Amy Correa Bell: Pure Vibes

Tell me your whole inception into entertainment — When did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Amy Correa Bell?

I started out as an actress at 11 years old; I really loved television and film, and wanted to be in the movies. My first role ever was as an extra in the movie Meteor Man. Shortly after, I booked a Burger King commercial, and hosted a show called Popcorn Kids, where we rated movies. I had a piano teacher at the time that taught me how to sing and play classic songs and compositions, and that instilled a passion for music at a young age. Also, I grew up in one of the best times for music EVER…MTV and music videos; epic! I wanted to be Madonna when I grew up.

Now where exactly do you hail from? And growing up there, who all did / do you consider to be your strongest influences?

I grew up in the 818, which is the San Fernando Valley of Southern California. Ritchie Valens and Marvin Gaye and Haim are all from this area, so there is a lot of history here. My strongest influences are Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Madonna, Mariah Carey and all old school hip-hop and ‘90’s R’n’B. Both of my older brothers are deejays and producers, so I grew up listening to the best music at a very young age…even with bands like Nirvana and The Cranberries, Aaliyah, etcetera.

At what particular point in time, specifically, did you even opt to pursue entertainment on a professional basis?

I’ve been working professionally as an actress since I was 11 years old. My first guest star role was on ER, playing a 13 year old girl who had a baby, ha! Fortunately, I auditioned and signed to a major recording deal at the age of 17 with a group called Gyrlz Society, which exposed me to the music business side of things at a young age. I had a lot of experience dancing with drill team and cheerleading, so performing to dance music was something I was confident in, as well as learning to sing.

With that being said, how do you classify your overall sound and / or style?

I don’t like to want to put myself into a box and classify myself into a particular category because I’ve had so many different influences that make up my sound, but if I had to categorize it I would call it Urban Retro Pop with an Alternative Flair!

Your latest video clip is entitled “Days Like This” — Tell me about this particular composition; how did it come to fruition?

I had just finished recording the ‘AMY818’ EP and wanted to do a different style of track that wasn’t super “sing-songy,” but more vulnerable and something that someone could cruise around in their car and vibe out to; it’s a more intimate side of me that I wanted to express and not overthink.

You also have a new single, “Supreme,” as well — Talk to me about this record…

I love Sublime and No Doubt’s ‘Tragic Kingdom,’ and wanted to capture that feeling and sound; something with a reggae island feel that you could also dance to. It’s the kind of music I would like to party to.

Switching gears here, what exactly do you want people to get from your music?

I want them to get something different; I want to open their ear palettes to the sound of the future. I believe that I have my own style, and I want to reach people who will connect with it that are also different like me. All of my songs come out of real experiences that have made me stronger, and I feel that when people listen to them it will have an effect on them; emotionally and musically.

If you could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

That’s a great question…I would collaborate with Sting because he has the right amount of soul and vibe that I would connect deeply with, and feel he would bring out the best in me. I think our voices would sound incredible together.

If you could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

The Hollywood Bowl because it’s close to my hometown, and I want to represent where I’m from and connect with my people. I’ve seen some of the greatest artists perform there, and being on that stage would be a dream come true.

In terms of longevity, what do you feel it is that will continue to sustain you in this grueling industry?

I believe I have a strong work ethic and a very authentic and loving personality. I like to finish what I start and hard work beats talent every time. I have the hard work thing down! 🙂 I’ve been preparing to travel the world with my music since I was little, and I’m not going to miss that chance. It’s a vision I’ve had since I was a child.

Do you have any other outside / additional future aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?

Yes. I have a heart for people, and the younger generation. I want to mentor and inspire the youth and offer them what I didn’t get growing up, which is support from other women and men. I ran a non-profit for 4 years, and being of service to my community fulfills me in a way that nothing else can.

I know you’ve appeared on both television and in movies, too, so is acting still on your radar? If so, anything coming up anytime soon?

Yes, I love acting, and I will never give that up. I am just a little more choosey with what auditions and projects I take on these days. I have a couple of auditions I’m working on now, and we’ll see what God has for me. I look forward to playing roles that challenge me, and producing projects that excite me.

On a personal note, this September will mark sixteen long years since you “tied the knot” with BBD / New Edition’s Mr. Ricky Bell — How did y’all initially meet? What was the courtship actually like? And, even more importantly, what has been the key to a long-standing successful marriage? FYI; I saw BET’s The New Edition Story 🙃

Ricky and I met at a concert and kept running into each other; we didn’t actually start dating until after two years of knowing each other and seeing each other around. He was a really good friend of mine…and later down the line we had our first date at church, and since then we haven’t been apart! The key is commitment to not breaking up regardless of each others faults; also we have the same faith spiritually and are able to come together to God about things. We often seek therapy and consultation from other long standing couples so we’ve never been alone in this, but also have never given up on each other.

The two of you have also been known to collaborate musically; most recently on last year’s “Motion,” and before that “Gold” — Do you foresee a possible full length collaboration project somewhere down the line?

Yes, we have a new single coming out very soon. Won’t give out the details, but you’ll be sure to hear more from Ricky and Amy in the coming year!

To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

Performing in Antigua in front of the United Nations and thousands of people without any preparation or notice was definitely a step of faith and big career moment for me.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you see yourself?

I see myself traveling the world, performing and creating music in different countries. I see myself doing more with my overall ambitions in fashion, music, acting and philanthropy.

As for the immediate, what’s next for Amy Correa Bell?

I’m dropping a new single and video every month in 2020. I think the world still needs to hear all of the songs I’ve been writing and recording for the past year. The world hasn’t heard all of what I have to offer yet!

Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?

No, I think it’s all covered. 🙂 One thing…be sure to follow me and stream my new music @amycorreabell on all platforms! I go live often, and would love to hear from my new fans.

Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?

Go for the thing that really excites you the most, and don’t let anyone’s opinion steer you away from that. Because at the end of the day, if you do what you love you’ll be happy doing it. It’s not about money or fame, but being fulfilled internally, using your gifts for the right purpose.