BELLA STINE’S “WASTED POTENTIAL” PROMISES TO BE A STRONG CONTENDER FOR BEST SONG OF THE YEAR

Welcome to Spooky Friday!... wait. Is that not a thing? Well, it is now! I'm happy to introduce the star in the making, Bella Stine. Throughout the last few years, the young musician has carefully curated her teenage experiences into her first EP. According to Bella, music is her sanctuary, and she writes from a very vulnerable place based on her own experiences. Amidst an eclectic modern sound, Bella's music echoes the iconic vibes of Mazzy Star. Inspired by female legends like Gracie Abrams and Phoebe Bridger, she's ready to take the world by surprise. It's going to be epic.

Let's take a closer look at "wasted potential," her debut single/video:

We're introduced to Bella's captivating voice, blended with a haunting rhythm throughout the song. Soon after a burst of emotions blasts through our ears, we're taken into this surreal journey. "Don't you love how it was all good... Then you gave up" With lyrics like this, you know you're in for something! Her message is honest and raw. The song is a reflection of Bella's own personal struggle with loss and disappointment. It expresses a deep sense of longing for something that could have been, and the realization that it's too late now. Her voice conveys the emotion of hopelessness and regret, while the rhythm and melody of the song build an atmosphere of frustration and helplessness. 

The video evokes an eerie vibe throughout. It feels as if it was captured in one of those old VHS cameras. The whole thing reminds me of The Blair Witch Project of all things (yes, I'm weird). In the beginning, we get the image of empty swings, like there's someone we can't see hanging out there. Bella is alone in the playground, surrounded by darkness. I love the video's art direction. It perfectly captures the mood of the song and conveys loneliness and melancholy. The camera shots feel aged, almost like a home video from the past. The use of empty swings set to a darkened background also symbolizes the loneliness Bella is feeling in the video. The combination of the aged camera shots and the aforementioned visuals enhance the song’s gloomy mood.

"wasted potential, like all my songs, is deeply personal and taken from the experience. It captures the slow acceptance of letting go and yet the lingering disappointment in how a situation ended up when there was obviously so much more it could’ve been if maybe a couple of things had been different. Overall, this song reflects the past memories of how a person can affect you and knowing it could’ve been different."

I'm excited to see what else Bella has in store for us! Her debut single is a work of art. It's an excellent example of how music can capture emotions and take the listener on a journey. Bella's music is unique and evocative. We can't wait to hear what she has in store for us next!

BELLAS'S INSTAGRAM

Story by Armando Vera