Meet REBELLE | Independent Artist, Vocalist & Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with REBELLE and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi REBELLE, what is the most important factor behind your success?
I came to the USA about 3 years ago with a goal to succeed both in career and academically. Looking back, I have actually done so much more than I thought I would since then.

Financially, I never expected to make it this far, and then here I am with 2 self-released singles, several released collaborations, an EP in progress, a music video, and 2 TV appearances.

I have gotten so many “NOs” in my face, that I thought I will never get a single “YES”, but I think that the most important factor behind my success is the fact that I never quit, I never stop looking for possibilities, people, opportunities, collaborations, etc. If I quit, I will never know what could’ve happened if I did not quit, but if I continue to try, statistically I have to get a “yes” somewhere down the line, and I will never have to ask myself, what would’ve happened if I didn’t quit!

I don’t believe that anything in this world is impossible – it is hard, it has obstacles, you’re not familiar with it and don’t know how to do it, but if these reasons are enough for you to stop trying, you’re giving excuses, and I don’t like giving excuses. I go to many events, meet a lot of people, always ask questions, both out and in classes, and I do a lot of research. I learn. As a musician, I learned the most by just being active in the music industry, and proved to myself, that even though I’m lost, or it takes time, or it’s just hard, I can do it if I put my mind and time into it.

I am so blessed that I got to collaborate on almost every single one of my projects, just as my “Eternity” music video, where I connected with so many passionate and talented people. There were times where I was scared I will not be able to achieve what I am trying to achieve because of several factors, but if you have a vision, and you’re passionate about what you do, all you have to do is ask, and eventually, the universe will connect you with like-minded people, and the rest will be history!

“Eternity” music video has officially passed 5K views on YouTube, just by actively promoting my own content, and because I was able to work with LUPO, Zenon Samuels, Oliver Hales, Diana Rosas, Natasha Pineda, Cecilia Zhang, and Juan Fernando. If I had given myself excuses, and did not try to look for solutions elsewhere when I encountered several “NOs”, this entire project would’ve never happened. My point is, if there is something you set your mind to, you will find a way to do it. The success and numbers might not come as fast as you want them to, but with consistency and constant grind, your growth will definitely be gradual.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a disco/dance – pop artist from Croatia, currently studying and building a career in Los Angeles. I grew up with artists like Abba, Queen, Britney Spears, & Whitney Houston, but I am also greatly influenced by Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, and Charlie Puth.

As a kid, and to this day, I love to dance, so I wanted to give the world a piece of my mind with my lyrics and melodies, while allowing my listeners to let loose and move to have fun and forget about any struggles coming their way. That is how I self-released 2 singles, “Break Me” and “Eternity” from which “Eternity” got an amazing music video. I started working on my first EP, and I have also written for/with other artists, such as LUPO. Considering I am a small rising artist, I am very proud of all the progress, numbers, and feedback music I worked on has received so far.

I officially got my first radio placement with my single “Eternity”, and single “Break Me” was a part of GrammyU Playlist in January, my debut music video has overpassed 5K views on YouTube, just as all the music I have written so far has well overpassed 3K organic streams.

I also got to represent my country at the LA City Hall last year, and I recently sang background vocals at the 31st Movieguide Awards for the actor Dennis Quaid. This has been one of the best experiences of my life so far, even though it was a last minute call, which I refused to let go of or quit.

Life has thrown many challenges my way, still is, but I can say that connecting with the right people and a stubborn grind have helped me achieve everything I did so far. There is still a long way to go in order to be where I want to be, but I stay optimistic and keep working on improving myself as an artist and individual. I learned that one needs to stay kind, and positive, because music industry can discourage you really fast, but I’ve seen that anyone who stays consistent, gets to their goals in the end, one way or another.

I am here to leave a mark filled with colors, original melodies, and relatable lyrics. I am a very honest and transparent person, posting daily about my life as an independent musician on my social media platforms, because I want to show the world what it takes to become a star, all the mistakes, and solutions that I encounter daily. There is nothing I love more than to perform, so I always strive to give my best on stage, so the audience could have fun, dance, sing along, and feel like they are the part of the performance, because in my case, they are. Without them, Rebelle or any other artist become a noise in the background, but if there is even one person listening and paying attention, my music gets a bugger meaning and I will always and always, perform for them like there is a full stadium in front of me.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spots of the city are Santa Monica Pier, Malibu Beach, Tatsu Ramen in Sawtelle, Avalon Theatre, The Bourbon Room, Hotel Ziggy, Downtown LA, and Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. I think these places are a must to visit to experience the real charm of Los Angeles, discover some great music, and make memories for life. Also, as an artist, I would take my visitors wherever I have a live music show, or wherever I hear there is good music show happening! I would truly want them to experience what they can not experience at home, and see what is the thing I fell in love with in LA.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a few people who already changed my 2024, and they deserve a lot of praise and recognition:

LUPO (Gualtiero Minelli), artist, producer, pianist, & composer, is the one who always shares his work and talents with me, and he helps me with every project, supporting my visions. He needs to be known for his own amazing musical and intellectual work – he is an incredible rock artist who has helped me the most in my career and life, and I am so proud to see him grow. He was the co-producer of the music video, and I am so grateful that I had him on board.

Zenon Samuels, director, writer, & producer, is one of the people who decided to give me a shot, and turn my visions, and music into a visual spectacle. His work needs to be seen, as he has an amazing eye, developed imagination, he works fast, and has true leadership skills.

Oliver Hales, director & cinematographer, is a person who has made “Eternity” music video beautiful with his lighting work, and all I can say is that he deserves more credit than he wants to admit!

Diana Rosas, Natasha Pineda, & Cecilia Zhang, are the three kindest women I have met in L.A. so far, and they are all extremely talented dancers, and actresses. I can describe them as true professionals, very fast learners, and people who have saved the music video with putting their whole hearts into it.

Juan Fernando, photographer, is a person who I call “the best eye in the west”, because whenever we work together, I have a problem picking my favorite photos, because all of them look so stunning and unique.

Special thanks to Jean Tariech, and LUPO for producing the single “Eternity” in such a short time, and Charlie Lo Presti for his exemplary vocal production, mix & master.

Website: https://linktr.ee/rebelle_music

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebelle_official_

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100079553966899

Youtube: www.youtube.com/@Rebelle_official

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0zd05cxkyyEojQXvV1JFEA?si=j77ud4PwSdOS5TM3RNVmLg Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/eternity-single/1723948421 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rebelleofficial_?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Image Credits
Zenon Samuels, Juan Fernando, GUALTIERO Minelli (LUPO)