"Songs From The Wild" awards & features in 2007 include:

HONORABLE MENTION in the BILLBOARD WORLD SONG CONTEST, songs'To The Moon Alice' and 'Radio Wo Wo.
"In recognition of having your original song compositions among the Top 500 & 1500 entries of the 14th Annual Billboard World Songwriting Contest. Only the highest quality songs make it to the top. This honor demonstrates the talent and dedication it takes to write a "Hit Song".", wrote Jim Halsey, President and Mark Furnas, Director.

'To The Moon Alice' 23rd, top 50 ~ American Idol Underground ~ Rock genre!

Indieguitarist.com ~ January Featured Guitarist, Bookentertainers.com

Featured Artist, honored in "Feminists Who Changed America 1963-75 by Author Barbara Love.

"Songs From The Wild" won three awards in 2006:

Outmusic Award Nominee" for CD: 'Songs From The Wild' - Outstanding New Recording ~ Band.

Reader's Survey Winner Top 50 - #30 and "Music Project Of The Year Award ~ Editor's Choice" at Kweevak.com

Twist your mind with award-winning on the edge, powerful, blazing, colorful, sultry BLUES, ROOTS ROCK, ALTERNATIVE, ADULT CONTEMPORARY, OUT& PROUD, FOLK, EARTH ROCK & POP musical stories. A unique & eclectic mix of genre on CD, 'Songs From The Wild' writtenby Sun Bell & purrformed by & 'bell the cat' ('btc').

Mission Statement: 'bell the cat' ~ Sun Bell invokes creative, skillful, artistic expression to heal, journey, share love, laughter, fun, life experiences, awareness, fun, compassion & peace through music.

Who the hell is Sun Bell? (executive producer, songwriter, guitar, percussion, singer, harmonica) She is a prolific award-winning songwriter crafting musical stories. RKO Radio Network noticed Sun a few years back delighting radio listeners, playing Wild Dykes On Bikes. Born a Buckeye from O-HI-O she traveled, playing music until settling in California. (See list of awards below) Sun thrills the audience and is thrilled to sing stirring vocals, play a melodic pulsating guitar that plants a kiss on the audience, creating a connection that lingers with Sun Bell ~ 'bell the cat'. 'bell the cat's' sound is rooted deeply in Roots Rock while branching out with electric and eccentric limbs. The musical expression is very much in the now, yet vibrates in and out of times past.

"We believe music not only incarnates creative abilities, but is the universal language with the power to change consciousness. It has life force from inside out. I believe in getting back to the music. I love the music, the fun and the fans. I feel blessed that I am in the presence of so many gifted people. The musicians I play with now exude the kind of energy connection reminescent of the Grateful Dead/Beatle Era, with the friendship, family of musicians and fans. The music is so much more than great licks, but in this case there are great licks galore!"

"Many folks have told me I should write an autobiography. That will come later when I get older. For now I've finished a short story version relating to the first time I remember music coming into my life at seven months, journeying with me as a young adult, the role of my music as I became differently abled up to the present day. Sharing some of the ways music wove in and out of my life."

Jan Emerson, (assistant producer, keyboard and vocals) compliments Sun's strong vocal and musical style, serving up sassy harmonies and rousing lead vocals. Jan glows on stage whether hammering a raunchy rock tune or milking a sensous ballad. Sun's gutsy blues hit home for this former Memphian. Jan and Sun's shared experiences in performance, recording and writing birthed a musical friendship that keeps growing. Jan's magic on the keyboard takes you places you'll love to go.

Sun Bell ~ 'bell the cat' is auditioning for Bass, Drums/Percussion, Lead.

'bell the cat's' CD Songs From The Wild was recorded in Santa Rosa, California with Associate Producer and Drummer Terry Lee Kierim. We recorded "Songs From The Wild" using a Mac G4 and ProTools. The CD also features local recording artists and musicians: Tom Finch (lead guitar, rhythm and bass) Tom is a Gulf Coast Music Hall Inductee and he plays and records with Big Brother and The Holding Co., opened for Joe Satriani, David Sydney Scott (sax) Gator Beat, Pete Hale (rhythm guitar), Laurie Roth (flute), and Barry Bison (keyboards), all these folks contributed giving a beautiful heartfelt musical performance on this CD, "Songs From The Wild".

