2018 Pride Issue - Stop, Look, and Listen - Jesse Saint John and Hella Bella

Jesse Saint John has been songwriter to the stars for five years now, but only this year did he begin his endeavors as a solo artist. Today, the queer pop artist premiered a one-take music video for his debut single, ‘Move’. This track could easily be on the soundtrack of a teen cult film, so it’s no surprise that some of saint john’s influences for this track were 90s flicks like GO, Doom Generation, Nowhere and Cruel Intentions, so it’s quite fitting that this lyric visualizer was filmed in the same garage as the 1999 crime comedy, GO.

Saint John told Out Magazine that he chose to lead with ‘Move’ because “it just felt like a great marriage of intense energy and hooky melody—and [he] knew it’ll be so fun to do live.” Though we are currently only witnessing the dawn of his solo efforts, he has already been widely recognized as a queer musician and consequently was invited to play at this year’s LA Pride Festival alongside musical sensations such as Tove Lo, Kehlani, and Icona Pop on June 9th.

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The band, Hella Bella, is unique in their own right. With a drag queen lead singer, Bella Gigante, taking the lead of this ultimate party band, you will not be disappointed when you take in one of their shows.

​How did this band become a reality?
Bella Gigante: My goal was to always have a band. Along the road, I began to meet different musicians who wanted to be a part and shared similar visions. Three years later it finally happened”Hella Bella was born.
Who are your musical influences?/ Where does the inspiration for your music come from?
B: Our musical influences vary from Blonde to Rocky Horror Picture show. We are attracted the most by music that people can connect with. We love to make you dance, laugh and feel. We are inspired the most by the people in the crowd.
What do you feel you are offering the music scene that isn’t been seen now?
B: There is nothing greater for us than to take the entire crowd with us on our journey. There are many amazing bands out there today what sets us apart is that our lead singer is a giant drag queen with a set of pipes and a band full of wonderful characters. In addition, our band has Sarah Meadows on bass, Linda Strauss on cello, Joe Buffalo on lead guitar and our newest member Clark Libby on drums. I love this band and am very proud of them.
What are your upcoming gigs?
​B: You can check us out at Santa Fe pride on the plaza June 30th. For all other gigs please follow us on Facebook, Hella Bella or Bella Gigante.

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