Today sees the release of Kaleigh Bell’s debut album Tomorrow is a Better Day, which was produced and mixed by Jon Shaban at Sit the Folk Down studio and mastered by Tim Lengfeld.
Kaleigh Bell comments on Tomorrow is a Better Day
“This album pretty much sums up my journey through life so far – the ups, the downs, the heartbreaks and happiness. There is no single point of inspiration in which this album was created from, it’s truly just snapshots of my life and what I was feeling and going through at a certain points in time.
Recording this album has been such a beautiful journey, from the first day I met with Jon and Kevin at the studio up until the release day. The songs on the album were chosen so organically. The team and I listened to all the songs I put forward and were in full agreement on the 13 songs we chose to record. When recording each song, I really tried to dive deep into what inspired that song and tap into the emotions I felt in the moment I wrote it.
When I sit and listen to the finished product, it honestly brings me to tears. It makes me realise how much I’ve grown, how much I’ve overcome and how music has always been such a huge part of my life. Song writing is my escape from reality and my way of figuring out exactly what I am thinking or feeling. I often find it hard to express myself, but then I can write a song in minutes and it says exactly what I have been trying to say. I have tried to put as much of my heart and soul into this album as I possibly can.
Each person goes through their own journey in life and this album shows a part of mine. I cannot wait to see where my music career goes but all I know is that I want to keep on going! The team at STFD have been incredible, we worked so well together on each song and I wouldn’t have been able to make this album without them.”
More info about Kaleigh Bell
Kayleigh Bell, new kid on the block on the Cape Town music scene, hails from the Eastern Cape where she has been making waves with her Indie/Folk music for some years. Kayleigh has always had a knack for music. She started playing piano by ear from the age of 5.
While in high school, Kayleigh saved money through odd jobs to buy her first guitar. She taught herself how to play it and performed her originals for friends. She did not venture into performing for the public though, until a friend convinced her to step on stage at an “open mic night.” That marked the start of her journey, as invitations to perform at various events and concerts flooded in.
Kayleigh went on to study at Rhodes University, and it was there that she was given the platform to progress in her genre and find her voice, as she became a popular local act in Grahamstown, regularly performing at bars, pubs and social events. The gigs provided much needed funds to support herself through her studies.
In-between tutoring Maths to High School students, and her gigs, Kayleigh achieved a Bachelor of Commerce in Information Systems and Management, followed by a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours in Information Systems. Proof that she’s not just a pretty face.
She arrived in Cape Town in January 2019 to take up a position in Data Analysis, and launched herself into the Cape Town music scene, gaining traction as a refreshing act, especially with her original compositions. Her live performances have been described as “honest, raw, gritty, and catchy”.
The Indie songwriter’s inspiration comes from a place of vulnerability, clearly based on personal experiences. The distinctive style of performers like Birdy, Florence Welsh, Billie Martin, and Adele have been a huge influence, helping to pave her way as a performer.
You can download / stream Tomorrow is a Better Day HERE.
Watch this space for updates in the Music category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
