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It wasn’t too long ago that high-quality music videos were reserved for artists with six-figure budgets, full crews, and major label backing. But thanks to evolving tech, digital platforms, and a whole lot of DIY hustle, indie artists are rewriting the rules and redefining what’s possible on screen. From cleverly produced performance clips to animated masterpieces and trippy beat-synced visuals, music videos are no longer just “nice to have” ;they’re essential storytelling tools. And today’s indie musicians? They’re getting scrappy, smart, and seriously creative. Here’s how indie artists are leveling up their music video game, and the tools that are making it easier (and more exciting) than ever. Music Videos: Still a Must in 2025 In a world of infinite scrolling, video content remains king. And for indie artists looking to grow their audience, music videos do more than just look cool—they boost engagement , increase visibility, and help solidify a personal brand. In fact, according to a 2023 IFPI report, YouTube is still the most-used platform globally for music consumption, with 89% of internet users watching music videos regularly. The takeaway? Video content isn’t optional. It’s a launchpad. DIY Doesn’t Mean Low Quality Anymore The barrier to entry has dropped dramatically. You don’t need a Red camera or a full film crew to produce a visually compelling music video. Many indie artists are embracing lo-fi charm or shooting polished videos with just a smartphone and a few editing apps. Here’s what makes today’s DIY approach work: Access to high-quality phone cameras Affordable editing software like DaVinci Resolve and Premiere Rush Lighting hacks using natural light or cheap LED panels Compact gimbals and tripods for steady shots With the right creativity (and maybe a few friends), indie artists are pulling off eye-catching visuals that don’t break the bank, but still turn heads. Embracing Animation and Visualizers For those who want to skip live filming altogether, or simply explore a more abstract visual style, animated videos and music visualizers are exploding in popularity. Music visualizers, in particular, are a game-changer. These beat-driven graphics can sync to your track and instantly transform your release into something dynamic and shareable. They're perfect for singles, quick releases, or even teaser content. Thanks to platforms like Videobolt’s music visualizer , artists can create custom animated visuals without needing to know After Effects or 3D animation. Just upload your song, pick a design template, and let the software handle the rest. These tools not only save time, they offer indie musicians a way to maintain a professional visual presence across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. Telling a Story, Not Just Singing the Song Another big shift? More indie artists are focusing on storytelling in their videos. Instead of just performing to the camera, they’re creating mini-narratives that reflect the emotion or theme of the song. Here are some common (and powerful) story-driven concepts: Relationship narratives (breakups, reconciliations, first loves) Day-in-the-life or travel-style edits Behind-the-scenes documentary feels Symbolic or abstract visual metaphors Storytelling helps music videos stick in viewers’ minds—and gives fans another way to connect with the artist beyond just the lyrics. Collaboration Is the Indie Superpower Indie artists are tapping into local and online communities to collaborate with other creatives—think videographers, animators, set designers, even choreographers. These collaborations often happen on a budget (or barter), but the results can rival major-label productions. If you’re an indie artist, here’s a short list of folks who could help level up your next video: Freelance filmmakers or film students Local dancers or theater actors Digital artists looking to build a portfolio Fashion stylists or makeup artists in your scene By pooling creative energy, artists can produce something visually rich, and no one has to do it all alone. Leaning into the Algorithm YouTube and social media platforms love video content. And artists who optimize their releases with attention-grabbing thumbnails, smart tags, and engaging intros tend to see way better results than those who just upload and hope. Some quick tips: Start with a bold visual in the first 3 seconds Add closed captions for accessibility and better engagement Use end cards to promote other tracks or a subscription Make vertical-friendly cuts for reels or TikToks Many indie artists are now thinking in content packages, one video becomes five pieces of social content with just a few cuts and edits. Indie Doesn’t Mean “Small” One of the biggest myths about being independent is that you’re somehow working at a lower level. But these days, the indie world is brimming with artists who are going viral, building loyal fanbases, and monetizing through smart strategy. Their music videos are often the first visual hook for new fans, press features, or playlist placements. And with the right mix of tech, story, and creative collaboration, indie artists are turning passion projects into full-blown visuals that stand tall next to mainstream releases. Final Thoughts: It’s Never Been a Better Time Thanks to affordable tools, innovative platforms, and a culture that rewards authenticity over flash, indie artists are in a golden age for visual storytelling. Whether you’re shooting in your backyard, crafting an animated masterpiece, or uploading a pulse-pounding music visualizer, you’ve got more options than ever. Your video doesn’t have to cost thousands to resonate. It just has to reflect you, your sound, your story, and your style.

