Lebanese singer & song-writer Bea Kadri is a rising Pop/R&B soulstress. Growing up listening to 90's pop, r&b, and hip-hop, these genres laid the ground work for Bea’s own personal story- telling. In 2018, Bea released her debut single "Cloud 9" which is about finding heaven within.
Finally pursuing her dreams as well as shedding others' opinions of her, she's since released a handful of records that have landed on Spotify, Apple music & Anghami editorials as well as publications like GQ , Grazia , Emirates Woman, Harpers Bazaar & What's On Magazine.
With inspirations stemming from artists like H.E.R , Jhene Aiko and Ariana Grande,
Bea’s sound focuses on a chill and sultry vibe while her writing is a more personal look
into Bea’s mind, centered on self discovery, empowerment, and all matters of the heart .
Bea’s strong musical background comes from her experience in performing at venues, events and festivals all over Beirut , Dubai, and London, including performing at the Brit awards with
Justin Timber lake & Chris Stapleton as a member of their choir .
Bea is currently releasing singles that fall under her upcoming debut album
"No love for the long distance"
-Growing up, who were some artists that served as an inspiration to you?
I grew up listening to artists like Celine Dion, Najwa Karam, Warda, Britney Spears, Destiny’s Child and all sorts of Pop, Rnb and hip hop artists, as well as girl/boy bands from the 90's. I Really love the sounds that came out during that decade as well as the aesthetics.
-When did you make the transition from being a music listener to being someone who creates music?
I released my first serious debut in 2018, but I did have a secret YouTube channel back in 2006. I was playing all around Beirut in 2009 and before that, I think I was around 7 or 8 years old when I wrote and recorded songs on a cassette over one of mom’s instrumental meditation CDs, I still remember those songs and melodies to this day.
-What’s your favorite song of yours and why?
Very tough question to answer, they’re all my babies!! But if I had to choose , I’d say Cloud 9, because of how it was my first one and all the internal battles I was facing during that release. I was so afraid to start releasing, but I took a leap of faith with that song.
-You had a legendary performance at the Brit Awards alongside Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton, can you tell us about how that came together, how it made you feel and what that moment meant for you?
I met Jessie J’s keyboard player back when she had a show in Lebanon and kept in touch with him and his wife via social media. When I moved to London for my masters, I reached back and they approached me with this opportunity a day before the Brits! I remember feeling so lucky to be picked and the entire experience was so surreal. Everyone looked so cool and talented. I loved seeing that stage and backstage, I kept picturing myself up there one day.
-How would you say music changed your life and what does it mean to you?
Writing music and expressing my journey with the world changed my life big time. It’s a very personal and vulnerable process until it is no longer mine and is for any and everyone to experience. Writing actually helps me pinpoint areas to reflect and work on, It helps me spot certain patterns or areas of growth.
-Who are 5 artists you dream of collaborating with?
Oof! Post Malone, SZA, Drake, Beyonce & Marwan Moussa!
-What has your experience been like with the business side of music? And what advice do you have for other music artists looking to make money off their music?
I see a lot more support now in the industry towards independent artists than there ever was before, so that’s great! We do need the exposure and reach that streaming platforms offer,so we need more push and opportunities created for us. The advice I would give other artists is to release. A lot of us musicians overthink and want the song to reach a certain level of perfection before we release, and often times that stands in our own way of being consistent and actually present on the scene. Consistency is important, experimenting with content is important, finding that connection with fans and listeners is very important and so is networking. This is a people’s industry and it all starts with artists putting themselves out there. Most of the money is in film/sync, shows or brand deals. It’s not easy living off music when you’re just starting off..
-Coming from a background that is rich in music and culture, do you ever see yourself incorporating elements from Arabic culture into your music?
Yes, 100%! I just released Ruthless (ma ber7am) which features Derbake in the production and marks my Arabic singing and songwriting debut. I've since then written several songs in Arabic yet to be released, I’m reconnecting to that part of me. Originally, I wrote that Arabic verse for another female artist to sing it but ended up liking how I sounded on the demo. And now here we are. :)-
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
Hopefully, happily doing greater things and reaching memorable milestones :) + a partner and a fam of my own wouldn’t be too bad by then either.
From the beginning of your journey until now, what are the 3 most important things you've learned?
- Hurt people hurt people , so if you see or get a negative comments, don't take it personal but send healing to that person. A happy person would never make that effort to leave a hurtful comment.
- Don't overthink your musical expression, release that unreleased music already , someone needs to hear it.
- Try things that are out of your comfort zone every now and then and be open to new ideas, connections and collaborations.
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