Bella Barton

Name, where are you from?
My name's Bella Barton and I’m from South East London.

Describe your style in three words?
Vibrant, flamboyant, and dynamic.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
One of the best gigs I’ve ever been to was Kendrick Lamar’s 2018 DAMN tour, at the O2 in London. His performance was amazing, I was just gripped and the whole audience was so engrossed in it. I remember not being able to take my eyes off him, it was a great night.

If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
One of the bands would have to be The Slits, mainly because I think the gig would be so energetic and unpredictable and I’ve just been a big fan of them for years. I think I’d also choose Bjork just because she’s one of my favourite artists and such an icon. Bjork's Debut album inspired a lot of my writing years ago, in both my music and poetry, so when I listen to her now I feel quite nostalgic.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
At quite a young age, queer and feminist punk subcultures like queercore and riot grrrl definitely influenced both my music and my dress sense, because they helped me to express my sexuality freely, and to not hide away from being as loud and unapologetic as I wanted to, visually and sonically.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
This is such a difficult one, but I’d probably spend it with Amy Winehouse, mainly because I’d want to know where she got all of her inspiration from musically, but also just because she seemed to be so funny and genuine - it would be interesting to get to know her.

Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
I think my favourite venue I’ve played was The Savoy in central London, because it was nothing like any other venues I’ve played. I’m used to playing at bars or pub venues so I can’t even describe how strange it was in comparison. Staff were coming up to me and offering free champagne, it was surreal. I also just love playing different venues all over London, no matter the size.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
I feel like Polystyrene (from X-Ray Spex) never received the amount of respect or recognition that she should have as one of the greatest punk artists in history. I'm sure everyone can agree that 'Germfree Adolescents' is an incredible album, and it will definitely always be one of my favourites.

You can catch Bella Barton performing at the Amersham Arms, London on 11th September 2021 for the FACEMELT ALL DAYER. Event details can be found on Facebook and tickets are available through eventbrite.com.