Interview - Beverly Hell

Los Angeles artist Beverly Hell returns with ‘Drug Opera’, a striking new single from her forthcoming EP Alice In Underland. Blending fragile vulnerability with moments of fierce self-possession, the track plays out like two emotional acts in one, charting the descent from idealised love into disillusionment and, ultimately, empowerment. With its shifting sonic palette and raw lyrical honesty, ‘Drug Opera’ further cements Hell’s reputation as a boundary-pushing voice in alternative electronic music. We caught up with her to talk about the story behind the track, creative risks, and what lies ahead.

Welcome to MeloDrift. Can you tell us a little bit about your musical background?

I played classical cello all growing up, and I was even a soloist for the LA Youth Orchestra one year. I found the classical music world to be quite clinical and somewhat toxic, though, so I "quit music," but actually didn't. It became this thing that I kept doing almost unconsciously. I got a cracked version of Ableton in high school, and while other kids weren't paying attention in class because they were on their phones, I wasn't paying attention in class because I was making beats and instrumentals. It was only in the last year that I started taking it seriously.

If your life had a theme song, what would it be?

Appletree by Erykah Badu, when I'm doing well, Manic Depression by Jimi Hendrix, when I'm not. But maybe overall, Lost Woman Found by Arca.

Who or what have been the most impactful influences on your musical style and sound?

My dad, first and foremost, raised me on jazz and funk and showed me how really interesting progressions and chord changes tickle your brain in the right way. In terms of artists I've listened to who have inspired me, definitely James Blake, FKA Twigs, Frank Ocean, Radiohead. Those are just the ones that show up sonically in my work though, I could go on and on.

How do your life experiences shape your songwriting, and what emotions or ideas do you hope listeners connect with in your music?

I genuinely do think I feel things more deeply than the average person. That could be because I have a mood disorder or just because of who I am, but I want anyone else who has really gruesome, dramatic, extreme emotional experiences to not only feel seen but to see for themselves that you can take that and alchemize it, create something beautiful, and use it for good instead of letting those feelings destroy you.

Each phase of music-making—writing, recording, rehearsing, and performing—has its own unique rewards. Could you share a memorable moment from each stage?

My most memorable moments of creativity are usually in the production stage when I'm just kind of riffing and throwing a bunch of jumbled ideas together and then sculpting them. It's like a meditation, it's so present and freeing and to me is a reminder of why when we talk about musicians doing what they do, we call it "playing." Producing is my play time.

Is there a song of yours that holds particular personal significance? We’d love to know more about the story or the inspiration behind it.

I answer this question differently every time someone asks because each song I make is personally significant to me, but I love the song Terms. It's about loss and grief, but somehow still keeps a sense of humor about it, and I think is a perfect snapshot of my coping mechanisms. I say I "touch myself to memories... I'm coming to terms with it." That wasn't even true, I just wanted to make a sex joke to help counterbalance my sadness.

If you could swap lives with any musician for a day, who would it be and what would you do?

Billie Eilish for sure. She's so talented and seems like a genuinely cool person, but more than anything, I would absolutely love to work with her brother. Finneas is an exceptional producer. I have audio sensory stuff, and the textures and elements in his production make it go crazy. It's hard to explain to someone who doesn't have the same sensitivity, but yeah.

What’s a guilty pleasure song you secretly love but might surprise your fans?

Literally every song on Fall Out Boy's Infinity On High. I used to get so clowned in school for liking them, and to this day, I have no idea why. 2000s era emo-pop objectively slaps.

Looking ahead, what are some goals or dreams you have for your music and career?

I really want to create a universe for my listeners to immerse themselves in, something that feels really tangible and experiential. I'm obviously a musician, but I also come from a background in film and visual art that I'd really like to integrate as this project continues growing, and offer people things that they can hold in their hands, or be present for, something that really stays with them in a way that digital media can't.

Finally, is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers before we close?

I'm releasing a music video for my latest single Drug Opera on March 27. It's the first invitation into the world of what will be my debut EP, Alice In Underland. Music is very visual to me, and I'm excited to share that with everyone else.

spotify • instagram • tiktok

PR: Decent Music PR