Sun's award winning songs recreate life experiences, encourage environmental awareness, humankindness, universal peace and respect for life. In Songs From The Wild, Sun's love for music and humanity shines through.

"As a songwriter I am influenced by many mentors , my life partner, my heritage of Native American - Cherokee, Celtic, Feminism - The Pankhurst Family - Suffragettes, and my Goddess Spirituality, love and among many others the grand event of life itself!"

Other Famous People born on Sun's birthday: Mischa Mandel, Mike Diamond, Bo Derek, Duane Allman, Veronica Hamel, Dick Smothers, Richard Dawson, Estelle Parsons, Kaye Ballard, Robert F. kennedy, and Alistair Cooke.

'bell the cat's music video of track #1 'Untamed Heart' on "Songs From The Wild" is uploaded, production of the next double CD of all new original songs has started, gigging in new venues, contests, new interviews and reviews. At www.BigCatsRescue.org/bigcatmusic.htm, SunBell Music donated downloads of 'Untamed Heart' music on their web site. The Big Cat Rescue is an educational and permanent sanctuary to more than 150 big cats. Jamie Veronica of Big Cats Rescue donated the video footage of the white tiger in the music video for 'Untamed Heart'.
'bell the cat' is accepting Small Business Sponsorships, ex.: Hair Dressers, Clothing Designers, Gear.. We're walking billboards. We also need street teams for posting our gigs.

'bell the cat' are muses in motion.
'bell the cat' purrrforms at Venues, Parties, Corporate Events, Fundraisers, Concerts, Music Licensing for Film, Video and TV, Commercials, Cartoons, Voice-overs, station IDs... 'bell the cat' plays for audiences that range from tweens, teens to baby boomers and beyond. People are drawn to btc for many reasons including the choice of fresh NEW music by a mature artist featuring a bouquet of genres.

LINKS:

http://www.myspace.com/sunbellbellthecat
http://www.facebook.com/sunbell

http://www.twitter.com/SunBellMusic
BLOG: http://www.sunbellmusic.blogspot.com
Join 'bell the cat' group (Fan club - 'White Tiger Den')at http://www.groups.yahoo.com/coogrrl

SETS:

'bell the cat' will adjust our originals Setlist to be audience, age appropriate. Set runs up to 2 hours. Ideal is 45 minutes. Original music played from "Songs From The Wild" and new material, occasional covers with very special requests made in advance.

Basic Requirements: Solo: acoustic/electric ~ stage 8'x10', appropriate sized sound system for room or area with phantom power vocal mic and XLR cable, boom mic stand, DI, two 1/4" cables, two floor monitors, stage lighting, sound technician. Duo: acoustic/electric ~ stage 8'x10', sound system to support two vocals with phantom power vocal mics and XLR cables, two boom mic stands, three DIs, six 1/4" cables, (can include drum machine), two to four floor monitors, stage lighting, sound technician. Band: Stage 12'x14', appropriate sized sound system for room or area to support four vocal mics with phantom power and XLR bales, eight boom mic stands, eight DIs, eight 1/4" cables, eight floor monitors, two drum monitors, stage lighting, sound technician.

Email to buy a copy of Sun's Solo Version of "S.F.T.W.", with Sun on guitar, vocals and harmonica. You can go to our web site to buy MP3 downloads or listen to streaming audio. Order your DVD of the 'Untamed Heart' music video with interview full of fun, untamed hearts, white tiger, wild animals and us wild front grrrrrrrls! SunBellMusic.com to VOTE and REQUEST links to our international podcasts, radio, internet and satellite broadcasts of "Songs From The Wild" and the music video, 'Untamed Heart'. Support women in Indie Music. Let the music play and the light shine! Peace through music!

This independent record production is released through SunBell Music.

