Bekka Dowland Is Ready for Her Next Era, And She’s Never Sounded More Sure of Herself

Bekka Dowland has always written like someone who’s lived a few lifetimes, honest, grounded, and unafraid to tell the kind of stories country music is built on. But in 2025, she leveled up in a way that actually shows.

With more live shows, a sharper vocal tone, and a new sense of discipline born from finishing 75 Hard at the top of the year, Bekka stepped into her artistry with real clarity and confidence. That growth hits hardest on “Be a Little Kinder,” BUZZMUSIC’s pick for Best Releases of 2025. The track distills everything she does well: lived-in storytelling, emotional restraint, and a voice that sounds stronger because it knows exactly what it’s saying.

As she works toward her debut album, Bekka is no longer just writing solid songs. She’s building a world people recognize themselves in. Whether she’s unpacking heartbreak, self-worth, resilience, or the messy space in between, her writing lands because it feels familiar in the best way. This year made one thing obvious: Bekka Dowland isn’t circling her potential anymore. She’s standing in it.

You started the year with 75 Hard, which is no joke. How did that discipline spill into your creative process, your confidence, or the way you approached making music this year?

It really opened my eyes to understanding better that you really can accomplish anything you set your mind to. I’ve found that having a balance between taking care of my mental and physical health, I could intentionally focus more on creating. I feel my confidence is truly at the best it has ever been and I hope to continue growing in the new year. 

You’ve played more live shows than ever in 2025. How did being on stage, in front of real people, change the way you see yourself as an artist and as a country storyteller?

Performing live has always been one of my favorite things to do. Connecting with people in person is so special. I’ve definitely learned that the higher the energy I bring, the more the crowd engages and sings along, which is such a high. With every performance, I feel that I concentrated more on the emotion of the song I was performing and really tried channeling those feelings for an organic experience. 

You’ve been working hard on strengthening your voice for your upcoming album. What has that intentional vocal growth taught you about your sound, and how do you hear the difference when you compare old recordings to where you are now?

I find that I have increased in my vocal range, which is something I never thought I’d be able to do. Being able to hit notes that I couldn’t in the past has been a huge reward. Even listening to recordings from one year ago, I can hear a more rich tone in my voice now and it sounds a bit fuller. 

With your debut album on the way and dreams of touring next year, what do you feel is shifting inside you creatively? What era do you feel yourself stepping into as you prepare for 2026?

I’ve noticed I’m stepping into my most confident and secure era, which is something I’m extremely proud of. My debut album truly focuses on the last decade of my life, navigating through my 20’s, which was a very chaotic time for me. I’m happy to capture this era of my life and send it off into the world for the people who will need it/relate to it. Once it’s complete, I feel I will be finally turning the page of a chapter that helped shape who I am today. 

You give great advice about not comparing yourself to other artists. What practice or mindset has helped you protect your own path while navigating an industry that’s constantly pushing comparison?

When I find myself starting down the road of comparison, I try to rewire my mind into thinking of the skills I do have versus the ones I don’t. Everyone is good at something and I feel it is very important to find what it is you are good at and run with it. I used to beat myself up for not being able to play crazy guitar riffs, but that just isn’t my strong suit, and that’s okay. My strength is in lyrics and storytelling, which is something I’m proud of. I also find listening to interviews of artists I look up to helps me stay in a positive mindset, given they have been in the industry for many years and have much more insight than I do.