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1.) We’re very excited to have some time today with acclaimed pop chanteuse and multi-instrumentalist Belle Bongiorno; greetings and salutations Belle and welcome to Vents Magazine! Before we dive into the Q&A mosh-pit, how is the New Year finding you and yours?
Hey hey! Thank you so much for having me, I’m so stoked to be here! This year started off super strong with the release of my first single. Dropping this song has been such an exciting (and chaotic) start to the year, and I’m loving every second of it. Best part is, this is just the beginning! There’s so much more music in the works, and I can’t wait to share it all!
2.) Major kudos and accolades on your freshly-minted debut single Flavor of the Month which is lighting up playlists and warming hearts all around the ever-lovin’ world! Starting at the tip-top, can you talk about what inspired this gem of a ditty?
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Oh yeah, let’s take it back to the beginning. A lot of my song ideas come to me as melodies that just won’t leave my head, like little earworms that refuse to shut up until I make something out of them. “Flavor of the Month” was born in the shower. I was there, singing my heart out, and then BAM—this melody hit me. It sparked this idea about breaking free from feeling confined growing up. I was in Catholic school from 1st to 12th grade, and let me tell you, I was DEFINITELY not the “normal” kid. You should be able to wear what you want, do what lights you up, and love who you love with no limits. This song is my personal anthem about loving yourself and all of your weird, wild, wonderful qualities. I’m queer, and honestly, it’s MAGICAL, and so freeing to be able to write about. I’m living my truth and shining unapologetically through my music, and I’m here to stay!
3.) Who did the producing honors on Flavor of the Month and what did the in-studio collaboration between artist and producer look like while fashioning and shaping the new tune?
The brilliant Tony Bruno, who not only produced, but also co-wrote “Flavor of the Month,” is a studio wizard. The energy in the studio while we were working on this track was such a blast! There’s just something magical about how we collaborate. It’s all about the freedom to explore new ideas like, “Hey, try this!” and before you know it, we’re creating something unexpected and awesome.
4.) In your humble opinion, what differentiates Flavor of the Month from the Distinguished Competition on the 2025 music scene?
“Flavor Of The Month” is a breath of fresh air, unapologetically embracing the messiness and raw vulnerability of life. While most mainstream songs are all about that polished, picture-perfect topic, this one plunges headfirst into the awkward, conflicted chaos of figuring out who you are and where you stand. It has that absolutely delicious, quirky self-awareness. The monthly flavor is a person finally realizing they’re stuck in a toxic loop but can’t help but stay for the tea. It’s raw, rebellious, and completely unfiltered, setting itself apart from the shiny, “perfect” tracks out there. It may be a little messy, but that’s the magic.
5.) In the wake of the release of the new single, can fans look forward to even more music releases from you as ‘25 marches on?
Absolutely! My second single, “Canon Of Events,” drops on Valentine’s Day! I have so much music lined up to share with the world, and I’m bursting at the seams with excitement for everyone to hear it!
6.) What does your touring/performing dance card look like in the coming weeks and months?
Right now, I don’t have any upcoming formal performances. A couple of weeks ago, I did play ‘Flavor Of The Month’ live for the first time at a bar in New York City, and it was an absolute blast. It was like a mini preview of what it’d feel like to perform an entire set of my original songs, and now I can’t stop thinking about it! In the meantime, I’m working on building up my social media profiles and getting these tunes out. I really do enjoy posting, but social media is rough.
7.) Who are some of the key figures in your life – both in and out of the world of music – who have influenced your own specific pathway?
A key figure in the music industry for me would definitely be Chappell Roan. She’s got this incredible mix of raw talent and individuality that’s hard to ignore. Not only is she so unique and unapologetically herself, but her music is absolutely brilliant. She is also a fierce advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, which I really admire.
8.) When working on new music for yourself, do you have a specific work regimen that you adhere to, or is it a bit more freeform than all of that?
There is music playing in my head at all hours of the day. Sometimes, I’ll even be dancing in a completely silent room… I tend to get a lot of stares. I am constantly having new ideas pop into my head, and if I have a guitar within reach, I’ll start forming those song ideas. If I don’t have any instruments around me, I love to use my handy-dandy voice memos on my phone. “Flavor Of The Month” is a perfect example of an idea, at a random time. I was taking a shower when it first popped into my head. I still have the voice memo of the shower running while I’m singing, “Is it true that I wanna be with you?”
9.) Word ‘round industry campfire has it that you’re no slouch when it comes to playing the bass! How did your proclivity for the bass come about and can we expect to hear you play it on some of your future records?
I met Tony, who co-writes and produces my music, during the tour of Hits! The Musical. One day, while we were rehearsing, I asked him if they needed any bass in the show (even though I didn’t really play bass). I think he knew that, but I’m so grateful he saw something in me and gave me the chance to play instruments, despite my lack of experience. I don’t know where I’d be without him! After that, I went home, splurged on a fancy bass, and worked my ass off. I played bass and guitar for hours and hours a day, until my hands felt like they were going to fall off. I got to where I am today thanks to the countless nights pretending I was playing in front of a crowd, except I was alone in my bedroom like, “WHAT’S UP SAN FRANCISCO!” Lots of trial and error and fake concerts got me to where I am today. I am definitely focusing more on guitar now, but I’m still making time to keep my bass skills sharp.
10.) At the end of the day, what do you hope listeners walk away with after giving many-a-listen to your powerhouse premiere single Flavor of the Month?
At the end of the day, I hope listeners walk away feeling inspired to embrace their weird, wonderful selves! I hope ‘Flavor Of The Month’ gives everyone the burst of energy to get up and dance around. You are the main character!
LISTEN
Flavor of the Month: https://open.spotify.com/track/5uiTlmfzO3xaN5UZwutefu?si=115604c06ce24400
Canon of Events: https://open.spotify.com/track/0tAUj5JyvIVGNZrlwURY71?si=66b091ba4509491b
