Bastards and Dangerous Q&A by Amelia Greyson
Hey, Belle! Thanks for sitting with me today for a few quick questions. I think it’s important to learn a bit more about our favorite entertainment blogger who is keeping everyone updated on BAD this year.
Belle: Hey, Mel! You know I’m always happy to sit with you and shoot the shit no matter what it’s about.
Cool, my first question for you is a simple one. When did you first discover Bastards and Dangerous?
Belle: It was the summer before I started college. I’d gone to a club in Hollywood where they were playing. I was hooked right away. That was the summer they got signed, and I’ve followed their career ever since.
I’m pretty sure not many people know this next bit of information. The night at The Greek, where BAD announced Slammed had an exclusive about them in their upcoming issue, that was a surprise to you. How did you feel in that moment?
Belle: Oh my God, I was so freaking excited! I was always a huge BAD fan, and to end up with a job where I could follow their career and write about them was a dream come true. Then to be asked to write exclusively for them for a year, by the band themselves? I could die tomorrow and my bucket list would be complete. It was the most amazing thing ever. I’m still in shock.
Before taking this job you were one of the most influential entertainment bloggers/reporters around. Your Instagram followers were pretty steady at about three million last year. Could you tell us your current Instagram follower count and how it makes you feel?
Belle: The numbers are insane. Almost overnight, I went from three million to about fifty million. BAD has eighty million, so I’m pretty sure those numbers will continue to grow. It’s awesome but also a bit daunting. People should just know that while I’m definitely posting more things about BAD, I’m still posting other bands, and my daily coffee, my shoes if they’re cute, my nails when they’re looking badass. I’m still me, just with a cooler job aspect.
It was recently announced you’re going to spend the last three months of The Just an Illusion Tour on the buses with the guys and me. What are you looking to accomplish in those three months?
Belle: Being up close and personal with BAD is going to bring a whole new level of depth to my articles. Flying in once a month and attending shows and doing some quick interviews is great, but fully immersing myself in the experience is every reporter’s dream.
Are any of the members of Bastards and Dangerous on your celebrity cheat list?
Belle: Uh, yeah! Darren Miller has been on my celebrity cheat list since I saw him play in that club. I couldn’t get him out of my mind. I kicked myself for a good year for not introducing myself to him back then. After having met him and getting to know him better, I see why I was so enamored with him. Thankfully, I’m not dating anyone, so I don’t need a cheat list.
Are you trying to tell us something, Belle?
Belle: <insert laugh> No, but a girl can dream, can’t she?
Hell yeah she can! What has been your favorite part of covering BAD exclusively so far?
Belle: When I come to the concerts and get to see how moved the fans are by the experience. Not just the fans in the audience, either. Smaller venues means less tickets, but the parking lots are always filled to the brim with tailgaters. Those people in the lots are so happy to even be in proximity of the band. It’s a heady experience for sure. One people will talk about for decades.
If you could see Bastards and Dangerous collaborate with someone on this tour, who would it be?
Belle: Wow, that’s hard! There are so many people I’d love to see them do something with but because of the acoustical nature of this tour I’d say Ed Sheeran would be a great mix with what they have going on right now.
So what is up next for you? Do you have any idea where your career will go after this tour?
Belle: You know me, I live by the seat of my pants. I’m sure whatever comes next will be a great experience. Life is such a mystery. I’m just along for the ride.
What’s your favorite pastime?
Belle: I’m in the beginning stages of dating someone new. You know how that is … kind of scary and awkward but also really fun. I guess you could say he’s my favorite pastime at the moment.
Is it serious with this guy?
Belle: I don’t really do serious. I’m all about having a good time. Of course, I’d never rule out serious someday with the right person.
Could this mystery man be Mr. Right?
Belle: You’re not going to let this go, are you? I’ll never say never, but what I will say is he’s Mr. Right Now.
Okay …We’ve been friends for twenty years, I know when to back off. Tell us your favorite must-have while writing.
Belle: A latte or wine and either fresh fruit or chocolate. The time of day determines which order I have them.
What do you prefer a man wear … boxers or briefs?
Belle: Who has time for underwear? Commando all the way, baby.
And on that note, I think our time is up. Thank you so much for sitting and chatting with me, Belle.
Belle: Like I’d rather be doing anything else. Someone else … maybe. But anything else, not on your life.