Everyday there are new artist emerging on to the music scene. Not all of them can do it as such a young age. Bethany Becker is one artist you need to pay attention to in the Country music genre. At the age of sixteen she’s been catching a lot of people’s ears (even ours) and is nominated for a HMMA award (Hollywood Music in Media). This Austin, TX singer/song-writer just released her 3 song EP called “Maybe More”, and was recently signed to Spectra Records.
We were able to ask this upcoming artist a few questions. Also be on the lookout for our review of her EP within a few weeks.
I want to say thank you Bethany for taking the time and answering our questions for our readers.
No, thank you! This will be fun.
As an artist who inspired you to become a musician and why?
I was originally inspired, as a lot of young girls are, by all the singer/actress’ on Disney Channel. My first favorite artist was Hillary Duff and after that I became a Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus super fan! However, I would say my first true inspiration was Taylor Swift. She introduced me to country music and gave me a huge appreciation for lyrics and relatable songs. Without her, I don’t know if I would have ever discovered and fallen in love with the kind of music I now create.
What made you write your latest single “Maybe More”?
“Maybe More” is directly inspired by my first heart break. My best guy friend, who I had a major crush on, and I were growing apart and I was really upset about it. I was scared I would never get over him. When the time came to pitch ideas for songs I pitched my story and we combined it with some lyrics and melodies from another song I had written and it became “Maybe More!” I’m super happy with the way it turned out.
The year is almost half way over. What else can we expect from you this year?
Wow, this year is flying by! A lot of exciting things have been happening. I recently signed with Spectra Music Group and am currently working on my first full length album! I also just finished my next official music video for a new song on the album. I’m not sure if either of those will be out before the end of 2015, but I do know that the rest of this year I’ll be working hard booking shows and promoting my music.
Are you doing any big shows were our readers can see you perform live?
Right now I’m mainly performing in and around my hometown of Austin, TX, but hope to expand to more areas soon! You can always find my live show schedule on BethanyBecker.com.
Have you started your next project?? If so what is the thyme of it?
I’m currently working on my first full album! It will include the three songs I have out right now as well as others and will walk the line between country and pop. It’s a goal of mine to create music that impacts people on a personal level, so I’m working to make the album as real and relatable as possible. When I write, I will continue to pull experiences and stories from my personal life and the lives of people I see around me. I’m really excited to see how it turns out.
What has been the best part of your career so far?
Getting to watch my wildest dreams come true and do what I love professionally! I have gotten to meet so many amazingly talented people with such kind hearts and there have been so many incredible moments including recording and writing in Nashville, releasing my first EP, and being a nominee at The Hollywood Music in Media Awards. I still can’t believe I get to do the things I do.
Has any other artist given you advice on this career path? If they did what was it?
I’ve had a lot of professionals in the music industry give me a lot of incredible advice throughout my journey so far. Most of it boils down to working hard and jumping at every opportunity that comes my way. They tell me that the more work and passion I put into my music and the more opportunities I seek out and pursue the farther I’ll go. I once had someone tell me that they’ve seen and worked with some incredible artists that didn’t “make it” almost solely because they didn’t jump at the opportunities placed in front of them. There’s no way I’d be where I am in my career right now if these people hadn’t expressed the importance of persistent hard work to me.
Being so young do you feel like people in this business treat you differently then artist who are older?
Not really. I mean, of course people know I’m younger and aren’t going to talk to me like I’m forty, but I never feel looked down upon because I am still a teenager. If anything, people respect me and see potential in me as a young artist, making my age an advantage!
What are you listening to all the time lately?
I always love Carrie Underwood and all of the awesome women of country music, but lately I’ve just been turning on KASE 101 and rocking out to country radio! There’s a lot of cool and catchy new music out right now and I love to discover new songs. I recently discovered “Love Me Like You Mean It” by Kelsea Ballerini and I think it has an awesome message and is super catchy! It’s probably not the best idea to be deciphering lyrics from my car radio while I’m trying to drive to school, but I can’t help it.
I like this ask this question to everyone I interview. If someone is thinking about doing music as their career what advice would you give them?
Go for it with all you’ve got! It’s super awesome to get to do what you love for your job! It requires A LOT of passion and hard work, but it’s all worth it. A lot of people will tell you it’s impossible, but I promise you that if you’re willing to put in the effort it’s completely possible.
