Bella Mackenzie
Album artwork for Bella Mackenzie's Cowboy
When you're a young country artist from a small town in Queensland, life experiences & musical influences blend into a unique sound. That's the story of Bella Mackenzie, a rising star in the Australian country music scene.
From Pub Stages to Country Charts
Growing up in Moranbah, a tiny town in central North Queensland, Mackenzie was surrounded by music from a young age. "We owned the pub out there. It was a one-pub town, & we had live music every weekend," Mackenzie told Pario. This environment exposed her to a wide array of genres & artists, sparking her passion for music.
As a child, she was drawn to artists like Taylor Swift, but it was country music that resonated with Bella the most.
"I think as I got older & understood the lyrics & stories in country music, it started to resonate with me more.”
This connection to country music was deepened by her rural upbringing, frequent visits to her grandfather's cattle farm in Rockhampton, & the rustic lifestyle she knew oh so well.
Crafting a Unique Sound
Mackenzie began writing songs at just 12 years old, capturing her youthful experiences & emotions as she became a teenager.
"At the time, as a teenager, you’re over-dramatising everything," she remarked, reflecting on her early songwriting themes. These ranged from typical teenage concerns to more profound reflections on issues like droughts in her region.
Over the years, her musical tastes & influences broadened. While Taylor Swift's business acumen remained an inspiration, musically, she gravitated towards artists like Chris Stapleton. "I love blues & country rock," Mackenzie noted, highlighting how these genres influenced her evolving sound. This exploration led her to appreciate the depth & storytelling of country music, blending traditional & contemporary elements.
The Making of "Cowboy"
In late 2022, fresh out of high school, Mackenzie embarked on a writing trip to Sydney, eager to refine her musical identity. "I was writing music that was good, but it wasn’t really country to me," she said, describing her quest for a sound that felt true to her roots. This search culminated in the creation of her single Cowboy, a track that epitomises her blend of country, pop, & rock influences.
The song's production was a collaborative effort, involving diverse talents. Mackenzie brought her older brother, an EDM producer, into the studio, along with pop artist Penrose & versatile producer Ryan Miller. "I walked into the session & just said, ‘Let’s write the most country song we’ve written this whole trip,’" she recalled. The result was Cowboy, a song that perfectly captured the fusion of styles she had been aiming for.
Filming the music video for Cowboy on her family's farm in Rockhampton was a full-circle moment for Mackenzie. It was a nod to her roots & a visual representation of her connection to the country lifestyle.
"As soon as they said, ‘Let’s do a video for Cowboy,’ I knew I wanted to do it there!”
As Mackenzie continues to evolve as an artist, she remains focused on crafting music that reflects her authentic self. With a clear vision for her sound & a commitment to storytelling, she’s poised to make waves in the country music scene. Her journey, from a small-town girl to a rising star, is a testament to the power of embracing one’s roots while exploring new horizons.
Follow Bella’s creative journey on social media at: @BellaMackenzieofficial
www.bellamackenzieofficial.com
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