UK alt-metal force and supernatural storyteller Brocarde returns with her most daring visual yet, unveiling the wickedly cinematic music video for her latest single, “ Last Supper (Reheated Radio Edit) .” Drenched in gothic surrealism, the video follows Brocarde as she’s lured, captured, and imprisoned by grotesque, pig-masked figures, an eerie symbol of society’s toxic obsession with vanity, fame, and validation. But the narrative flips, with Brocarde reclaiming her power and serving vengeance at a haunting, high-fashion dinner party she calls “a vegan dream.” The video is now live on Vevo and YouTube, while the single is streaming across all major platforms. Layered with satirical commentary and biblical undertones, “Last Supper” challenges viewers to confront their values in a world gripped by image, ego, and social media addiction. “What would you consume at your final feast, self-indulgence or the arms of your mother?” Brocarde asks. The track was originally written in 2019 during a transformative time in her life, and its release now feels eerily timely. “With maturity, I’ve learned to reflect on pop culture, embrace it, and challenge it with my voice,” she says. Blending theatrical rock, horror aesthetics, and poetic lyricism, Brocarde continues to forge her own genre-defying path. Her personal mythology, marked by everything from a spiritual marriage to a Victorian ghost to her recurring roles in UK television, adds layers to her fearless storytelling. With “Last Supper” and recent single “Identity Theft” ushering in a bold new era, Brocarde is gearing up to release more music and visuals throughout the fall. Whether the drama or the darkness draws you in, one thing is clear: Brocarde is just getting started.

Let’s be real, most breakup songs sound like AI wrote them on autopilot. But Olivia Terpin 's new single “ Stay Like This ”? It punches through the noise. It’s raw, emotional, and built on something you can’t fake: lived experience and a damn good voice. Hailing from New Jersey with pipes that could crack glass (in a good way), Olivia serves a slow-burn ballad that blends bluesy ache with R&B polish. Think Ariana Grande if she traded the glitter for grit. This isn’t some petty post-breakup diss track either; it’s reflective, vulnerable, and real. Olivia’s voice walks that tightrope between delicate and dangerous, letting you feel every inch of the emotional unraveling. “Stay Like This” walks us through the arc of a love that used to feel safe, soft, and sweet, until it wasn’t. The lyrics tap into that universal feeling of wanting to freeze time before everything slips through your fingers. And when she finally lets go? It’s not with a bang, but with that quiet power that comes from knowing your worth. She doesn’t beg, she beams. Growth is the real hook here. And let’s not gloss over the credentials: Olivia’s not just vibes, she’s got vocal chops for days. First place at the Eastern Region NATS and top 15 nationally? Yeah, she’s not just another voice in the void. In a sea of auto-tuned, algorithm-approved sad girl tracks, Olivia is a breath of fresh, unfiltered air. “Stay Like This” might sound soft, but it’s built with steel.

