Belfast-born and raised artist Bea Stewart’s latest release, “Stitch It Up,” tells an all too familiar story of the battle that goes on in a mind that insists on being a bully rather than a friend, sowing seeds of doubt and anxiety. Sometimes you find yourself looking for a break, desperate for some peace, and you just want to stitch it up and get it to shut up. We had the pleasure of interviewing Bea Stewart, and here’s what she had to say:
Q: I think the cover art for this song is great—so fitting! How did you get the idea for this design of the stitched lips?
STEWART: Thank you I’m glad you like it! I was sketching some ideas for artwork for an EP of tracks (3 of which are now released, 1 still to come) and my flatmate pointed out to me that I was drawing a lot of lips and maybe it could be a theme to tie them all together. I really loved the idea, especially considering the title going around my head for the EP was ‘things we never say out loud’ – it felt very fitting. I thought it would be fun to take the lyric in the chorus really literally that there’s a voice in my head telling me to ‘shut my mouth and stitch it up’. It’s kinda creepy but I’m cool with it.
Q: I love how well “Stitch It Up,” tells a story of the battle that goes on in the mind with a voice that insists on telling you you aren’t good enough. What made you decide to share this song and what effect are you hoping it will have on listeners?
STEWART: I think self-doubt is a struggle that most humans face at some point in life. Everybody has their insecurities and moments when they feel like they’re not enough. It’s a very personal song but at the same time a very universal feeling. I think the more songs I share the easier it is to handle the feeling that people are reading my journal and ultimately I want people to feel seen and understood so they know they’re not the only ones going through it.
Q: What did you enjoy most about making this song?
STEWART: I have to say recording the live strings was definitely a highlight – I’m not a string player so I did zero work that day but was so beautiful to hear the live string arrangement come together. I nearly cried a couple of times!
Q: Outside of music what do you enjoy doing? Is there any other career path you can see yourself enjoying if you weren’t a musician?
STEWART: This is a good question! In school I loved Spanish, that was my favourite subject so probably if I’d decided to go down a different route at that time it would have been something involving Spanish. But now I think if I were to suddenly switch careers (this is most definitely not my plan) I would love to do nursing. I love people and I’m pretty good with vomit and blood and all that gross stuff and think it would be a very rewarding career.
Q: What projects are you currently working on?
STEWART: The 3 songs I have recently released are part of an EP with 1 track still to go. I’m also working on new material and trying some co-writing – most of the songs I’ve written previously I wrote by myself so writing with other people is quite new to me and I’m really enjoying it! I’ve also got a couple of live gigs coming up – my first headline show is on the 26th of April at the servant jazz quarters in London!
Q: That sounds exciting—Good luck! What would you like to say to your supporters?
STEWART: Just a massive thank you for caring about my little songs. It’s so lovely to know that other people relate to what I’m feeling and writing about and that people are enjoying the music! Also, get a ticket for my headline show in April!
Interviewed by Zoey King
FOLLOW BEA STEWART:
