BELLA WAGNER … When Expression Meets Emotion! (INTERVIEW)
Bella Wagner is an Austrian singer, songwriter, and performer born in Vienna.
She grew up in a multicultural environment, with her father hailing from a Croatian island and her mother from Slovakia.
From a young age, she took piano lessons, and at 17, she began singing in various bands.
She studied acting at the “Prayner Conservatory” in Vienna and speaks five languages.
Her debut album, “That’s What I Like”, was presented in 2009 at the legendary Montreux Jazz Festival.
In 2015, her cover of “Say Something” reached the Top 10 of the MTV and VIVA Charts.
She has appeared on German and Austrian television shows, such as RTL and “Das Supertalent”.
She participated in the Austrian Eurovision preselection in 2016, securing second place with her song “Weapons Down”. Additionally, she has been nominated for the Austrian Amadeus Music Award.
Her music blends pop, jazz, and electronic elements, and she has collaborated with various artists on an international level.
She is renowned for her dynamic stage presence and unique voice, captivating audiences from the very first moment.
INTERVIEW – BELLA WAGNER
Athenscalling.gr: Your interpretation of songs could be described as a unique rendezvous where Expression meets Emotion.
BELLA WAGNER, welcome to Athenscalling.gr.
BELLA WAGNER: Ηello thodoris, thank you for contacting me
Athenscalling.gr: Truly, the imagery you gift us when performing songs on stage is unique… magical, one might say! What do you feel at that moment? How do you experience it?
BELLA WAGNER: When I sing, I’m in another world. It’s important that I’m centered and relaxed..
Athenscalling.gr: And here arises the question…
Do you believe that a performer’s success—what makes them known and establishes them—is more about studio recordings or live performances?
BELLA WAGNER: It depends, but I think both is important.
Athenscalling.gr: You perform everything… you are an artist without musical boundaries, without, let’s say, “sheet music restrictions”! But what do you listen to when you’re relaxing?
BELLA WAGNER: Yes, exactly, I didn’t like boundaries even as a child.If I want to relax I listen to Soul Music.
Athenscalling.gr: However, there are also moments of intensity… what do you choose to listen to during those times?
BELLA WAGNER: I listen to various genres. It depends on my mood. Pop, Rock, Electronic but also Latin Music.
Athenscalling.gr: Austria has an outstanding music scene. Yet, beyond OPUS and Falco, this scene remains relatively unknown to the public. Why do you think this is?
BELLA WAGNER: There are many excellent artists in Austria. I don’t know what to say about that.
I don’t think everyone wants to be world famous. This can be extremly stressful.
Athenscalling.gr: Although we admire your live performances, we must say we miss your
discography. Are there any plans for an album?
BELLA WAGNER: I’ve released a lot of songs so far, just check out Bella Wagner in all online shops. Yes, I’m working on a new album.
Athenscalling.gr: Let’s take a small journey to the past! Do you remember when and what inspired your love for music?
BELLA WAGNER: Legends like David Bowie, Nina Simone, Michael Jackson, and many more Artists…
Athenscalling.gr: The first album you purchased, and at what age?
BELLA WAGNER: First songs with 24, Album at the age of 31!
Athenscalling.gr: Now, let’s journey south to Greece! What do you know about our country? Any composers or performers? Perhaps something else?
BELLA WAGNER: Vangelis for example has wonderful compositions, just magical…love it!
Athenscalling.gr: Indeed! I know you’ve collaborated with various artists
internationally. Which of these collaborations do you consider the most
significant?
BELLA WAGNER: I love most of my collaborations, for example with “The Bahama Soul Club” or
”Da Damm Phreak Noise Phunk”.
Athenscalling.gr: Regarding Eurovision, you participated in the Austrian preselection in 2016 with the remarkable song “Weapons Down”. Do you believe Eurovision, as an institution, still serves music in a meaningful way today?
BELLA WAGNER: I think the song contest plays an important role in many ways. The world needs music and events like this. Music connects People across borders. Also very important in times of war and crisis
Athenscalling.gr: Let’s talk a bit about Europe now! Born in Vienna and living in Austria, you experience the realities we all face as Europeans. What do you think about the current situation in European countries? Is there something that bothers you or that you cannot ignore?
BELLA WAGNER: What bothers me is violence and war. No matter where it happens, worldwide. We must focus more on peace, justice and cohesion. And we should definitely pay more attention to our nature
Athenscalling.gr: Bella, we truly enjoyed this connection with you because you are an artist who loves what you do! Before we say goodbye, as a closing note… please send your message.
BELLA WAGNER: Yes, that’s rightJ thank you very much for this interview and your questions Thodoris. It was really a pleasure!
Focus on Peace not war and Take care of our Planet everyone out there* Live and let live. Thank you.
Bella Wagner pictures creations by: Witold Dybowski- Julia Wesely- Tom Fux- Harald Weinkum.