South African singer-songwriter Daniel John returns with a powerful new release that peels back the layers of love, sacrifice, and emotional fatigue in one of life’s most overlooked struggles ,  single motherhood. His latest single, “ Bitter ,” is a moving tribute to the women who give everything for their children, even when the world gives them very little in return. Born in Pretoria and raised in a musically rich household, Daniel’s journey to artistry has been as dynamic as his sound. From playing double bass in the school orchestra to producing deep house for a local label, his influences span genres and generations. But it’s in the realm of raw, emotionally charged songwriting where Daniel John truly shines. Following the breakout success of his previous singles “Hold On” and “On The Run” ,   both of which earned radio support and playlist placements across South Africa , “Bitter” marks a new level of depth and maturity in his evolving catalog. “Bitter” doesn’t sugarcoat. With delicate production and a hopeful yet haunting instrumental, the song opens a window into the daily reality of mothers who silently shoulder the burden of raising children alone. It’s about the dreams that get deferred, the loneliness that settles in, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going. Daniel doesn’t pretend to have lived it ,  and that’s exactly what gives the track its integrity. “I wrote the song with the sole intention of capturing the difficult sacrificial nature of single motherhood. I don’t want people to think I’m pretending to know what it feels like – all I want is for someone going through this to hear the song and feel like someone out there sees them and what they are going through for what it is, without a fake silver lining lecture.” That intention comes through clearly in every line of “Bitter.” The lyrics strike a balance between poetic and personal, never veering into pity or overproduction. Instead, Daniel offers space; space to feel, space to be seen, and space to breathe. What makes “Bitter” stand out isn’t just the message, it’s the delivery. Daniel’s voice is sincere and steady, never trying too hard to sell the emotion because the emotion is already baked into the bones of the song. Subtle layers of guitar, ambient textures, and restrained percussion create a soundscape that feels at once intimate and cinematic. It’s the kind of song you’ll want to sit with, the kind you don’t just hear, but feel. While “Bitter” stands powerfully on its own, Daniel hints that this is only the beginning. With more music on the way, fans can expect continued honesty, sonic growth, and the same heartfelt storytelling that’s quickly turning Daniel John into one of South Africa’s most promising emerging voices. Whether you’ve walked the path of single parenthood or simply admire the strength it takes, “Bitter” is the kind of song that reminds us music still has the power to say what words alone often can’t. “Bitter” touches on the emotional and physical toll of single motherhood. What inspired you to write from this perspective, and was there a specific story or person that sparked the song? At the time of writing, I was struggling for inspiration and couldn’t get much done in terms of songwriting. At this time, a girlfriend of mine came from a household held together by a single mother and no present father. It occurred to me that there have been a number of really special and important women in my life who have all either been or had a single mother. It’s something I have always been around, strangely enough. I know what it can do to mums and the sacrifices that go with it. I was inspired to write something for anyone from a similar background who has seen and knows the toll it takes. You’ve mentioned that you're not trying to speak  for  single mothers, but rather  to  them. How did you navigate writing a song about a deeply personal experience that you haven’t lived yourself? I was very aware that the goal was not to preach or give a lecture on picking yourself up as a single mother and looking for hope. My view was always that I could sympathise but never truly understand. With that in mind, I really just wanted to write something that in some way could show something listening that I see them and I see the struggle. Sometimes people in really tough situations want to be seen, not lectured. It was here that the lyrical content was born - raw, gritty, honest, and sincere. I wrote what I saw and felt from the outside, having loved and cared for these important women who sacrificed so much. The production of “Bitter” is subtle but powerful. What was your vision for the sonic landscape of the track, and how did you collaborate with your team to bring it to life? The original demo was a far darker musical piece and ended up feeling hopeless. While the goal wasn’t to give a message for a “silver lining,” it also wasn’t to bury the listener in despair. As in my previous singles, I have a tendency to contrast the musical and lyrical content, often opting for a more energetic mix. It so happens that the mix gives the underlying feeling that it will be okay in the end and that the sacrifices are all worth it, which is very special for me. We also wanted to incorporate South African elements into the mix and, after a lot of experimentation, went for an energetic beat with a log drum bass line, very popular in South African Amapiano. Your past singles, like “Hold On” and “On The Run,” have had strong emotional cores too. How do you approach vulnerability in your songwriting without it feeling forced or overly polished? The male culture in South Africa is often one of “pull yourself together” - men don’t cry. While I’m not shooting down the idea of reliable men, the problem comes in for men who tend to be more emotional or expressive. I am very much in that category, feeling deeply about things I care about and how certain things impact me. Because of the masculine view, I’ve never felt comfortable or safe in pouring my heart out. Music has always given me a medium to let out and pour out. I make a point of only writing what I feel inside and not fabricating feelings just to produce a song. It is also a deeply personal thing for me to write what I feel into a song. With more music on the way, can fans expect future releases to carry the same emotional weight as “Bitter,” or are you exploring different sounds and stories on the upcoming tracks? Emotionally, I am definitely not changing anytime soon. It is very much the way I write and produce my music. It is, however, an exciting time being a young artist, and I’m constantly experimenting with sound and ideas to find what it is exactly I like and who I am exactly as an artist. Music is a gift we give to those who want to listen, and I am looking forward to sharing more with anyone who wants to listen!

