Bella Nominated for WAM Song of the Year Award
- July 2, 2020
Having a song, you’ve written and performed on Spotify would have to be the dream for many young girls. However, for talented Year 9 student, Bella Mowday, it’s now a reality. Bella has been nominated for a Western Australian Music (WAM) Song of the Year Award. She is one of six nominees in the Schools 14 & Under category for her song The Lighthouse.
The songs are anonymously and independently judged by music industry experts and offer a rare exposure opportunity for Western Australian songwriters to showcase their talents to industry professionals.
We asked Bella about her music.
How did you come to be nominated for the Under 14 WAM Song of the Year?
After I finished my song, I decided that I wanted to see where It could take me. So, I jumped at the first opportunity I could and that happened to be the Song of the Year competition by Western Australian Music (WAM).
When did you start singing?
I started singing when I was in Year 6, as it has always been a passion of mine. Helen Shanahan was my first ever vocal coach and as a singer/songwriter herself, she was the perfect mentor to guide me and help me learn to control my vocal cords and use music as a form of self-expression. I am now having voice lessons with Kelly Read, and have also had some guitar lessons with Grace Armstrong. We are very lucky to have such great music tutors at Santa Maria.
How long have you been writing songs?
I have only been writing songs for around a year. I found that it is very therapeutic and can help me creatively express my emotions.
Who is your biggest influence/favourite musician?
My biggest musical influences would be past Santa Maria student Helen Shanahan (2005), Billie Eilish and Ruel Van Dijk. I love Billie’s style of music, as it is what I aspire for my music to be like (along with her lyrics that are amazingly put together). Ruel is my favourite musician because as an Australian teenager he has achieved so much.
What does this nomination mean to you?
This nomination is very important to me because it is the first step in my music career. As Lighthouse is my first ever song, I am so happy that I was lucky enough to be nominated for it.
What was your inspiration behind your song Lighthouse?
The inspiration behind Lighthouse is the emotions that one experiences during a one-sided relationship/friendship.
What’s next for you with your songwriting/singing?
I am planning to continue songwriting and release more singles in the near future. Hopefully, my songwriting will allow others to relate to similar challenges and experiences in life, and find comfort in it. My goal is to one day write someone’s favourite song.
The award winners will be announced on 20 July.
Congratulations Bella and wish you all the best for the final judging.
- Featured
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.