Let the music play and the light shine!

---

AWARDS

Honorable Mention - San Francisco Bay Area Music Awards (BAM)

Certificate of Merit - South Bay Songwriters Association

Award of Merit for Outstanding Achievement in the Music Factory Songwriting Competition

Honorable Mention Top Ten Percent in Music City Songwriting Festival.

Review for "Songs From The Wild" at www.gaysonoma.com

Live phone interview with Sun Bell by Eugene and James on International Artist Debut Radio @ http://iadradio.com. Debuted in their Artist News Section January 9th show with Kathleen Procter-Moore.

http://www.luver.com/underground/shamden.html ( audio, streaming video, podcast with Frank Moore, Michael LaBash, Linda...)

Meet GAY GUITARISTS WORLDWIDE's featured player for January 2006 - singer/songwriter/guitarist SUN BELL: "What better way to cheer up 2006's coldest, darkest month than with the trippy west coast sun & fun sound of lesbian rock artist SUN BELL. Imagine the B-52s time travelled back to the late 60s, hooked up with Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service - and you begin to approach the psychedelic folk roots inspired, big mama flower power enthusiasm that is SUN BELL..." (see interview below)

bell the cat's Debut CD, Songs From The Wild - by jody jewdyke, Women's Voices, Sonoma County CA 12/05 & 01/06: "This music is great! The first time I listened to it, I was up and dancing. bell the cat's music is lively, fun and energetic. For those of us who, like me grew up with rock 'n' roll but can't stomach the misogynist (woman hating) lyrics of mainstream music anymore, here is a great collection of songs. This albumn feeds both the lesbian feminist part of me that is concerned for the well being of our communities and our planet, and that part of me that responds to great guitar riffs, good harmonies, and just plain old good music. There is a good mix of music on this albumn ranging from wonderful smoky blues, to high energy rock 'n' roll to passionate political songs about our precious world, as well as beaming pride about being Wild Dykes On Bikes. Here is a taste of what you will hear: 'From Never Ending Skies © SunBell Music 1992 - We've got these big wide oceans, Against never ending skies. Someone tell me why we let it all die? Will the human race be a disgrace?/ Got a brain in our head, A heart in our chest, Put them together should make, Compassion I guess. Can we leave behind, such an awful mess? / We gotta make some changes, We must rearrange. Use our mind, try to find, A working solution to bring resolution. End all the pain, Earth at peace.' Thank you Sun Bell for sharing your music. I hope to hear some of these great songs at the next womyn's dance! To find out more, including the great story about the band's name, where to find this wonderful CD, and when to see Sun Bell and bell the cat perform live, check out www.sunbellmusic.com.

Massimo Ferro - www.highway61.it : " 'Songs From The Wild' is a funny and appealing effort, it reminds me of some great rock music of the eighties (just like the B-52s for example) but with a more rootsy approach. I started playing 'Songs From The Wild' in my raio program of American roots music here. 'Down Home Recipe' was the first song to be played but be sure that more will follow on air in the next weeks!"

earBUZZ.com/bellthecat

CDBaby.com/bellthecatSunBellMusic: Different reviews on web site.

BELL THE CAT - SONGS FROM THE WILD (8/31/05): bell the cat is Sun Bell, Jan Emerson and a band of talented players with impressive resumes. Sun Bell is the producer, lead singer, songwriter and one of the guitarists for the band. Jan Emerson is the assistant producer, keyboardist and supporting vocalist. Their sound is a mix of alternative pop, blues and rock. Sun Bell is a sultry singer complemented by Jan's well-rounded voice. Songs From The Wild is the group's fourteen-track diverse debut. Sun Bell is a storyteller writing frank, visual lyrics that are enhanced by raw yet skilled instrumentation. The CD opens with 'Untamed Heart' an edgy rocker with lively rhythms, harmonizing vocals, a tiger growl and fierce guitar leads. 'Sweet As Honey Be' is a blistering blues number with sizzling guitars and smoky vocals. 'Wild Dykes On Bikes' has an in your face attitude revved up with a driving beat, speeding guitars and the ladies dueling vocals. Bell The Cat's first record is a wild blend
of musical styles that is both serious yet fun!
Recommended Tracks: (1,4,13) [USA/CA 2005 - web <http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/bellthecat/from/kweevakbaby>] (Review by Laura
Turner Lynch for Kweevak.com)