Some songs whisper wisdom. Sage Advice speaks it loud and clear. Los Angeles singer-songwriter Taylor Jules returns with a soul-stirring single that cuts deep and lingers long after the final note. Out July 16, “Sage Advice” is a richly layered R&B track that explores the kind of heartbreak that most people don’t often discuss. It is about losing someone who felt like family and realizing you saw the red flags all along. Produced by Stefan Lit and Dylan Chambers, the track opens with a simmering groove and warm keys that immediately set an emotional tone. But it’s Taylor’s voice that delivers the knockout. Her vocal performance is marked by aching, grit, and quiet strength, moving effortlessly between vulnerability and clarity. She doesn’t just sing about betrayal. She confronts it, processes it, and rises above it. “This song is an ‘I told you so’ to myself,” Jules explains. That line becomes especially powerful in lyrics like, “That’s the thing when you say goodbye to one you never thought to doubt.” The hook, “Never compromise your sage advice,” is not just a lyric. It’s a reminder never to ignore your gut, even when your heart is all in. What makes “Sage Advice” stand out is its emotional maturity. Taylor does not play the victim or paint the other person as a villain. She tells the truth with honesty and grace. The song resonates with anyone who has ever silenced their intuition to protect a bond that was already on the verge of breaking. Taylor Jules has no interest in chasing trends. Her sound blends classic soul textures with modern R&B and emotionally intelligent songwriting. She is building a name for herself not just as a vocalist but as a storyteller who tells it like it is. If this single is any indication, the project will be one worth sitting with, crying to, and healing through. “Sage Advice” is about losing a close friend. What was the turning point that inspired you to write this track? The turning point that inspired this particular song was the realization that this friendship was entirely over. I finally accepted the fact that this person would never let me back into their life, even after years of dedicated close friendship. I was filled with anger, sadness, and disbelief that a person I held so close could abandon our many years and memories together. These heart-wrenching feelings, combined with the deep-rooted realization that I should have seen this coming, culminated in the emotionally explosive and cathartic song called “Sage Advice.”  How did working with Stefan Lit and Dylan Chambers shape the sound of this single? The genius minds of Stefan Lit and Dylan Chambers allowed me to bring my feelings and musical ideas to light. We shared our favorite songs and artists, as well as many laughs, to establish a shared understanding of our styles and sound for this project. We talked truthfully and openly about my inspirations and sore feelings about the topics of “Sage Advice,” and re-worked the chorus chords to reflect the angst, regret, and soul-searching this song explores. With their magical ears and genius instincts, Dylan and Stefan helped me marry my words and music to give the most honest and poetic version of my thoughts and feelings in song.  You call this song an “I told you so” to yourself; how did you balance self-blame with self-love in your lyrics? Personally, my songwriting is all about expressing the feelings I struggle to put into words. Sometimes a feeling is so gut-wrenching and all-consuming, and there is truly no way for me to admit it out loud until I write it in song. As much as “Sage Advice” is an “I told you so” to myself for not trusting my instincts about a person I held closely to me, it is also a cathartic release of a build-up of frustration and emotions I couldn’t otherwise share. The verses are full of vulnerability and reflection on the way I let myself be treated. At the same time, the choruses explode with anger, as I “dropped everything” for years to help this friend who was never going to return the favor. I balance self-blame and self-love by holding myself accountable for having real doubts and not acting on them, while recognizing that I did everything in my power for years for this person. I balance this self-blame and self-love by knowing I honestly did everything I could for a friend I loved, and realizing that those deep-down doubts will eventually come back to haunt me.  