Divine Enthusiast
FALL 2018 EDITION A DIVINE ENTHUSIAST EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
PHOTOGRAPHER | Natalie Milhouse
LOCATION | Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory
JEWELL BELL
Detroit Native and soulful singer Jewell Bell sets a graceful tone as the first Divine Enthusiast feature. Jewell has been playing piano since she was 12 years old and has created several singles in her earlier music career. After taking a 3-year hiatus, Jewell re-introduces herself with her single, "Nappy," a bold and powerful reminder to all black women to take pride in the beauty that is us. Check out this exclusive interview with Jewell as she shares the meaning behind her artist's name, "The Silence is the Noise," BTS of her visual "Nappy," and elaborates on what Divine means to her.
Q
WHAT WAS THAT DEFINING MOMENT THAT MADE YOU COMMIT TO MUSIC?
A
I’ve always seen myself doing music because I was always singing, dancing, and writing compositions as a child . Music has always played a central role in my life, to which I can’t see myself doing anything else. I think the profundity of not being able to see yourself doing anything else outside of what you love is that defining moment.
Q
DO YOU STILL KNOW THE LYRICS TO YOUR FIRST SONG?
A
Absolutely and it’s very embarrassing. (laughs) I wrote my very first song at 12 years old about my first ever crush and had the AUDACITY to perform it at our middle school showcase. *faints internally*
Q
SO I KNOW YOU ARE A VORACIOUS READER AND YOUR SONGWRITING IS IMPECCABLE AS WELL. YOUR MATERIAL DEFINITELY HAS CONTEXT AND SOUL THAT RESONATES WITH MANY PEOPLE. HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT WRITING A BOOK? IF SO, WHAT WOULD BE THE GENRE?
A
I never gave serious thought to writing a book, though I LOVE to read. However, if I did the focus would probably be on black women and intersectional issues because that’s a topic that inspires and interests me the most.
Creative Process
My creative process always begins with developing a melodic composition on my piano first. It can be anything from free styling on my piano, a melody that popped into my head, or listening to artists and bands that inspire me that spark creation. Once I develop a piano melody that I like, lyrics naturally start to fall into place. I’m a firm believer in not forcing or rushing anything however, so if the creativity or inspiration isn’t there initially, give it time…it will speak to you and come.
Q
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MUSIC?
A
I honestly don’t know if I can describe my music. I leave it open for interpretation to the listener. What they hear, how it impacts them, what they pull from it, is what my music is. Sonically, I feel like my music stems from a range of inspiration and elements. It’s emotional. It’s layered. It’s soulful… it just Is.
Q
WHEN LOOKING AT COMPOSERS IN THE INDUSTRY, WHO WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION?
A
There’s so many, especially the myriad of magical women who inspire me, such as Solange Knowles, Yukimi Nagano from the band “Little Dragon”, Beyonce, Jill Scott, and Laura Mvula to name a few. Their unwavering commitment to their artistry as well as the beauty in their uniqueness is profound and inspiring.
“The Divine is spiritual, and the manifestation of a celestial state. It’s almost god-like and exudes an “other world”, ethereal state of being.”
Q
YOU MENTIONED IN A POST IN APRIL 2017 THAT YOU WANT TO “LIVE LIKE ZORA NEALE HURSTON, WILD, FREE, FLAWED, AND BEAUTIFUL”. IT'S WELL OVER A YEAR AFTER POSTING THAT; DO YOU FEEL CLOSER TO THAT CONCEPT?
A
I think in some ways I have. I’ve never been a perfect person (who is?) and have always been honest in relaying my struggles and flaws, to which there’s freedom and beauty in that. Of course I have a long way to go, and still struggle with fear and that internal voice that seeks to limit my growth rather than nurture my confidence and ability. However, I welcome my journey and even the discomfort that I’m experiencing in my life right now because it’s forcing me to grow and is one step closer to that wildly beautiful and flawed life, similar to Zora Neale Hurston’s that resonated with me.
Q
HOW DO YOU DEFINE FREEDOM?
A
Well in the words of my biggest idol, Nina Simone, “NO FEAR!!” (laughs) For me freedom is just that, the absence of fear and the renunciation of anything that seeks to restrain and deprive you. There’s so many ways to conceptualize freedom, but from an internal stand point, the moment you feel like you are unapologetically yourself without needing the approval or validation of others, is the moment you are free.
