Bella White’s debut at MilkBoy — Center City’s last remaining barroom rock club to attract touring artists – has been a long time coming. The Calgary-raised/Nashville-based Americana singer/songwriter was set to play the venue in August of 2021, but was thwarted by a COVID scare the day of the show. We did see her in May of 2023 at the far more refined Loft at City Winery, following the release of sophomore LP, Among Other Things, but we’d prefer to get our own drinks and not be forced to sit… Well, Bella White will be headlining MilkBoy this coming Sunday, November 9th, on the Red Rhododendron Tour Part II, a sequel to her spring jaunt. The tour kicks off this Friday in Brooklyn, coinciding with the release of brand-new single “Little Things,” the follow-up to 2024’s Five For Silver EP, a collection of covers recorded during the Among Other Things sessions and White’s third official release on Rounder Records. Just yesterday I got a chance to catch up with Bella White, who tells me about her past two years, new music, and why she loves sweaty barrooms.
Izzy Cihak: The last time we spoke was April of 2023, just before Among Other Things dropped. This is a big question, but what have been some of the highlights of your last two-and-a-half years? You’ve done a lot of touring, released a covers EP, and I know new music is coming soon…
Bella White: Oh man! There have been so many amazing things. I think one of the biggest highlights has honestly been continuing to understand my artistry and learn more and more about what I want to create and how I want to do that. There have also been some other really cool things come to fruition, like opening for Tyler Childers, playing the Opry, and singing on stage with Willie Nelson, but really it’s all been super amazing!
Izzy: You have a brand-new single, “Little Things,” that’s set to drop right before you’re back in town. I totally love it, but what are the origins of that track… and what can fans expect of it? The last time we talked, you said you were surprised by the lack of acknowledgement from fans regarding the shift in sound from Just Like Leaving to Among Other Things.
Bella: Thank you so much! I am so excited to release that song. I wrote that song before some big changes occurred in my life. I think of that song as a bit of a callback to some on my bluegrass/oldtime/trad (whatever you want to call it) past! It feels like a special bridge between old and new for me.
Izzy: Can we expect additional new music to follow in the near, or relatively-near, future?
Bella: Yes!! I won’t say too much now, but yes!
Izzy: You’re about to embark on the Red Rhododendron Tour Part II. What can be expected of the live show on this run?
Bella: It will be very sweet! Most of the shows will be a trio with my bandmates Sam Gelband and Gina Leslie (drums and bass.) and it will be a very low-key tender performance. We will be playing some old songs and trying out some new songs, too!
Izzy: I saw you at City Winery two years ago, which was great, but I’m really excited that you’re finally playing MilkBoy (after the 2021 cancellation), because I think intimate, sweaty barrooms are the best place to see live music. How do you like playing venues like that, in particular? You play a pretty wide variety of venues pretty regularly….
Bella: I love sweaty barrooms! I think music is meant to be enjoyed in those spaces and that is very special! To me, almost nothing beats an intimate show.
Izzy: What are some of your favorite things about being on the road and touring, in addition to playing the shows themselves?
Bella: I love getting to see new places and getting to spend a little bit of time in so many different ecosystems and environments! It’s always a fun game to wonder what it would be like to live in all the cities we pass through. It’s very inspiring to pass through so many places in such short spans of time. I also love the time I get with my bandmates, who are ultimately my best friends!
Izzy: Considering that you’ve been touring regularly for some time now, I’m curious if you have any advice for young musicians who are considering or wanting to start touring?
Bella: As simple as it sounds, I would just tell them to put themselves out there! To start playing as much as they can and really believing that people will listen. It just takes one person to care and connect with your art for the impact to begin to grow.
Izzy: Not to detract from your own music, but we’re nearing the end of the year, so I’m curious to hear if you’ve had any favorite music of 2025?
Bella: Yes! There is lots of music that I’ve loved in 2025! The new Big Thief record has been on repeat for me! I’ve also adored the Esther Rose album Want. And Jobi Riccio just put out a beautiful new single called “The Ridge.”
Izzy: Finally, what are you hoping and planning for 2026? Anything you’re especially excited about that you can talk about?
Bella: I’ve got lots of exciting things coming up in 2026! The biggest I’d say is new music! I can’t wait to share what I’ve been working on.
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