We The People - Gary Carnivele - A&E, Music Interview 7/2005 page 15 - Sun Bell, front woman of bell the cat, has finally landed with both feet on the ground, in Forestville and is pleased to call Sonoma County her home. With their debut CD, Songs From The Wild, getting airplay on several local raio stations, bell the cat is poised to break through to the big time. Live performances, like last month's stunning set during "Out Loud: The Russian River's Pride Weekend", have built a dedicated following....We The People caught up with the busy singer/songwriter between engagements to talk about life on the verge of super-stardom.

We The People: What bands really float your boat? Sun Bell: Bands of today that float my boat are U2, Melissa Etheridge, The Pretenders, Metallica, Patti Smith, Johnny Lang, Eric Clapton, JessieMae Hemphill, Debra Coleman, Cake, Bonnie Raitt and so many more past and present.

WTP: Who are your American Idols, or idols of any origin? SB: My idols are the people everywhere who believe in themselves enough to rech for their dreams. Folks who even though they are afraid go ahead and jump into the void to reach for their goals.

WTP: What inspire your writing? SB: Living my life s inspiring. My sweetheart, my friends, any information that comes to into me in whatever form that leaves an impression can bean inspiration. WhateverI write about in music, poetry or stories I like to approach from a new angle and to bring hope to topics that may otherwise leave a listener depressed.

WTP: How many musical instruments do you play? SB: Guitar is my number one instrument after that my voice. It is a goal of mine to build my collection of musical instruments. Others I play are congas, djembe, tamborine, harmonica, sax, clarinet, bass, keyboard (piano), Native American flute, pennywhistle and a variety of other percussion instruments. I want to experiment on the next CD with playing some guitar using a violin bow.

WTP: Do you have cute pet names for your faorite axes? SB: At this time I actually own only one guitar,a fender copy, (given to me by a friend), whose name is vulva because of the pink color.

WTP: If you could be any musical instrument, what would you be and why? SB: Any electric guitar in the hands of some extremely talented and sexy fem lesbian musician.

WTP: What advice could you offer up-and-comers? SB: If you love music, you can't live without it, (you really can play and/or sing) then keep at it no matter what anyone says to you. You have to have a base of friends that you trust that you can go to for constructive criticism. People who will tell you the truth always.

WTP: Describe your favorite live performance? Both yours and another band's. SB: Favorite "purrformance" of mine keeps happening each "purrformance." The fans and the people I play with make each time aweome. My most favorite live performance by other musicians would have to be Woodstock. (Yes, I was there in a fantastic spot behind the stage area so I didn't have to put up with all the mud etc. and I got to see each performer up close).

WTP: Where were you raised? SB: O-HI-O was my birth place in a small town called Steubenville. My parents moved me and (then two) of my siblings with them to Tampa, Florida when I was nine. We moved to Pompano Beach just before I started high school and I lived there with my folks until I ran away at the age of 17. After which time I began to travel the country, Mexico, Canada, and the United Kingdom before my move to San Francisco in 1976. Sonoma County caught my eye back then but I didn't get here until nine years ago.

WTP: What's your educational background? SB: After I finished High School on my own, ( in high school and junior high I was always in band holding first chair, being drum major and student conductor for concerts), and got my degree the first place I took some classes was at the Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale. There used to be more people willing to work you in as an apprentice so I jumped at the offer with a great photogrpher friend of mine and started to learn modeling, photography and darkroom techniques. Later I went to Milwaukee Technical College for photo and design. Then even later I did internet writing classes from Berkeley and got my AA Degree In Communications from Cosumnes River College. All during this time I was studying music in numerous ways through private teachers on guitar and voice and I went to wonderfulplaces like Family Light Music Camps. The people that I have worked with in music have taught me so much and been so generous with their teachings. My life is blessed in this way.

