Bea Anderson… “Fall in love with the essence of R&B”

The arrangement, the production: it’s strong and I feel like it really encompasses a lot of my musical influences

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Growing up in South East London with her strict Christian single mother, Bea didn’t hear secular music until her early teens. It was then that she’d “rebel” through her love of R&B – particularly groups like Destiny’s Child, Cherish and Boyz II Men – which she’d listen to alongside some of her gospel favourites such as Fred Hammond’s ‘Speak Those Things POL Chapter III’ (an album that you’ll still hear in her car today.) 

Luckily her passion for R&B didn’t cause too many problems at home, as it was inspiring the 13-year-old Bea to write songs of her own. “I think because I was writing music, my Mum found it a little bit more acceptable,” she says. “I remember saying, ‘Just because I’m not singing about God doesn’t mean that it’s bad music. I’m singing about life.’” 

In order to support her career as an independent musician, Bea has carved a path for herself working with vulnerable and less privileged young people. She set up a studio with her church to give young people a space to create, and would visit pupil referral units around London with her Pastor in order to spread positivity through music.

Speaking on her slow-burning track ‘Nauseous’, Bea admits; “It’s my favourite song on the whole project,”. “The arrangement, the production: it’s strong and I feel like it really encompasses a lot of my musical influences like D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, Destiny’s Child – it’s got a little bit of everything – and then the end is super gospel!”

The six songs featured on the release are the result of a lot of the life lessons that Bea has learned throughout her experience, and all draw from distinct moments that have shaped her story. With their catchy melodies, soulful vocals and soothing production, these songs will undoubtedly have a positive effect on those who accept them into their own lives. “I wanted to create songs for different occasions that will take people on a journey,” says Bea. “I want to be able to relate to people in their general day to day lives.