By Latina Bohemian
Lisa Bello is a Boston-born R&B singer-songwriter with a captivating voice; each harmony hits with a force while feeling each lived experience, showcasing the finesse of a seasoned performer; she was recently nominated at the Boston Music Awards for Vocalist of the Year. As a member of the Recording Academy and active Grammy mentor, she uses her platform to uplift emerging artists.
A community activist and former Boston Public Schools educator who stays grounded to her roots. “I make music for the people who move like me, who’ve been through something and still find a way to show up,” she says.
We will discuss how music can positively affect individuals’ mental health as well as entire communities. According to Harvard Health, a study showed the impact of music where listeners had a lower level of anxiety compared to others. There is healing and power when music is diversified and inclusive.
Read on below to hear what Lisa shared with me about how music plays a vital role in her artistry, motherhood and activism.
Latina Bohemian: What does art represent to you at this point in your life?
Lisa Bello: Right now, art in all forms represents resilience for me. It’s proof that no matter what I’ve faced, I can still create, still give, and still build something beautiful out of what tried to break me.
LB: Has it been obstructive to keep going as a musician?
Lisa: It’s challenging at times. Being connected to my community and the fight for justice can feel heavy given the climate this country is currently facing. On the other hand, it’s also what fuels my music. My songwriting, performances, and art that struggle. I think in times like these we NEED the artists, the creatives, and the healers.
LB: Have your recent battles increased your passion toward creation?
Lisa: Most definitely. As I said, it’s fuel for the artists of the world, including myself. My personal battles have been a contribution to the rise in my creative output and need to get things off my chest by using different mediums. It’s truly a gift and a curse, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world.
“Songwriting is my way of turning pain into purpose and joy into art.”
LB: As a former educator, tell us about the beautiful or significant bond you shared with your students.
Lisa: My students were, and still are, like an extended family to me. Teaching in the community where I spent much of my teen years gave everything, I did deeper meaning. I saw myself in them in their drive, their humor, their challenges, and their dreams. The bond we built wasn’t just about lessons or grades; it was about trust, love, and creating a safe space for them to express who they really are. I wanted them to see that education could be a tool for healing, for resistance, and for rewriting their own narratives.
LB: Being a mother, how do children play a role in your artistry and shape your vision?
Lisa: Motherhood transformed my artistry. It gives me a different kind of strength and vulnerability. I create now with legacy in mind, and my son keeps me grounded and honest. He reminds me that art isn’t just about performance; it’s about impact. Watching him grow pushes me to be fearless in my creativity, to show him that you can turn pain into purpose and dreams into discipline.
He challenges me to stay curious, compassionate, and intentional in both my music and message. He really humbles the mess out of me, saying, “Mom, you can sing but not THAT good,” and has changed me for the better. I am constantly grateful for his presence.
LB: As an activist, what social justice issues are most meaningful to you?
Lisa: Equity in education and access to the arts for young people in underserved communities are at the top of my list right now. I’ve seen firsthand how powerful music and creativity can be in transforming a child’s confidence and sense of self-worth. Too often, kids from neighborhoods like mine don’t get the same opportunities or representation.
I was recently at a BEDF event helping fundraise for them to literally help solve this exact need, and yet there are still so many community members that had no idea an organization like them exists. I want to give more exposure to the people really doing the work to bridge the gap. I’m passionate about using my platform to amplify voices that have been silenced, whether that’s through my music, mentoring, or showing up for my community. Activism isn’t separate from artistry.
Creatives have a voice the minute they step into this realm, and I believe it’s a vital extension of our work.
LB: How can the music community come together in these turbulent times?
Lisa: I believe the music community has a responsibility to lead with empathy and collaboration right now. We need to lean into connection, using our platforms to heal, educate, and inspire action. Music has always been a unifier, especially in times of division. When artists share resources, they create safe spaces and show up for causes bigger than us. We remind people that art still has the power to bridge worlds. It’s about keeping the soul in the work and the humanity in the industry.
Check out Lisa’s music on Spotify, follow her on Instagram, and to learn more about her visit her website.
