Although still in the early days of her music career, Queensland country-pop singer-songwriter Bella Mackenzie has already accrued a number of notable accomplishments, including landing two hit songs on commercial country radio stations ('Dance In The Rain' and 'Ain't For You').
A native of Mackay, Bella solidified her 'emerging artist' status last year when she was awarded the inaugural 2021 KIX-Start main prize, a talent contest aligned with Groundwater Country Music Festival (on the Gold Coast) – the prize includes an appearance performing at the 2022 festival later this month.Mackenzie recently released her newest single '1,2,3 You And Me', which was the product of her 2021 prize package and was co-written with Bryce Sainty and produced by multi–Golden Guitar winner Rod McCormack.
"Winning KIX-Start was such an honour boosting my career from the second I won," shares Bella.
"The support from KIX Country, Groundwater Country Music Festival, and everyone else involved has been so amazing.
"I could never have imagined a year ago that I would have accomplished what I have today, which includes releasing two singles and playing major festivals.
"I have had my biggest year yet with so much more to come and I urge anyone thinking about applying to just do it! You never know if you don't have a go."
Ahead of her appearance at Groundwater Country Music Festival, we get to know more about Bella's music as well as her off-stage personality.
Who is... I'm Bella Mackenzie, a contemporary country artist from Mackay, Queensland. I have always loved to sing since I was a kid but I started playing ukulele and guitar as well as writing songs when I was 12 years old.
Since then I have released five singles and performed at some of Australia's leading music festivals. These include Groundwater Country Music Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival, NQ Rock'n Country Music Festival and more.
I am also a brand ambassador for Wrangler, Bullzeye, Pure Western, Thomas Cook, Twisted X, and ZALA Hair Extensions.
I sound like... A mix between country rock, and country pop. I draw influence from a variety of genres such as soul and blues, R&B, country, rock and pop which gives me a distinct sound while still remaining country.
My first gig was... When I was 12 at a little restaurant in Mackay called Claudies and I stood in for my older brother who was meant to DJ there that night, but was unable to make it. I played my first ever three-hour set and loved it!
In the studio I usually... I love the studio. It is my happy place. I find that when I am in the studio I can truly express my creativity and feelings, and make a song come alive which is such an amazing process to be involved in.
If I could tour with anyone... It would be Carrie Underwood. The production of her shows are insane and it is amazing to see the attention to detail that goes into it. Just being around someone like Carrie, who is so experienced in the industry, would be such an amazing experience.
Social media is... @bellamackenzieofficial on all platforms.
My favourite app at the moment is... TikTok because I feel like I can connect with fans easily and really show my true self.
@bellamackenzieofficial a cycle #fyp #backtoblack #foryou ♬ original sound - <3
Life on the road... Is so much fun and although you get tired and just want to sleep in your own bed sometimes, the people who come to yours gigs make it all worth it.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that the rider contains... I'm not fussy with riders, all I ask is there is water because you can never have too much of that.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? It would definitely be Nashville, Tennessee. There are just musicians, writers and performers everywhere you look, which is so much fun.
@bellamackenzieofficial #fyp #foryou #nashville ♬ original sound - Morgan
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Cody Johnson because I admire him and his music so much and always have. He represents himself as a hard-working, respectful artist and I know I would learn so much about not only the industry, but life by talking to him.
The second person would be Breland because ever since I watched him at CMC Rocks, I have been so obsessed with his music and vibe. He came out with so much energy and gratitude and would be so much fun.
The third person would be Chris Stapleton because I have been a fan of his for years. His storytelling through songwriting is impeccable and I feel like that would carry over into his life stories.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? I can't cook, so probably plain old spaghetti bolognese.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? I love my pets! I have a British bulldog named Zac Brown and a cat called King Jullian. Both of them are such characters.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Yesterday.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? I hate taking out the bin.
Do you have any phobias... Not that I have discovered yet.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? I don't think I would ever partake in a reality TV show, but you never know what the future has in store.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? Can never go wrong with a bit of Chinese food. . . in my opinion.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? I feel like Kath from 'Kath & Kim' best describes my personality because she is a bogan at heart, always full of fun and loves to have a crack at herself every now and then.
Last show you binge-watched? 'Love Island UK' gets me hooked every time!
Groundwater Country Music Festival is free and takes place in Broadbeach (Gold Coast) 28-30 October.
Groundwater Country Music Festival 2022 Line-up
SeaforthAndrew Farriss
Tami Neilson
Andrew Swift
Jayne Denham
The Viper Creek Band
Darlinghurst
Chloe Styler
Montgomery Church
Hayley Marsden
Sweet Talk
Bella Mackenzie
Max Jackson
Bud Rokesky
Michael Carpenter And The Banks Brothers
Rex G Miller
Rae Leigh
Dane Sharp
Who join the already announced:
Fanny Lumsden
Travis Collins
Brooke Mcclymont & Adam Eckersley
Catherine Britt
Gina Jeffreys
Kirsty Lee Akers
Kaylee Bell
Dan Davidson
Hayley Jensen
Kristy Cox
Andy Golledge
Lachlan Bryan & The Wilds
Dozzi
Open Season Band
Southbound XO
Cass Hopetoun
Raechel Whitchurch
Whistle Dixie
Abbie Ferris
Freight Train Foxes
DJ Colonel's Country Music Cottage
