There is a seemingly never ending conveyor belt that feeds the world of pop, artists have somehow turned into “stars,” and it takes a very loud voice to be heard over the crowd. Enter ballsy singer/songwriter, Betsie Gøld.
If you believe the hype, Gøld is a “fearless, crowd-surfing superstar-in-waiting,” however, having met her, it’s crystal clear that she is so much more… She is a storyteller, a defiant female voice, has managed to team modern pop with unapologetically honest lyrics to create what she describes as “BITCH PØP.” Oh and, she’s opened for Bon Jovi…
Betsie’s 2020 opener landed in my inbox at a time of uncertainty and chaos, which, I think is the perfect stage for a rebel with a cause and the choanas to back it up…
You are clearly set on conquering the world, when was the moment that you realised that you could?
Watching/listening to Taylor Swift and Bon Jovi when I was a teenager filled me with a delusional amount of self confidence that I could and should be doing what they’re doing.
When and why did you start playing/performing?
I started teaching myself guitar because I’d had enough of being forced to sing Blink 182 songs by my brother because “he was the one with the instrument”. I wanted to be doing what people I listened to were doing, so I started playing gigs when I was a teenager and rocking the fuck out in my local village hall.
How did you go about establishing your identity as an artist?
I’ve actually found this pretty difficult, and it’s because I had to learn how to be completely and authentically myself without caring what people thought- which is really hard. I’m fucking weird. That’s my identity haha.
What band name alter egos have you tried out on your musical journey?
The first band I was in was called “Brewed In The UK”. It was me, my brother and his friend. Just guitar, drums and me singing – to say it was bad would be an understatement! I’m cringing thinking about it!
What of your tracks means the most to you and why?
My song ‘House on Fire’. It’s the most honest song I have that talks about how I’ve always been the odd one out/the weird one who didn’t want to do drugs or get fucked up. Basically I’ve accepted that it’s fine to not follow what everyone else is doing, and that’s what I wanted to get across in the lyrics.
Is a Jaffa Cake a biscuit or a cake?
The name says it all! Cake all the way. What other biscuits have cakey bottoms?
What was the first tune(s) you learned?
The first song that I ever learned on guitar was “Everywhere” by Michelle Branch. I had one guitar lesson with my brother and we fell out so badly that I downloaded an online chord book instead. Then I pretty much learned every single Taylor Swift song.
What is the most embarrassing song in your music library?
I don’t believe in embarrassing songs or guilty pleasures! Although I did listen to The Venga Boys the other day…
How do you handle a fuck up on stage?
With epic grace of course… HA! You’ve gotta laugh it off. Also worth remembering that most people don’t really notice/won’t remember what went wrong if you make sure the rest of the show is killer!
Who or what is your ultimate influence, musical or otherwise?
Seeing people doing/going for exactly what they want in life and standing up for themselves and being unapologetic about it. I think it’s really brave and inspiring. Musically and otherwise.
Digital download or Vinyl?
Digital but only because I can’t afford a record player.
What scares you most in the world?
People turning a blind eye to the state we’ve gotten ourselves into.
Which Spice Girl would you be?
Sporty Spice! I love trackies.
Where and when would you travel back in time to perform?
The first ever Glastonbury. That must’ve been ridiculous!
If I gave you an elephant where would you hide it?
In my parents’ garage.
If you could choose one song that you wish that you had written, what would it be?
See, one is too hard because new incredible songs keep being released. Right now I’d have fucking loved to have been the person who wrote “Truth Hurts” by Lizzo.
If you could have anyone locked in a room so that you could torment them for a day, whom would you choose and how would you torment them?
My big sister!! When we were younger she used to pin me to the floor with her legs on my arms and put her hair in my face/mouth. I’d do the same to her now that I’m stronger than she is!
What is your greatest vice?
I can’t buy multipacks of crisps because I would eat all 24 in one day (salt and vinegar is the best flavour fyi).
If music is the answer, what is the question?
What do we all need to distract us from with all the crazy shit that’s going on right now?
Tell me one thing that you wouldn’t want your mummy to know?
That I’ve hidden an elephant in her garage
What challenges have you faced as a solo female artist in the music industry?
The same as every female in any industry. I have a friend who works at a social media company, one who is an actress and one who works in a shop. We all do completely different things yet all have the same issues: not being listened to and certain people assuming we don’t know what we’re doing. It’s fucking annoying.
What advice would you give to aspiring female artists who are just starting out?
YOU know what you want. Don’t be apologetic about it or let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong. Build a supportive team around you and you’ll achieve everything you want to! Also, TRUST YOUR GUT.
What are the biggest challenges facing the music industry today?
From an artist’s point of view, the fact you’re up against an incomprehensible amount of other artists – it’s so overwhelming. That’s why you’ve gotta focus on your sound and being able to stand out.
Do you have a partner in crime?
Kaity Rae, my musical soulmate and writing partner (like Elton John and Bernie Taupin!).
What’s next for you?
To keep on keeping on! I’m having an amazing time navigating through this crazy industry, and I’m just excited to carry on connecting with new people through my music. Unfortunately I had to cancel my June show dates and reschedule for when we can all get together again. I will be releasing new music all year and fingers crossed, I’ll see you at my headline show in London in November. Love
Follow Betsie on Instagram
Words: Daisy Sells