Bethany Becker

 

She wasn't always so self-assured and adventurous. It's been a tough and rewarding journey for Bethany Becker whose original sound is now cascading through the airwaves as her new country single ‘I Want Love’ rockets up the charts.

Bethany Becker brings an exquisite sensitivity to her music, creating an authentic sound that simultaneously honors and breaks the traditional rules of songwriting. It is an approach that is earning this artist out of Austin, Texas much acclaim lately and has propelled their debut radio single ‘I Want Love’ to the top of the charts. One critic recently went so far as to comment: ‘Bethany Becker's voice has that 'just so' quality required to make credible country music - but 'I Want Love' is also remarkable for its expert songcraft and flawless instrumentation; a chart-vaulting effort.’ Reporter Lauren Scott recently caught up with Bethany Becker to learn more about this intriguing artist, their artistic inspirations and plans for the future.

LAUREN: Let's just get this out in the open- What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
BETHANY BECKER: I feel like my entire career is crazy. Haha, I know that sounds like an easy-way-out answer, but it’s true. I can’t believe I’ve had the opportunity to write and record an album with the help of amazing music professionals that I used to read about and see on stage at the Grammys. It’s absolutely insane. I feel like I’m living in a dream.

LAUREN: Your song ’I Want Love’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
BETHANY BECKER: It was surreal. Of course I was crazy excited, but it was much less of a screaming-jumping-up and-down excited as it was a heart-pounding-I-can’t-believe-this-is-happening excited. It’s one of those career milestones you think about as an artist, and once it comes to pass it’s just a really cool feeling.

LAUREN: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
BETHANY BECKER: I wanted to write a song about real love. I saw a lot of people stuck in dead end, just-for-fun relationships destined to crash and burn and lead to heartbreak, so I wanted to write a song about having standards and looking for something better than that. I Want Love gets the serious point across but in a lite, fun, upbeat way.

LAUREN: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
BETHANY BECKER: At this point, I run to songwriting with just about everything I come across that stirs me in an emotional way. The most common cause happens to be romantic relationships, or the lack of (I like to say I’m an expert at living in the friend zone). If I fall for someone, I write about them. If I fall for someone and they don’t fall for me back, I end up writing about them even more... haha! Songwriting turns life into a win-win situation, either I’m going through life and it’s going great or I run into something that knocks me down, whether it be dealing with family, friends, school, relationships, or whatever, and I get an awesome song out of it.

LAUREN: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
BETHANY BECKER: I like to tell stories to get my point across, but I don’t like to be super heavy and serious and bring people down. Singing is my first love, so what the lyrics say is really important to me. I want my lyrics to have meaning, but I want people to have fun listening to my songs. I try to create music that people can sing and dance along to but at the same time be like “hey, there’s actually something behind this.” It’s also very important to me that my listeners see me as more of a person than just an artist. I don’t want to elevate myself above others, I want to connect with people on a personal level. I want friends, not fans.

 

LAUREN: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
BETHANY BECKER: My team has been the biggest blessing I could have ever asked for. There is no possible way I’d be anywhere close to where I am in my career if these incredible people hadn’t taken the time to guide me and pour their wisdom into me as I figure all of this out. I can honestly say that I have worked with some of the most gifted and talented yet completely humble people in the music industry. I will never be able to thank them enough.

LAUREN: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
BETHANY BECKER: My dad and a couple of my brothers have played around with guitar and music, but I’m the first one who decided to take it seriously. I’ve been trying to get my little brother to play guitar with me for years. One of these days I’ll convince him.

LAUREN: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
BETHANY BECKER: Watching my wildest dreams unfold has to be one of the best parts. I like to think about how much twelve year old Bethany would freak out if I could go back and tell her that she’d have a record deal and album when she was eighteen. I’m getting to do all of the things I’ve always wanted to do! It’s surreal and fun and I wouldn’t trade it for the world! The most challenging part right now would have to be being on such a different path than other people my age. Most of my friends are starting college and have the next four years of their lives mapped out for them while I am focused on promoting an album and booking shows in this crazy music world. It’s just different, not bad at all! But different.

LAUREN: Who are your role models in music?
BETHANY BECKER: Taylor Swift has to be the biggest. She introduced me to country music and helped me develop my love of songwriting. I also really love Carrie Underwood! Her vocal ability is incredible and I could listen to her latest album “Storyteller” all day!

LAUREN: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
BETHANY BECKER: At my album release party, one of my friends invited my crush from the eighth grade who inspired my song “Right Place Wrong Time.” I told the story of the song and sang it as he was sitting in the front row! His reaction was priceless and it was a very full-circle moment. He still doesn’t think I’m creepy, though, so that’s good.

LAUREN: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
BETHANY BECKER: Go for it. If you never try, then you’ll never know what could’ve happened and you’ll regret it. And, I don’t think people share this enough, respect your music as both an art and a business. You could create the best music in the world, but if you never leave your bedroom, no one’s ever going to hear it. On the flipside, you could run the best marketing campaign in the world but if your art suffers and you lose the joy of creating it, you’ve lost the point. You have to find a balance. It’s more work than you will ever image! But if it’s really what you love and want to do, it is so worth it.

LAUREN: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
BETHANY BECKER: I’m always writing and creating! As of right now, I’m not headed into the studio anytime soon. I’m focusing on pushing the album and booking shows and seeing what happens. I also have big plans for YouTube coming soon…so stay tuned!

LAUREN: Wow, that all sounds very exciting! Thank you so much for letting us get to know you a little better. I look forward to hearing and seeing more great things from you in the future.

http://bethanybecker.com

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