It takes a special chemistry for a duo to work; timing, rhythm and harmonies are key. But when a duo is comprised of a mother and a daughter, there is an instinctual connection between the two. The Judds had it, and so do Kelli and Jaymie Jones, aka The Belles.
We caught up with the pair to talk about performing with each other, their self-titled debut EP, and that mother-daughter bond.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourselves?
Kelli: Hi Country Note! We are the Belles — a singer-songwriter duo originally from Omaha, Nebraska. We also happen to be mother and daughter. I’m Kelli, and I’m the daughter. I moved to Nashville about a year ago, and I am so in love with this city, and all of the amazing talent here! But, I also love touring and playing shows around the midwest.
Jaymie: Hi, I’m Jaymie and I’m the mom! I grew up singing with my sisters in a band called Mulberry Lane, signed to MCA Records out of LA in early 2000s. I never planned to be in a duo with my daughter, but I started a solo project about five years ago, and Kelli joined me, and she loved it. We decided to become a duo, and switched all the lead vocals over to Kelli. I play guitar and sing harmony, and I just feel so blessed to be able to share this dream with my daughter.
CN: Jaymie, at what age did you introduce Kelli to music? When did you know she shared your passion and talent?
J: When I was touring with Mulberry Lane, Kelli would often come on the road with us as a little girl. I have this image in my mind of little Kelli standing in the wings and watching us sing. She would be around hearing us rehearse our harmonies, and I think this all just became part of who she is. Around age nine, she started doing local theater, which she loved. I tried to put her in soccer, and other sports, but she only enjoyed music. She did show choir in middle school and high school, and when she started joining me on stage, she had a lot of confidence, and I knew she loved singing.
CN: Being a mother-daughter pair, much like the legendary Judds, are they an inspiration for you both? Which other artists have inspired you?
K: Yes, the Judds are a huge inspiration. They are just iconic. Other artists that have inspired us are duos such as Simon & Garfunkel, First Aid Kit, and the Everly Brothers. My mom and I have spent a lot of time driving to Nashville, or driving to gigs, and we listen to a huge variety of music on the road.
CN: The relationship between a mother and daughter is very special. Does that connection come into play when you perform?
K: Yes, I think so! I love being able to look over at my mom on stage. It is comforting to know that she is there supporting me.
J: I like to think that the audience sees and feels the dialogue and connection that Kelli and I have in our personal lives on stage when we sing. It’s truly based in love and teamwork. I think people take that connection and apply it to their own lives, especially if they are a mom or a daughter, and I think it’s sort of magical.
CN: Kelli, your vocals are in the same vein of vintage Taylor Swift and Maddie & Tae – who are some of your influences?
K: Some artists that have inspired me are Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift, The Wreckers, and I totally love Maddie & Tae. I love Miranda’s sassy attitude, and these days, I’m doing a ton of writing in Nashville. Taylor Swift is also a huge inspiration to me.
CN: Being a songwriter as well, can you take us through your songwriting process? Do you pull mostly from personal experiences, experiences of those around you, or elsewhere?
K: I pull mostly from personal experiences. I keep a long list of song ideas on my phone. I also journal on different topics and try to pool some of my ideas that way. I love the songwriting process, but especially the Nashville co-writing system because I feel that collaborating with other writers is super fun and makes me a better songwriter.
CN: You recently released your EP The Belles, which was produced by Mickey Jack Cones (Jason Aldean, Walker McGuire, Dustin Lynch). Can you talk about how the EP came together? How did you choose which songs made the cut?
K: We met Mickey Jack and immediately had a great connection with him. He is so fun to work with and had such a great vision for the production of these songs. Each of the songs on the EP means something special to us. We love the bittersweet message behind “The Leavin’” and how it showcases our harmonies. “Set in My Ways” holds a special place in my heart because it mentions my home state of Nebraska. I also really love “Didn’t Break Mine” because it is such a fun girl-power anthem.
CN: How did you decide on your name The Belles?
J: After we started singing together, we needed a name for our duo, and my sisters had nicknamed Kelli “Kelli-bell” when she was little, and it stuck. We feel like it’s just a simple name that fits who we are.
CN: You have had the opportunity to open for country stars such as Brett Eldredge, Old Dominion, and Dan + Shay. What have those experiences been like? What lessons have you learned from being on the road?
K: I have loved the opportunity to open for and meet such amazing artists. All of the artists we’ve opened for are extremely talented and also super nice people. I feel so lucky to watch their shows! I absolutely love touring, and I have so much fun with my band on the road. From touring, I’ve learned how to drive our 15-passenger van with a trailer and also to ALWAYS keep snacks in my backpack.
CN: Do you have a dream collaboration in mind?
J: Both my Kelli and I love Chris Stapleton and his wife Morgane, so that would a dream to collaborate with them – just think of all the harmony! It would also be a dream to sing with Dolly Parton. We both just love her so much!
CN: If you could describe yourselves in one word – both individually and as a duo – what would it be and why?
K: Hmm.. thats a tough one! I think one word to describe me would be spirited because I am very enthusiastic about my passions and pursing my dreams! I think one word to describe the duo would be heart because we try to put love first in everything we do.
J: I agree with Kelli on both of those! I think one word to describe me would be foundation because I try to create a steady foundation for Kelli to be free to shine and be herself in a really tough industry with confidence and happiness.
CN: What’s next on the horizon for 2018?
K: We are super excited for our upcoming shows in the Midwest and Nashville. I’m also looking forward to continue write songs in Nashville. Also, we may or may not (*wink*) be releasing a very fun music video soon. 🙂
J: On a personal note, our guitar player who met his fiancé at our show when we opened for Lee Brice is getting married in September! So we’re looking forward to their wedding!
For more information The Belles, visit their website at https://bellesmusic.com/ and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.