Christine Bilé – An Xperience Interview

By Sara Busone.

RRX: So you came from Pittsfield? 

Christine Bilé: All the way from Pittsfield, Mass.   

RRX: Now how far away is that? 

CB: I think an hour and four minutes. 

RRX: So tell me, was guitar something you gravitated to?  Singing, songwriting … I’m just curious about your origin story. 

CB:  That’s a great question.  I mean, I remember there’s a picture of me as a little girl, and I have a little microphone in my hand, and I’m pretty sure Michael Jackson is playing in the background … on TV.  My dad is a world musician … like he plays a lot of different instruments and things like that.  And I just kind of watched him. And I also have an aunt as well who’s a musician.  Her name’s Elise.  No one said “hey, like, pick up the guitar” or anything like that.  Just … it was lying around, and one day I was like, listen, I want to learn how to play.  So I literally picked it up … googled how do we like write a song and basic chords… (laughs). 

RRX:  That’s awesome.  So you’re self-taught.  Self-taught musicians have a unique way of telling stories and feeling what they’re playing.  When I watch your videos, I can tell you’re just locked in, and you’re focused… What inspires you when you write a song?  How does the process work for you? 

CB: For the most part, in the beginning, it was a lot like what’s going on in, like, 3D?  Like right around me.  And whether it’s relationship stuff or I’m feeling sad, I really try to write songs to empower myself because I feel like I’ll be honest. I don’t feel like I always got those messages as a kid … you know, hey you can do this … like, you can get through this … stuff like that.  So I wrote those for myself and in the end I feel like it also touched people who listen to it. Lately its been more socially conscious because of everything that’s going on. 

RRX: So are you from this area? Or did you go to school here? 

CB: I went to the school of Saint Rose.  I grew up in Pittsfield, Mass and I came here because it’s not too far away.  I still wanted to talk to my parents, or if they needed to bring me something, or if I needed to go see them, they were available. Saint Rose is closed now … rest in peace. But there was a big music scene there.  They had a great music program.  Not a part of that program – actually, that’s a lie; I minored in music business – but I wanted to graduate early.  So I said, “Alright, let’s lock into the social work and got my master’s and bachelor’s there.   

RRX: That’s really cool.  How has your experience been in that field?  Did you find it’s been what you thought it’d be or nothing like what you thought?

CB: Honestly, I think it’s been a great degree and great field.  I love to help people, like in general.  That’s just what I do.  So sure … whether it’s through the music or through talk therapy I do now … I think it was the right decision and there’s- I feel like there’s a lot of opportunities from– they talk about micro and macro.  There’s so many things you can do … so many places you can travel.  But people don’t always think of all those things when they think about social work. But it’s a lot … a lot that you can do. 

RRX:  So I saw you do televisits? 

CB: I do telehealth therapy.  I have a small private practice called Sea Blue Wellness and Therapy, and I support high performing or high achieving professionals and creatives.  So if you’re an artist out there and you’re like, “hey, I have some issues with performance anxiety,” or if you’re a doctor, nurse, you know … someone in management, you’re like “hey, I’m feeling burnt out but I need someone to talk to and work through these issues,” I’m your person!   

RRX:  So what else is going on with all things Christine Bilé? 

CB: So I have a lot of new accolades.  I’m going to talk about them because it’s a big deal, and I actually haven’t told too many people all the great news. 

RRX: Top secret, I respect. 

CB: So recently, my song “Lend A Hand” was #7 on the NACC charts, which is the North American College Charts.  So that’s really exciting.  Hey, listen … the music’s doing what it needs to do.  Also, it’s got some international radio play as well in Brussels … Belgium … France.  Also in a couple other places, a song I made in my bedroom – because I don’t just go to studios to make music … like, I’ve produced my own records – it’s called “Matriarchy Battle Song.”  It’s a five-minute a capella talking about … just a hope for a matriarchal world. And that got played in Switzerland, as well as Australia on the radio.  And this is all organic. And then … what else? My song “Chasing The Stars” … that got a Berlin Music Video Awards badge of honor.  So it was like one of the top entries out of all of them, which is a lot.  This is an International Festival.  So that’s a pretty big deal. 

RRX: That’s amazing! 

CB:  The shows … there’s a couple different shows that I have going on this year.  I’ll be playing at Food Trucks on the River.  It’s a little food truck festival in Connecticut.  That will be really fun.  There’s a suggested $5 donation, but there’s going to be a lot of great music acts.  It’s two days (May 29-30) and a lot of good food, and it’s family-friendly.  I’ll also be playing at the Supper Sessions in West Stockbridge. 

RRX:  What do you think about the accessibility that creative people have to make an album in their living room … make a movie on their phone? 

CB: I feel like it’s always been like … you’re right, you can just get apps, right?  I used GarageBand to make that “Matriarch” song.  Yeah, you can do that stuff at home and I think, like, take advantage of it, because you don’t necessarily need a big studio to get your music out there.  I mean, my music is overseas from my room. So, I mean, I really encourage people … and I want to empower you to know that you can do it at home. It’s OK.  And YouTube is your best friend if you want to learn basics of mixing and mastering.  Or, I support going to a local community college, too. Or hey, if you have a dream to go somewhere bigger … listen, go learn or go to your local venue and ask them “Hey, how do you mix and master a full band?” and I’m sure somebody will be willing to teach you.

Sara’s interview with Christine Bile is also on the latest episode of her show, Sara B Presents Live From the 518