What advice would you give to someone currently going through a similar betrayal? My best advice— or better yet, “Sage Advice”— is not to blame yourself. As a sensitive person, I tend to take everything to heart and blame myself for minor behavior changes and others pulling away. The biggest lesson I’ve learned from writing “Sage Advice” is that, no matter how close a friend is, if their actions repeatedly show you they are not on your side, don’t push that feeling down for the sake of comfort with one another. That tugging feeling of doubt is not going away until you admit it to yourself. After previewing an older version of “Sage Advice” live, I realized you can be fervently irate while simultaneously mourning a friendship. I even had instances where I regretted writing this song on the off-chance that my friend would come running back to me, only to realize I had written these harsh truths for a reason. Stop being the person who gives excellent advice and start taking some of your own. Always keep your “Sage Advice.” Can you tell us more about the upcoming EP and how “Sage Advice” fits into the bigger picture? I am thrilled to announce my upcoming EP, featuring “Sage Advice” as its first single release. This song sets the tone for an honest and soulful self-exploration of the best and worst parts of my life over the past two years. “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugliest” is an EP that explores highs and lows and how we decide to navigate the mess of our own minds. With influences from neo-soul, R&B, soul, and funk, I combined everything I know and love into one brainchild. This EP is an honest display of my inner thoughts, joys, and doubts I otherwise could not express, combined with the help of super-human producers and writers who brought it to life. This project is for people who feel the ups and downs of life deep in their soul: the highs will resurface, the lows will dissipate, and we will get through this together.

There’s a certain kind of rock music that doesn’t just entertain, it rips through you. That’s exactly what andrew reed & the liberation deliver with their electrifying single, “Thunder In My Soul.” Part fever dream, part prophecy, and all power, the track feels like a spiritual exorcism set to a roaring, cinematic score. It’s not just music; it’s a reckoning. Drawn from Dominance & Control , the second chapter of their conceptual trilogy, the song marks a pivotal transformation in the story of Cezar, a futuristic rock figure navigating ego, control, and collapse. With its soaring pipe organ intro, punishing guitar riffs, and theatrical bravado, “Thunder In My Soul” captures the rush of ascension, the danger of worship, and the seductive high of holding power. Visually, the music video plunges viewers into a surreal, mythic world where Cezar is both hero and tyrant. Draped in red, sword raised, he presides over the masses with all the swagger of a fallen deity. The band pulls off something few dare to attempt: creating rock that is as philosophical as it is physical, as spiritual as it is loud. At the helm is andrew reed, a self-proclaimed “rock mystic” who once disappeared into the Appalachian wilderness to find peace and purpose after life handed him loss after loss. Now, through this project, he’s creating not just songs but sonic mythologies. Andrew Reed & The Liberation are bringing progressive rock back to its most primal form: raw, dramatic, alive, and “Thunder In My Soul” is its battle cry.

