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Belle Tones

 

Meet The Belle Tones

 

What's the story behind your band's founding?

Long story short, it all started when a gruff old Theorbist said "...or you could just make your own band." The rest is history.

How did your band get its name?

The original concept for the band was to be hobbit lasses named with all the colors of the rainbow, and a band to be called The Belle Colores. Turns out those names are pretty popular, and as it was all coming together the name evolved to The Belle Tones to honor the profound influence of the Second Breakfast kinship band called The Dulcet Tones.

How did your members meet one another?

Bellelyra and Bellesolis grew up together on the streets of Dol Amroth, and there grew to appreciate beauty in the arts and music of the city. They weren't too keen on settling down and starting a family, so one day they decided to form a band instead. Bellanara is a distant cousin of the Prince of Dol Amroth, and she was feeling the acute pains of the life in court and wanted to run away to the circus. Unfortunately, there wasn't any circus in town at the time, so she ran away with Bellalyra and Bellesolis instead. Eventually they ended up in Bree where they met Bolero who originally comes from a small village in northern Gondor, but moved to Bree to live with his uncle when he was very young.

Belleundomiel is originally from Edhelion, but after the city was attacked and essentially destroyed by the forces of Mordor, she took a journey to visit relatives in Rivendell. Stopping in Bree on the way, she happened upon a Bread and Jam Session at the Prancing Pony one night and immediately realized that was where she belonged. Belleliquam was travelling with her father from Dale when she happened upon an outdoor concert. She instantly fell in love with the music, and decided right then and there to become a part of it any way she could.

How would you describe your band's music?

There are no limits to the possibilities, but for now it's primarily an eccletic mix of folk, rock, and a sprinkling of Spanish influence. 

How do you decide which songs to play?

Our Muddy Food Days performance centered around a 60s surfer rock theme. For the Landroval guest appearance we performed Big Band favorites including some with a latin flavor. For the Shirefest 2016 show we are exploring flamenco, mambo, salsa, samba, and bolero styles.

The Belles are known for impromptu performances at random times in random places. During these 'flash mob' shows it's anything goes. 

Do you have a signature song?

Ever fond of irony and mischief, we always 'end' our performances with "The Show Must Go On" by Three Dog Night.

What's the highlight of your band's time together?

When the flash mob draws a crowd, and when the audience can't tear themselves away from our music - not even to sleep!

Do you have any stories about a time when things didn't go so well?

Let's just say we've learned our lesson about admitting when we make a mistake instead of just playing through and hoping nobody notices.

Does your band play a regular concert? If so, when and where?

We do 'flash mob' shows here and there, but do not have regularly scheduled performances at this time.

Does your band have a website, Twitter feed, Youtube channel, or links to any performances?

Not at this time.

What's the one thing we should know about your band above all else?

We love a happy audience!

Is there anything else you'd like to tell us about your group?

We would like to give a special thanks to some groups and performers that have been a particular influence and inspiration: The Kinship Second Breakfast who made Bolero and Zing feel at home on Crickhollow after being uprooted from distant lands in Meneldor, Master Drummor and the Dulcet Tones, Master Dallofin, Mistress Pinoh, Mistress Fincin, Mistress Cherinias, Master Weetodd, Master Beorhere and the Firebrands, and Master Kenghis and the Mardi Gras Party just to name a few. It is unlikely the band would have properly come together without being so profoundly inspired by these and many others.