Today we’d like to introduce you to Bella Sera.
Hi Bella, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started drumming when I was five years old after Santa kindly returned my request for a drum set for Christmas. I was so excited that I had a set that I started rock bands with my stuffed animals in my room, but interestingly, I was always the lead singer, and Elli the elephant was the drummer. This stuffed animal band sparked my interest in vocal lessons, so I started there, but during my first vocal recital, I forgot a few words and burst into tears on stage. Looking back, it’s hilarious, but at the moment, I was mortified and ran and hid behind the drum set. I immediately started taking drum lessons and haven’t stopped drumming since. Elli, the elephant, was officially replaced! Growing up, I practiced every day for hours. I was completely obsessed with music from Jack White, Foo Fighters, Frank Zappa, Guns N Roses, Queen, Led Zeppelin, etc. In middle school, I joined a rock cover band first called the Saturday Band, then Torrential Downpour, then Unavailable, and finally Grapevine (we went through many names) with other musicians my age. This was extremely important, as it taught me how to perform and organize a band. Most importantly, it taught me how to have a voice in the band. I stayed with Grapevine until I graduated high school and everyone had to go their separate ways for college. Meanwhile, as a freshman in high school, I went through a traumatic life event that I kept to myself for reasons related to the album. The emotions I had from that intense experience inspired me. The only outlet I knew was music, so I began writing lyrics that soon turned into an album named “Into the Light.” I co-wrote, recorded, and worked on “Into the Light” with a local music producer/engineer Doyle Odom, and it took all four years of high school to finish. We finally released the album right before I graduated from high school.
Strangely, I started organizing my current band after working on the album – a little untraditional, but everyone’s journey is different. In 2019, after the groundwork for “Into the Light” had been laid out, the glam grunge band Hot Whips was born! Now composed of Lead Singer/Pianist/Guitar Carson Anthony (who recorded on the album), Guitar Player Garrett Statcha, Guitarist Brian Wu, Bassist Zamar Soto, and drummer me, Bella Sera! We started playing “Into the Light” and covered our favorite rock songs in the Houston music scene, including venues like White Oak Music Hall, High Volume Music Live, House of Blues, and our favorite Numbers Night Club.
This is just a brief overview of my journey. There are so many details I could write a novel about. Everything I’ve gone through has helped me get to where I am today. Currently, I’m studying at Texas State University for Sound Recording and Technology while focusing on drum sets with my teacher Arthur Latin. Hot Whips is still strong, and we play as many gigs as possible in Houston, San Marcos, San Antonio, and Austin. We are now working on our second album, which I’m very excited about because it will include all of the players in the writing process this time. I’m eager to hear how the sound will transition now that we have a solid lineup. I drum as much as possible and take as many opportunities as possible, from session work to live shows. In the music business, there’s a saying for people who want to make it: “You have to be in the right place at the right time.” Because of that, I decided early on that, just in case that was true, I’d be everywhere all the time. That way, I can’t miss out on any chance that’s out there.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road; like other artists, I’ve hit many bumps. I’ve faced hundreds of challenges, but I’ve learned that there are many kinds of challenges. The two that I face most are the ones that try to suck you in and try to intimidate you and the ones that help you grow. When I discuss challenges I’ve faced, I only discuss the ones that have helped me grow, leave the past in the past and let the bad things remain there. A few challenges I’ve grown from is growing into myself; it was so difficult. I faced many people making fun of the fact that I wanted to be a musician and how unrealistic it sounded. I used to care so much about how other people perceived me. I thought being a musician was the coolest idea ever, and I expected other people also to believe that. It took a while, but I learned that the people who take the biggest chances are the ones who do the greatest things. So I started enjoying the feedback when I said I wanted to be in a rock band. Something I love doing is wearing two different colored converse. Ever since I could, I’ve only ever worn two different colored converse; first, I love how they feel when I play set, and two, I love the reactions I receive from them. You would be shocked at how many comments I get regarding the simplest factors—the color of my shoes. I’ve gotten comments from “you’ll never get a boyfriend dressed like that” or “Your such a weirdo/freak” it’s crazy how involved you can let other people direct your life, and if you don’t think that’s true, How would you feel wearing two different colored shoes?
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I call myself a drummer, do session work and live shows, and am the drummer for Hot Whips. I’m also studying to be a Sound Engineer. My passion for this craft sets me apart from others. I love it so much. I’m also trained in all styles (Jazz, Latin, Rock, Funk, etc.). There’s nothing else I have ever imagined myself doing, and I have never cared about how much money I make. I have always told everyone I would be fine living in a van as long as I can set my drums up. Nothing else I’ve ever wanted to be since I found drumming; it’s everything to me. I can’t explain how much I love this. Every time I play the set, whether live or in session, I feel like I’m floating, and there’s no feeling that could ever replace that.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
If I left anything out, I hope my music helps people feel comfortable in their skin. I hope they feel like there’s someone out there for them and that they’re never alone. If you’re going through something hard, someone is always there. Maybe we haven’t gone through the same thing you have, but we’ve been through hard things, too, and a little comfort goes a long way. Even if you’re afraid to do something, do it. Don’t have regrets and work hard, truly work hard, and if you don’t succeed, then you’ll be able to look back and say, “I truly did everything I could. So I can’t blame myself. I’m proud that I tried, but there must be something bigger and better out there for me.”
Contact Info:
- Website: Hotwhipsband.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/b_the_drummer?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hotwhipsofficial?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@hotwhips1965
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Rxa0tS12X8LI0C2ZeHI2m?si=8Y_JwZRUQ9aAp8_oos8Bnw
Image Credits
Prince T’Challa Vic
