doing what is true and unique to them to the best of their ability, I respect them.  We all have something unique to share!” She is a huge fan of who she calls “Beyzus” (Beyonce) and admits that Lauryn Hill is her by far her favorite artist.

When it comes to writing music, she finds her inspiration from life experiences. “I’m just passionate about experiencing things on my own and observing experiences of others. Maxwell said live first, create later.” She views songwriting as storytelling, and wants people to take real life stories away from her music.

I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to watch her grow not just as an artist but as a true friend. Her songs really do tell a story. Her unique voice draws listeners in and we can all relate to the stories her lyrics tell. So this month, let’s shine the DIVA Spotlight on Ms. Katrina Bello. 

Check out 2 of her original songs below:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPLEXcTe1BY

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TOeZSx5MRwc&feature=related

You can follow her at @KBello, and watch her videos at youtube.com/katrinabello. You can also find her mixtape The Boiling Point at katrinabello.bandcamp.com

Thanks J. Bennings for your Diva Spotlight.  I hope Katrina’s story will inspire others to have faith and follow their dreams. You only live once so you might as well live on purpose!