WTP: When did you move back to Sonoma County? SB: IN 1996 I finally realized this is where I wanted to be. It had stayed in my mind ever since I took that first motorcycle ride up here in 1977.

WTP: How's your love life? SB: Hot! My sweetheart, Annie and I are very much in love and lust. She is very supportive and my biggest fan. We have a lot in common and enough differences to make it interesting. We discovered that we have crossed paths many times in both of our lives and never met until about three and a half years ago. She brings many wonderful gifts into my life through her love for me, the intimacy, companionship, fun, compassion, a relationship with her son Steven and lots of those very special moments that are undescribable.

WTP: Where will you be in five years? SB: There will be three or four new CDs of my music that will inspire touring, songwriting with others and other musicians recording my songs. My music associate, Jan, and I singing our hearts out. bell the cat/SunBell Music will increasingly have music played on the "Radio Wo Wo". Prolific songwriting will continue to stream from me. Thrilling the audience and myself, giving my best whether for one person or thousands.

WTP: What keeps you centered? SB: Keeping life real with my honey, friends, my cat Honeysuckle, nature, working out at the pool, my spirituality that is a mixture of Native American, Dianic Goddess, Budhism, Earth honoring, honoring all my relations.

WTP: What keeps you jamming? SB: I started on stage at the age of three. From that time I remember the feeling I got after I sang a song and people liked it so they applauded. The act of singing itself was incredibly empowering let alone the applause. Then when I learned to play an instrument and sing it gave me what I needed to surviv no matter what. Music is very healing and uplifting. Also, beign so honored by the fact that people really do love my music keeps me jamming. It is the best thing for me, body, mind and spirit.

Sonoma West Times & News - Front Page Section B Discoveries (color photo & heading: bell the cat performs at Coffee Catz) and page B2 (B&W photo with caption: Jan Emerson and Sun Bell of "bell the cat" will be serving up sassy harmonies and rousing lead vocals...) & page B4

bell the cat - Let the music play and the light shine as local duo performs Songs From The Wild. Sun's award-winning songs recreate life experiences, encourage environmental awareness, humankindness, universal peace and respect for life...

Petaluma Post - CD Review - ..."Songs From The Wild" is dedicated to Bell's deceased feline friend, Ruby Emerald. It's a fresh, unassuming collection, and just plain fun to listen or dance to. As be;; says, "The more you hear the music, the more you love it."...

GoGirlsMusic.com - Annette Warner - CD Review - Inspiration comes from everywhere. And the more strange something is it seems the better I like it. I so totally dig a uniquely driven and talented muse and bell the cat delivers this quite nicely.

We The People - Robert Lawrence - Arts & Entertainment, Music Reviews 6/2005
At first bell the cat scared me, but I grew to really appreciate them. I am convinced that singer/songwriter Sun Bell is
the love child of Grace Slick and Nina Hagen. I'd love to hear her do a "White Rabbit". She has the combined power of
Grace's throaty delivery and Hagen's sharp stabs. Ms. Bell, who hails from Ohio, but now has her claws settled in
California, gathered together a group of noteworthy musical friends to help her unleash her debut. The band borrowed
the name from one of Aesop's Fables. bell the cat's sound is deeply rooted in the 60's folk era and branches out with
electric and eccentric limbs. The 14-track disc of compositions boils over with self-expression and thoughts of love in a troubled world. However, the message throughout is one of hope. As an independent release the quality is raw, but it is presented in a somewhat controlled and seemingly live setting. Bell has captured the feeling of a small coffeehouse
gathering right through the last note. Though you will be drawn instantly to check out the two closing novelty cuts,
"Wild Dykes On Bikes" and "Snuck Up ( the She Ate My Pie Song)", the whole collection is definately worth
a spin and if anything, utterly fresh.

Indiegrrl.com - Holly Figueroa - Review - .....congratulations! Your submission was approved by our review committee this month. Only 20% of the submissions we receive are of the caliber we require for performing membership, so you are part of a select group of performers who
can perform duiring Indiegrrl events.

