Navigating through an industry where Latinx art is frequently underserved except for when it can be monetized is no easy feat. Still, on-the-rise girl group, Bella Dose, has stayed their course making waves throughout Miami and the independent circuit. “We wanted to be the first-ever Latina, bilingual girl group,” says Brianna, of the quartet, Bella Dose.
The girl group’s frontrunner, Brianna, is the Def Jam starlet, DaniLeigh‘s younger sister. With growing industry interest and a bidding war taking place among labels, the four young singers have much to consider. “The girls are old school Destiny’s Child combined with Gloria Estefan,” chimes in the One Fourteen Entertainment president, Krya Breslin. “We want to create music that has R&B, Latinx, and pop influence with meaningful lyrics,” Bella Dose singer, Jennifer added.
As a collective, their roots originate in Cuba, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and Chile, making Bella Dose’s outreach unprecedented. The Knockturnal caught up with the vocalist while they were on the road to discuss the single, “MUEVELO,” what the “Lil Bebe” songstress taught them and more. Here is Bella Dose up close and personal.
The Knockturnal: How have your Miami roots influenced your sound as a collective?
Thais: As a collective, our Miami roots have truly made us appreciate our Latin heritage. At every corner, you will find people playing dominoes, salsa music, or dancing in the 305. Also, Miami has the best Latinx food you can find. We try to incorporate our culture as much as possible. With that said, we add that in our music and in everything we do. We’re proud Latinas and want to exemplify that with singing and our brand.
The Knockturnal: The “Comfortable” music video was shot in Washington Heights. What was the group’s inspiration behind this?
Jennifer: Our inspiration while shooting the “Comfortable” music video in Washington Heights was actually by creative, Vicky Curiel. She was raised in Washington Heights. So, it was the perfect location to honor her dedication and all the hard work she has poured into this project. She goes above an beyond. We wanted our first music video to be a “thank you” to her.
The Knockturnal: What is Bella Dose’s message to young women?
Melany: Our message to young women is to be proud of who you are. Be confident, bold, and stay humble. We do not have to embody one thing singularly. Also, use your voice to relay a positive message and uplift the generations that came before you. We are all here for a purpose. I want to be a light in this world that brings up others. My fellow Bella Dose members are the same. You never know how happy you can make someone by simply being kind.
The Knockturnal: Bella Dose claims to be old school Destiny’s Child combined with Gloria Estefan. How so?
Brianna: Well, our music is very versatile. The songs range from pop, R&B, and Latinx traditional sounds. We fuse island rhythms, over urban-inspired ballads. We vibe out together and embrace our unique gifts. In the studio, we mix these genres with an old school classic feel on wax. I guess that is what makes us, us. Sometimes DaniLeigh offers us advice on how we can enhance a track.
The Knockturnal: Your group balances four different personalities. How does Bella Dose maintain equal creative autonomy?
Thais: The name Bella Dose signifies a “fair share” in Italian, which is what defines us as a whole. All the members of Bella Dose put our own input on everything that we do. The singers listen to each other to create music and formulate new ideas on our songs. Also, we acknowledge our individual strengths and weaknesses. We maintain this equal creative anatomy by respecting one another. That is pretty much the key.
The Knockturnal: Bella Dose is creating waves musically. In your opinion, how does your group differentiate itself from other on-the-rise talents?
Jennifer: What’s different about our group is how each member can sing, dance, and help with songwriting. This girl group is efficient. We all work together by using our gifts to create our Bella Dose lyrics and beautiful sound. Each of us is open to expanding our horizon in music by picking up instruments and learning how to engineer our own sessions. We thrive together. Bella Dose is trying to be the best we can. We want to be involved in everything. That is the only way to learn. Yes, we are always perfecting our craft.
The Knockturnal: What does sisterhood mean as a Latina bilingual group?
Brianna: It means having a connection that no one can interfere with. It means staying connected because we all have a common factor that unites us. We take in everything from our inside jokes in Spanish, to our loud music, or our silly dancing. You have to live and have fun. We all understand the culture and love how we can all relate to each other because of our genuine bond.
The Knockturnal: Has your older sister DaniLeigh helped Bella Dose develop?
Brianna: Yes, DaniLeigh is very busy. Still, she is a dedicated mentor. When she can, she’ll help us with outfits for upcoming events, or tell us about the business. Well, really, she helps with whatever we need.
The Knockturnal: Please describe to your fans the experience of filming the “MUVELO” audiovisual in Puerto Rico.
Melany: Puerto Rico is so beautiful! We stayed there for a week, and at that time, we all fell in love with the island. While looking for locations for the video, we found this neighborhood called “Yauco.” Wow! The colors of the houses were just what we wanted! It was amazing getting to experience the culture of the island for the process of this video. The music video shows the authenticity of Puerto Rico and the people.
The Knockturnal: Bella Dose writes their songs, and engineers their sessions. Can you detail a typical studio session?
Jennifer: Although we engineer our studio sessions, most times an engineer will accompany the producer of a single or us. Bella Dose will engineer a single together. We will create a concept we want to follow for that session. So, then the producer will make a beat around our idea. We get it done. Bella Dose builds the melodies and then chooses the best option for each song section.
It is a process. By that point, we will complete any given song by writing! Yes, there is so much that most listeners do not realize goes into each verse. After we engineer our sessions, we complete our distinctive vocals and stack them up against the harmonies. I love it. It is a magical experience, because while we are young — we control our vision! There are no creative limitations.
The Knockturnal: What can listeners anticipate on your forthcoming 5-track EP?
Brianna: What our listeners can anticipate is videos that will accompany all of our upcoming songs. The single, “Body Language,” was a passion project. Sonically, we are going to be better than ever. We’ve worked so hard putting these videos together.
I am happy we create visuals that represent the songs and the energy each song brings along with it. We’re planning on putting together a tour which would take place later on this year. This is going to be for our supporters to come out and join us. They will get to know us along with our music.
