Bringing rock and roll back, to the younger generation, is what New York-based singer and songwriter Belle Blue intends to do, and she’s saying much more with her debut single “Woof” (Midnight Entertainment). A punchy, in-your-face hit against conformity, and finding one’s self-esteem, specifically for girls, is the first glimpse into the artist’s upcoming debut album in 2025.
I’m one in a million / You think I’m going to take you back / I don’t know why you tell me that / I’m your special girl, then you go and pick me last, Blue lashes out, making her point as blunt as possible on the alt-rock track, and dismissing anyone—friend, foe, significant other—questioning her self worth: God, you think that you know me … And for God’s sakes let’s pray that you don’t, but you’re still gonna show me.
Like a message out of Bikini Kill‘s “Double Dare Ya”—You’re a big girl now / You’ve got no reason not to fight—and brushing against an edgier grunge-era grit and punk, it may be hard to believe a 15-year-old girl wrote such assertive and aware lyrics.
Videos by American Songwriter
In a time when it’s needed most, Blue extends her own empowered, dare-say feminist, call to girls and young women to take notice of—now. And it’s not so much about being anti-establishment as it is about establishing one’s self-respect without any need for outside validation.
“‘Woof’ was inspired to empower young girls to be who they are,” Blue tells the American Songwriter, “to be able to say what they want and what they don’t want, and to welcome it.”
Recorded in Nashville in November and December of 2024, “Woof” is the first single from Blue’s forthcoming album, produced by Paul Freeman.
Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, Blue started writing songs before she was a teenager and was raised on everything from David Bowie and broader influences spanning everything from Garbage and the ‘90s riot grrrl movement sparked by bands like Bikini Kill, Sleater-Kinney, Batmobile, and that core era of female-led bands.
The music video for “Woof,” shot and directed by David Doobinin, visualizes Blue’s angstier lyrics, showing the different sides of herself, in dress-up, and a glimpse into a typical teen’s life with poster-filled walls, a musical mood board of Blondie, the Cure, and other familiar faces.
Blue, who will release her second single “Angeles” in April, says “Woof” is just the beginning of what comes next with her music. And whether it shows her influences on her sleeve—or not—isn’t her concern.
“I hope this single gives listeners a preview of the music I’m making,” says Blue. “I believe that my music touches on the riot girl style, a bit. That was an amazing time in music.”
She adds, “I am also okay if I don’t fit in a box. It’s all just about rock and roll, no matter how you slice it.”
Photo: David Doobinin
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