More than 40 years after it first soared up the charts, Christopher Cross’s  “Ride Like the Wind” has finally been given the cinematic treatment it deserves and the result is pure, high-octane nostalgia. Released as part of the expanded edition of his Grammy-winning debut album Christopher Cross , the new music video arrives with heat, horsepower, and a bold reimagining of yacht rock’s legacy. Initially released in 1979, “Ride Like the Wind” introduced the world to Cross’s breezy yet emotionally charged songwriting. The track fuses soft rock elegance with an urgent rhythm, reflecting the adrenaline-fueled escape of a wanted man on the run. Featuring the unmistakable background vocals of Michael McDonald, the song became a defining moment in the yacht rock genre and set the stage for Cross’s meteoric rise. The long-awaited music video delivers a visual story as compelling as the song itself. Shot in the desert with vintage anamorphic lenses, the video channels ‘70s cult films like Vanishing Point and Zabriskie Point , yet flips the narrative with an all-female cast behind the wheel. These are not side characters—they’re outlaws, heroes, and forces of nature chasing their destinies on sun-scorched roads. Director Andrea Calvetti captures the tension and thrill of the open highway with flair, leaning into Cross’s original vision of momentum and resistance. The muscle cars tear through the landscape as if time has never passed while the crackling energy of the track drives the story forward. It’s a reinvention that pays tribute without playing it safe. “Ride Like the Wind” reminds us why yacht rock still holds power: it’s timeless, cinematic, and always ready to take you somewhere else. With this new visual, Christopher Cross doesn’t just revisit the past; he revs it back to life with new meaning and modern grit.

There’s a certain kind of heartbreak that doesn’t explode; it just simmers. That’s the territory Randy Beth steps into with her latest single, overstay .  No screaming fights. No dramatic exits. Just that slow, heavy ache of knowing you’ve stuck around too long in a love that stopped loving you back. And she captures it perfectly . This is Randy Beth’s seventh single, but it hits like a debut in all the best ways; vulnerable, stripped-down, and emotionally exposed. It’s also her first full-blown pop ballad, and she doesn’t waste a second of it. The production is soft and sparse, giving her voice space to breathe  and break, like she’s whispering a confession straight into your chest. Lyrically, overstay  doesn’t try to be clever, it tries to be real. And that’s where it wins. She leans into the discomfort, painting scenes that feel deeply familiar: the quiet dread of knowing you're not where you're supposed to be, but not knowing how to leave. It’s that universal limbo so many of us avoid until it’s too late. Randy doesn’t avoid it; she walks right through it and takes us with her. What makes this track stand out isn’t just the honesty, it’s the restraint. She doesn’t scream the message; she barely raises her voice. That whisper-soft delivery is what guts you. It’s the sound of someone exhausted from pretending. And in a world that glamorizes breakups as “bad bitch” anthems, overstay  dares to be soft. overstay  isn’t just a breakup song, it’s a mirror. And Randy Beth holds it up without flinching. If you’ve ever stayed too long, kept the peace at the cost of your own, or waited for a sign that never came, this one’s gonna sting, in the best way.

If you’ve ever needed a soundtrack for when you’re driving with no destination, vibes high, and expectations low, Giselle ’s got you covered. Her latest R&B/pop single “ Cruisin ’” is a playful celebration of emotional liberation, post-relationship healing, and pure summer bliss. But don’t get it twisted, this isn’t just some feel-good track with chill production. There’s a whole cinematic layer to this release that takes the meaning deeper than it seems. Originally from Boston and raised in Buffalo, NY, Giselle has carved her own lane in the Los Angeles music scene since taking a leap of faith at 21. A multi-instrumentalist with a fearless spirit, she’s performed at iconic venues like The Mint, Hotel Ziggy, and Whisky a Go Go. And with “Cruisin,” she’s showing exactly why she belongs in the conversation when it comes to rising R&B/pop artists blending musicality with creativity. The song itself is built for windows-down drives and flirty late-night hangs. It's a sonic sigh of relief after surviving messy relationships, choosing freedom over commitment, vibes over drama. No strings. No plans. Just good company and better music. “Life doesn’t always have to be so serious, and that’s what this song is all about,” Giselle says. “Having fun and enjoying life!” But here’s the twist: the official music video for “Cruisin’” flips the whole vibe on its head. Inspired by Giselle’s love for horror films and femme empowerment, the video is a chaotic, campy, horror-inspired joyride. Think Jennifer’s Body meets Clueless, it’s bloody, it’s hilarious, and it totally subverts expectations. Giselle