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The 19-year-old tells us about the moment she knew she wanted to become a country music star and what's on the horizon.
Words Keryn Donnelly Photography Jake Birch
When Bella Mackenzie performed her rendition of Taylor Swift’s ‘Anti-hero’ during The Voice blind auditions last year, all four judges turned their chairs around. Australia was quick to fall in love with the 18-year-old from Moranbah, Queensland, taking her all the way to the semi-finals. In the year since, Bella has become a bona-fide country music star, signing with a major record label and releasing her debut single ‘COWBOY’. Here, she talks to Graziher about the moment she knew she wanted to become a country music artist.
When did you first fall in love with country music?
My dad listened to Bruce Springsteen all the time and my mum loved the Zac Brown Band – so I grew up listening to a mix of rock and country.
When I was 12 years old, we drove into the ‘big city’ of Mackay to see Lee Kernaghan in concert and that was a real turning point for me. That’s when I realised I really loved country music and that I wanted to make my own.
Where was your first gig?
I was 12 years old and it was at a local restaurant. My brother was meant to DJ for them but he was sick, so they asked whether I could play some songs. I got my little set list ready on my iPad, grabbed my guitar and performed for the diners. I was always the kind of kid who would say ‘Hey, mum – watch this!’, so I don’t think I was even nervous.
How would you describe your sound?
Chris Stapleton meets Carrie Underwood.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing music or on tour?
We have a farm in Rockhampton with about 40 head of cattle, so I love to go out there and muster the cattle and help out with other jobs around the farm. And I make fashion content for TikTok – I love putting together different looks and styling different pieces.
Who would you love to collaborate with one day?
Chris Stapleton – he’s such an awesome writer and he’s got an insane voice.
Don’t miss your chance to see Bella Mackenzie perform live, along with Riley Green, Cooper Alan, Josh Ross, Casey Barnes and Mackenzie Porter, at Ridin’ Hearts 2024, the festival that brings country charm to the city. Saturday, November 2, in Sydney and Sunday, November 3, in Melbourne. Tickets are now on sale at the Ridin’ Hearts website.
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