West County Gazette - Who's Playing What? by Vesta Copestakes - .....Sun Bell with Jan Emerson and a slew of other musicians (with impressive credentials by the way!) who all join forces in a happy and delightful msuical offering......I have to say this is fun and uplifting. It has life force from inside out - so expressive! I like the lead guitar, the lively rhythms, the pure rock of some songs. Sun Bell has one of those spirits that reeks self-confidence and passion for what she's doing - and living from what I can tell from the liner notes. I think this woman is geniunely happy! What a delight....I can see them prancing about on stage and interacting with their fellow musicians....."I want a lover to respect who respects me" full of lust! Hot! Good harmonies. Percussion. Playful.

Health & Harmony Goddess Temple Stage - by Kat Decker and Julie Sage - Your performance was very much appreciated.....The Goddess Temple Loves you!

Russian River Monthly - Things are happening on the Russian River - Mind twisters: Jan Emerson and Sun Bell, collectively known as bell the cat, bring their unique songs and stories to Coffee Catz.....

Fan's Comment

"I saw on the web that they gave your Outmusic Award to a band of youngsters...I find it hard to believe these kids have produced a CD that tops Songs From The Wild...Your CD is awarding enough to me!" Lark Letchworth www.kzyx.com - FM 90.7, 91.5 - Queer Ear Far and Near

"Can I have a copy of 'Wild Dykes On Bikes" to add to our playlist? I can't get the dang chorus out of my head." Rick Brown, Estrogeneration Radio

"The Cat's Meeeeoow!" Researchers at Phattones Enews

"I'm wiggin' out on your CD...hot stuff" Bill Schurk, Music Library Archivist

"Great!!! Music, Vocals, Energy, Ideas...Sun you make wonderful music...wishing you success in all your musical adventures." Allan Palmer

"Congratulations. You deserve it (being played on over 100 stations internationally) the CD is awesome. My listeners enjoy your music. I received the RGIN spots today. They sound great. Thanks alot." Bill Northrup - RGIN Radio

"We'll play the shit out of your band's CD!" Frank Moore, Inter-Relations www.luver.com

Your Music made me jump up and boogie. Gina Fregosi, Ad Manager, We The People, Sonoma County, CA

Hey Sun, I finally got a chance to give a listen to your sounds on CDBaby. It's wonderful! You all sound awesome, love the songs. I particularly enjoyed Down Home Recipe, got me dancing. Good for you, I'm so thrilled for you all. Good wishes, KC (Blues Burners)

Dear btc, I just bought your CD and it is tru;y wonderful. I would be so honored to receive a signed photo of you and I am deeply grateful for the beautiful music you have brought into my life. R. Raphael, Rochester, NY

.....I epecially like the blues-y numbers - yummm! J. Pettit, Santa Rosa, CA

.....we re going to "tweak" your file to get more of your songs running.....We'll be hearing you more often soon! I love your songs! Especially "Wild Dykes On Bikes". Peace, Ursula, NTG Radio, San Jose, CA

...I so loved the song you sang. I think it was at the Winter Solstice, some Native American song. It wa amazing and you sang it amazingly!!! Kris Freewoman

That's wonderful Sun...You did it...You are so worth it...Congrats...Craig Saxon, Musician

January 2006 Featured Player of the Month, guitarist/singer/songwriter SUN BELL

Interview by Robert Urban for GAY GUITARISTS WORLDWIDE

Happy New Year! What better way to cheer up 2006's coldest, darkest month than with the trippy west coast sun & fun sound of lesbian rock artist SUN BELL. Imagine the B-52s time-travelled back to the late 60s, hooked up with Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead, Quicksilver Messenger Service - and you begin to approach the psychedelic folk roots inspired, big mamma flower power enthusiasm that is SUN BELL. Twist your mind with on the edge, powerful, blazing, colorful. sultry BLUES, ROCK, ALTERNATIVE, FOLK ROCK, OUT & PROUD, POP musical stories.Songs From The Wild is 14 original songs written by Sun Bell in an effortless mix of genres/styles - all purrformed by bell the cat.