uses horror tropes to reclaim power, turning typical victim narratives into something silly, horrific, and downright fun. “I just hope they enjoy the horror and camp vibes,” she says. “It’s meant to be silly, horrific, fun, and empowering!” So yeah, “Cruisin’” is more than a summer bop. It’s a genre-bending, stereotype-smashing celebration of freedom in sound and in visuals. And if this is your first time hearing Giselle’s name, don’t blink. You’re going to see it a lot more. “Cruisin’” feels like the ultimate post-breakup freedom anthem . W as there a specific moment or relationship that inspired the shift from pain to playfulness in this track? I was heavily inspired by early 2000s R&B tracks. Think back to the early 2000s Pharrell era! I always wanted to make a song that reminded me of that timeframe, and this is how it came to be. I thought of the instrumental/melody and sent over the concept to one of the producers I work with, Guhan. In just a few short voice memo clips, I didn’t have all the words just yet, but the vibe of the song was there. The words, “we can just keep cruising,”popped into my head when I was recording myself humming the melody, which then became the chorus! Once Guhan sent over the finalized track for me to lay down my vocals on, I knew I wanted to make the song fun, not so serious, but to also have an empowering message with it for the music video that I envisioned in my head… so I wrote the song with my music video visuals in mind. And that’s how it came to be!     The music video is such a creative contrast to the laid-back feel of the song—how did your love for horror films influence the visual direction, and what was your favorite moment to shoot? Thank you!! I wanted it to be a big creative contrast so it would catch people off guard. It’s kind of humorous to me to have such a laid-back song paired with a horror-filled (but funny horror and empowering) music video. My love for horror and even hitman-type films heavily inspired this music video when it came down to specific shots, blood, and even storyline. There are even Easter eggs to some of my favorite Halloween franchise films in there as well as a little nod to Fast & Furious (which isn’t horror, but when I think of Cruisin, I think of cars and the early 2000s). Everything in the video is important, and each detail matters… even down to the price Sam pays me for my services. $804 is my birthday, but also my second album release!  As for my favorite scene to shoot? I’d say the bloody parts. Even though fake blood went into my mouth (gross), it was worth it! I also really enjoyed those scenes since they were done with my fiancé, so it wasn’t awkward at all! Plus, he LOVES horror, so it was great to film with him. You’ve performed at some iconic venues since moving to LA . H ow has the city shaped your sound, and what do you think sets you apart in the R&B/pop scene right now? It’s been amazing to perform around some of the most iconic venues here in LA. I’m so glad I moved here 8 years ago. It’s been a journey, but it’s turned a new leaf. More shows, more good vibes, more creativity and more positivity! I’d say living in LA has pushed me to try things that I may have once been shy about doing. “Cruisin’” is a great example of that. I feel like younger me as an artist would’ve never actually dared to write a song like this, and to allow inspiration from older songs I loved growing up. As an artist, that “sultry/fun” type of vibe isn’t really me. But I think this city has helped me learn it’s okay to give it a try and have fun. I’ve definitely grown in confidence in myself and my music and art. I’d say what sets me apart in the R&B and pop scene is my sound. You’ll always know a Giselle song when you hear it BUT you may be surprised that it’s different from the last release. I also think directing and filming my own music videos and really throwing in my own personal experiences and/or my love for horror and creating short films has really enhanced my music and my art.     You're a multi-instrumentalist, which is rare in pop . H ow does your musicality influence your songwriting process, especially for a song as vibe-driven as “Cruisin’”? It definitely helps me distinguish what types of sounds I want to hear in the songs. It also helps me a lot with chord progressions. Sometimes I’ll just get on my keyboard and figure out the melodies that way!  The video has a clear message of empowerment masked in humor and gore . W hat do you want women watching “Cruisin’” to take away from the story you're telling? Thank you!! I’m so glad that message comes through in the video!! I’d say the message is that we deserve the best. Cheating, no matter who does it, is wrong. I want anyone who’s gone through it to see that video and realize it’s NOT their fault, they didn’t deserve it, and that there are better things to come. Karma will always come back on a cheater. Even if you don’t see it unfold for yourself. Just know, it will. In the music video’s case, karma showed up as ME cutting off his penis. I don’t recommend that in real life though hahah!

