How do you go from busking on the Seal Beach Pier to becoming one of the most talked-about artists in the Temecula music scene in just five months?

In this episode of SoCal Soundcheck, host Brian Jensen sits down with singer-songwriter Bella Popa to talk about her musical journey - from a musical-theater-inspired homeschooling childhood to building a social media following of over 35,000 and writing her debut album.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Growing up immersed in music and musical theater
• Teaching herself piano and guitar •
• Moving to Temecula and finding her place in the local music scene
• The realities of being a working musician
• The power of authenticity on social media
• Why song selection, stage volume, and dynamics matter at live gigs • Hosting open mic nights at Cougar Winery
• Writing and releasing her debut album

Bella also opens up about songwriting, faith, and how artists can grow by staying consistent and building real connections.

Follow Bella Popa:

Website: https://bellapopa.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellapopaofficial/

If you're in Temecula or the surrounding area, catch Bella live at her Wednesday open mic nights at Cougar Winery - and don’t miss her album release show at Crush & Brew on March 20th.

In this episode of SoCal Soundcheck, host Brian Jensen sits down with a friend and longtime bandmate Gene Kennedy, to talk about the importance of song selection in a cover band.

In this episode of SoCal Soundcheck, host Brian Jensen sits down with a friend and longtime bandmate from both past and present projects to talk about the transition from playing in a young, active original band to navigating life, aging, and the shift into the cover band world.