- What brand/model/year instrument(s) do you record and play out with?

I have a pink and white electric fender strat copy given to me by a friend. I'm shopping for an acoustic electric and would love a Taylor. I'd love also to get sponsorships for my favorite models.

- what brand/model/year amps & effects do u use?

I use a boogie subway blues amp. I use effects sometimes too usually in the Boss family. But most of the time I like to play with the sound of the guitar and amp or my small tube Studio V3.

I am starting to play with a wahwah pedal and I've messed around with a violin bow, I plan on using it on the next CD. It is enjoyable to me to take my voice to limits. When some folks would use effects I try to do with my vocals and a mic to stretch a bit farther beyond technology. There are so many instruments that I love. One day I'll have a studio set up the way I'd like so I can move around with the various instruments I love. Sax clarinet, dobro, bass, drums, many percussion choices, slide guitar, piano, keyboard, steel drums..... on and on.

- Who are your main influences as an instrumentalist? Which artists? Which bands? Instrumentalist? Which artists/bands were your favorites in your youth?

Frank Zappa, Jane Siberry,Rhiannon, Duke Ellington band, Tsychovsky some favs in the instrumentalists. Some artists that I enjoy and am influenced by are Laura Nyro, Patti Smith, Joan Jett, Melissa Etheridge, Bruce Springsteen, John Lennon, early Elvis, Cheryl Crow, Cake, Motels, Grace Slick, Janis Joplin, Pearl Jam, Patsy Kline, Tina Turner Bonnie Raitt, REMM among many others. A few of the bands that get me groovin are Green Day, U2, Sound Garden, Johnny Lang, REMM, Cake, Metallica, Deborah Coleman, Cafe R&B,Eric Clapton. In my youth I loved the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Jefferson Airplane, Elvis, Neil Young, Tina Turner, T. Rex, The Beach Boys, Led Zepplin, Fanny, The Doors, Susie Quatro, Laura Nyro, Motels, Blonde, Stone Temple Pilots, Shirley Temple....

- Tell fans about your luv for your particular style of music, as opposed to other styles - how it became your favorite style of rock, etc

From the moment I heard rock on the radio as a child in the 50's I was swept up in it. Later in the sixties I got into folk rock which propelled me into exploring my sexuality as a lesbian in my out music. When alternative some pop and the blues entered my life I found the combo of styles/genres that came most often to me in my songwriting. These genres give me the most freedom to express myself musically. I do personal work with my own form of classical too. All through junior and part of high school I was in orchestra and band. >

- Do you play/compose/record only your own original music? Do you do any other work in music - e.g. teaching, recording session work, hired gun, producing, etc?

I am mostly concerned with my own music at this time. Because I write prolifically I like the freedom of writing solo often so that I am not held back so to speak. I collaborated with my music associate Jan Emerson, who plays keyboard and sings n my duo 'bell the cat', on a song that she wrote the words for and i came up with music. Now we're working it to be sure it all fits and since she is the originator of the song she has final say on the music. I'm also working with my drummer/producer Terry Knierim on some songs that he put the music together on. He wants me to write he words. I like this new challenge. Usually I bring songs that have a melody and words and present them to Jan and we play through them to make sure there are smooth. Jan will make suggestions sometimes or my sweetie or another music friend or perhaps it just doesn't feel right to me so I keep workin it until it becomes music that grooves in the right way for me. I was the executive producer of my CD, Songs From The Wild. I love producing and I seem to habe great skills in this area so I'd love to produce Cds for other musicians as well as my own. I have taught guitar, worked in recording sessions, play for others in live radio shows, and I also am getting involved in volunteer work in my community hospitals playing music.

- Is there a particular favorite solo or part you played on a recording, or a certain piece of composed music you wrote, that you feel represents your finest work?