If insomnia had a soundtrack, Katie Belle just dropped the opening track. With her latest single “ Bad Dreams ,” the Atlanta-born, LA-tethered artist transforms a lifelong struggle with sleeplessness into a glittery indie-pop fever dream. But don’t let the dreamy synths fool you; this track hits like 3 a.m. anxiety wrapped in silk. It’s danceable, yes, but it’s also deeply relatable to anyone who's ever stared at the ceiling, mind racing, heart pacing, begging for rest that won’t come. Katie doesn’t sugarcoat the truth; she literally seduces it. Her raspy vocals float over a lush, almost hypnotic production that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It's the kind of track that plays like a mirror: sparkly on the outside, but cracked in just the right places. “Bad Dreams” isn’t just a bop, it’s a lifeline disguised as a late-night anthem. If you've ever felt like you were losing your grip at 2 a.m., this one’s for you. She’s not new to the game either. Katie’s been writing and recording for over a decade, and it shows. “Bad Dreams” is a seasoned songwriter’s take on emotional chaos, tight, self-aware, and layered. But it’s also just the beginning. Her upcoming EP People Pleaser (dropping this fall) promises to peel back more layers, diving headfirst into anxiety, insomnia, the toxic art of saying “yes” too much, and the journey back to self. If this single is any indication, Katie’s not afraid to go there, and she’s taking her listeners with her. Let’s be real: in a world full of fake-deep pop dressed in glitter, Katie Belle is delivering something genuine. She’s giving you permission to feel messy, restless, and imperfect, then she wraps it up in a beat you can dance through your breakdown to. That’s what the best music does. It doesn’t fix you. It frees you. Katie Belle has carved out a space for the emotionally exhausted, a place where anxiety, insomnia, and self-doubt are not just acknowledged but given a voice. And with her upcoming EP, People Pleaser, on the horizon, it’s clear she’s not just telling her story, she’s reclaiming it. “Bad Dreams” balances upbeat production with raw, emotional lyrics. How do you navigate that contrast when you’re creating? Do you see music as escape or confrontation?” I love the contrast. I think it’s cool to mix textures and experiment with sounds, it keeps things exciting. I hope sonically this opens the minds of the listeners and gives them new ideas. You’ve said People Pleaser  is basically an autobiography. Was there a specific breaking point or breakthrough moment that pushed you to finally tell your full story through this EP? I wouldn’t say there was a breaking point or one singular moment that changed me. It took time to come to some of these realizations and I know there’s more too a lot of them that I’m still working through. I think I’ve been here for a while, but I’m just not learning to enjoy the view.  How has growing up in a suburban environment shaped your songwriting? Do you still feel like you’re unlearning parts of that upbringing today? Absolutely I am, there is a lot that I love about where I grew up. Living outside of Atlanta taught me diversity at a young age, but there are still some small town ideals I am growing out of and not taking with me as I continue to grow as a person and as an artist. A lot of that is me learning to be my own person.  Insomnia is such a personal and isolating experience. How did you translate something so internal into a sound that connects with others? Honestly, it was kind of hard haha! I have been wrestling with the idea for a few years now and haven't been able to find the right words. There’s just so much I could say and so many avenues I could go down… It’s possible it’ll come back up later on in future songs. I’m grateful my producer Fabio Campedelli knows me well enough to bring it to life sonically and make the track. We collaborated on new sounds and synths to get that dreamy disco vibe.  What advice would you give to other creatives who feel stuck between being true to themselves and trying to meet everyone else's expectations? At the end of the day, this is your life and this is your art. Do the things that make you happy and make you proud because you’re the one who has to sleep with them at night.