I had to leave the synagogue... I couldn’t bear to hear your name
I had to leave the synagogue... I couldn’t bear to hear your name
Belle Shea
is an independent alternative songwriter based in Brooklyn, NY. Her music has been called "a masterclass in vulnerability" (B Side Guys), layering soft, woodsy elements like acoustic guitar, cello, and violin with grungy electric guitar, buzzing synths, and pounding drums. Her songs are anchored by her signature warm vocal, speaking directly to listeners about new beginnings and old patterns, holding on and letting go.
Belle Shea has been featured in American Songwriter as one of the top 25 songs of the 2023 Song Contest and winner of the "May Flowers" feature. She was selected as an alternate for the 2024 OneBeat Fellowship co-sponsored by the US Dept of State. When she is not touring, she plays and organizes a monthly residency at the McCarren Park House, sponsored by New York Foundation for the Arts. Prior to that she spent the past few summers organizing DIY shows around Brooklyn promoting other local songwriters and raising funds for environmental protection organizations. She graduated from Vassar College with a background writing original music theater in 2016.
Booking & contact: bellesheamusic@gmail.com
RADIO & REVIEWS
Belle Shea is the winner of American Songwriter’s May Flowers Promotion, and was one of the top 25 finalists for the magazine’s 2023 Song Contest.
“Simply captivating. This alt-rock gem, mixed by the talented Melina Duterte (Jay Som), bursts forth with a powerful energy that combines raw emotion with surprising tenderness.”
“‘pink moon spring’ stylistically reminds me of Taylor Swift’s ‘Delicate’ with its fresh synth opening that gradually evolves into a grand, orchestral atmosphere.”
“Bringing a breath of fresh air to the alt-pop genre…For fans of Taylor Swift, Lorde, Muna, and main character energy.”
“pink moon spring belongs on every playlist; it ticks all the right boxes. It makes you see the world from a rose-colored perspective.”
“Belle Shea has a smoky intoxicating vocal delivery. It’s rare in its exotic emotional brilliance. She bridges the timbre of Natalie Merchant and Lucy Dacus.”
“Belle Shea’s “Cheyenne” is a goodbye that leaves you speechless.”
“This is a remarkable little acoustic song. At first it seems like “just another” strummed acoustic tune, but then Belle Shea’s vocal fills the room with warmth.”
“Emotionally powerful indie rock and folk pop songs with a whole lot of range.”
“Unpredictably progressive alt folk pop.”
“A masterclass in vulnerability…Belle Shea’s “Leah” is a raw, pulsating exploration of post-breakup emotions, blending gritty indie rock sensibilities with introspective lyricism.”
Q&A: BELLE SHEA TALKS MUSICAL INFLUENCES, COLLECTIVE COMMUNITY AND NEW SINGLE “LEAH”
“In “Leah,” the protagonist takes a job at a “dive bar down off of Bowery and Bleecker,” while in Mitchell’s 1976 “Song for Sharon,” Mitchell pays someone down on Bleecker street to light a candle for her love luck, “and 18 bucks went up in smoke.”
“A little secret about the album is that every song is mirrored with a partner on the other side of the album.”
“I put it on and it’s absolutely beautiful, I really love it. The album’s called THE ART OF YEARS...I tell you what, just listen to it and you’ll remember it.” - Steve Ferrone, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
LEAH, PINK MOON SPRING and WILL YOU ALWAYS BE are on The NEW GUY SHOW with Steve Ferrone! Listen on Tom Petty Radio SiriusXM.
LEAH is on THE SOUND LAB! Listen on air or online.
SO EASILY SATISFIED is on INHAILER RADIO! Listen on air, online, & by request.
WATERED DOWN LOVE is on OVERVIEW RADIO (London)! Listen on air or online daily 6-9 BST.
SMOKE & MIRRORS is on 97.7 EJAZZ FM, RADIO NORD NORGE, & NAM-RADIO! Listen live & by request.
Belle Shea
“I put it on and it’s absolutely beautiful, I really love it. The album’s called THE ART OF YEARS...I tell you what, just listen to it and you’ll remember it.” - Steve Ferrone, drummer for Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
Belle Shea is an independent alt folk/pop songwriter based in Brooklyn, NY. Her music blends lush strings and brooding guitars with her signature warm vocal, speaking directly to listeners about new beginnings and old patterns, holding on and letting go. Her lyrics are at the heart of what she creates, anchored by a voice that makes you want to hang onto every word.
Originally from South Florida, Belle Shea’s music is shaped by the classic rock radio that played in the barn on the horse farm where she grew up. Her lyrics are timeless and effortless, part of a long tradition of songwriters like Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne, and Carole King. Meanwhile, her love of pop music such as Lorde brings a fresh, modern flavor to her powerful lyricism.
Her single “pink moon spring” is a clear demonstration of this versatility. Soft, poetic images of new love and fresh beginnings play over a backdrop of layered acoustic guitars, swelling strings, and driving, pulsing synths. The track won American Songwriter’s May Flowers promotion, part of the 2023 Song Contest, and has been featured on SIRIUSXM radio The New Guy Show by Steve Ferrone, drummer for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Average White Band, and John Mayer. The song was preceded by Americana-inspired single “Cheyenne” (Nov 2022), as well as Belle Shea’s debut 10 track album “The Art of Years” (Jan 2020).
Belle Shea was selected as an alternate for the 2023-4 OneBeat Fellowship, a residency and tour program sponsored by the US State Department. Her music has the dedicated support of a direct email list of over 100 fans. She has played sold-out shows in LA, Miami, DC, and NYC at venues like Hotel Café, Silverlake Lounge, Scooby Doo Mansion, Rockwood Music Hall, Arlene’s Grocery, Mercury Lounge, as well as with SoFar Sounds. She has shared the stage with artists like MALINDA, Katie Boeck, Austin Dean Ashford, Jacqueline Hackett, and Raising Daughters. As part of the New York DIY scene, Belle Shea runs a summer series of environmental benefit concerts. The shows platform other emerging artists while raising funds for organizations that combat climate change. She also hosts Songwriter Sundays a monthly concert series in one of Brooklyn’s McCarren Park, fiscally sponsored by New York Foundation for the Arts.
Selected press
“A masterclass in vulnerability” - B Side Guys
“Belle Shea soars with new anthem Leah” - Kindline Magazine
“A smoky intoxicating vocal delivery. It’s rare in its exotic emotional brilliance. She bridges the timbre of Natalie Merchant and Lucy Dacus.” - The Wild Is Calling
“Bringing a breath of fresh air to the alt-pop genre… For fans of Taylor Swift, Lorde, Muna, and main character energy.” - When the Horn Blows
“‘pink moon spring’ belongs on every playlist; it ticks all the right boxes. It makes you see the world from a rose-colored perspective.” - Lefuturewave
“Unpredictably progressive alt folk pop” - A&R Factory
“Belle Shea’s ‘Cheyenne’ is a goodbye that leaves you speechless.” - Two Story Melody
“Belle Shea’s vocal fills the room with warmth.” - Ear to the Ground
photo by Haley Cubell
photo by Haley Cubell
photo by Haley Cubell
photo by Haley Cubell