I will speak to my CD, Songs From the Wild, since this is what is out there for people to hear. On this CD my favorites are 'Wild Dykes On Bikes', 'Down Home Recipe', 'To The Moon Alice', 'Radio Wo Wo' and 'Untamed Heart'. I chose these because they are more on the edge, challenging and fun. Since I was involved in this CD production from concept, graphics, photos, songwriting, producing, amd now in the promotions I consider this whole project to represent my finest work musically at this point in my life.

- Can you relate any special feelings or experiences about being a glbt player in the mostly straight music world... especially regarding your formative/learning years on your instrument?

People would try to pigeon hole me into the "women's/lesbian lala" music scene. I didn't fit. When women like Meg Christian, Holly Near among others were out there writing their style of songs, it was almost like nothing else could exist or be accepted. Because I was very much on the edge with my mix of genre/styles I was outcast for not playing "women's music". I was accused of playing male music because I was more agressive and back then most women couldn't see lesbians playing music like mine. My song Wild Dykes On Bikes was turned down at a particular women's record company because they considered my style of music "male". So some of the same women who were trying to get free of stereotypes were putting them on other women for being different. I've actually had mostly good experiences within the straight world. Mostly very supportive of my music. When I was nine I picked up a guitar that my father was trying to learn to play (without much luck). I sat down and began to pluck on the strings 'Little Brown Jug' the song my Dad was trying to play. He suddenly came into the room and was mad at me for being able to play it so he yelled at me and told me to never touch his guitar again. Even when I asked for one years later he refused. He saw it as a masculine instrument in those days. My Dad's reaction that day left a big impression on me for years in the form of memory problems with my music. Soon after I realized this issue I took action to heal it completely.

- For a glbt player - how does the overall music scene differ today
from years ago?

As a GLBT player I feel we have much more freedom in our music to speak OUT.I'm surprised more folks don't come OUT in a more obvious way with their music. I write songs that are tongue-in-cheek sometimes and not everything I write is about being a lesbian but I don't do any hiding. I am OUT in every sense of the word. Years ago we had to hide our songs behind so many diluted lyrics and we couldn't sing as a she to a she or as a he to a he. I'm so glad that is all behind us. We must never go back to the closets no matter the cost. Our songs/artists are able to go main stream and there are GLBT musicians in so many genres now. Our music is able to be used in films and on TV as well. I think it is exciting to be a part of the music scene today and to be appreciated as a lesbian and a human for my talents.

- Any special thoughts on your instrument, and what it's meant to you in your life?

My first guitar was a gift to me when I had just turned seventeen. It was given to me by a man who picked me up hitchiking in Florida. It was my birth day and we had been talking about birth days during the ride. I sang to a song on his radio soon after I jumped in his car. He interupted me to tell me I should sing professionally and asked if I played an instrument. I was going from West Hollywood, Florida to Ft. Lauderdale and on the way he pulled into the parking lot of a shopping area and said he had to run in for a minute. I waited in his car and he came out and handed me a small nylon string acoustic guitar. I was flabberghasted! I was honored by his insight. I had wanted a guitar ever since I was nine.That very guitar was with me through thick and very thin on the road and off for years. Some hard years when I was livin on the road playing music and hitchiking across country. That guitar was at times a pillow, a wall of privacy, a blanket, a meal ticket, an invitation to a place to sleep, my best friend, a saving grace and my first guitar.

- Any advice for young glbt players?

Keep rockin'. If people you love, believe and trust acknowledge your talent then keep reachin for your goals/dreams. If it is just a dream you may need to let it go, but if it is a goal/dream reach like there is no limit!

- What are your current and future musical projects?

I am promoting my CD, Song From The Wild, gigging, working on a music video, beginning production on my next CD,recording a duo and solo version of Songs from The Wild ( I purrform solo, duo or with a band) and writing lots of new material. The business of my music keeps me very busy. Because of my perserverance I have achieved what most independents hire others to do. Songs From The Wild is being played internationally on radio, internet, iTUNES, iPOD, and satellite. Come visit my web site at www.sunbellmusic.com, sign our GUESTBOOK and purchase your copy of bell the cat's Songs From The Wild.