Today we’d like to introduce you to Marianna Bell.
Hi Marianna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I grew up wanting to be a singer, but for a long time, I convinced myself that it wasn’t “realistic.” A few years ago, my boyfriend, Grant Parsley and I started Phases, and I finally began pursuing something I had always known I wanted to do.
One of my biggest dreams has always been to write songs for the people who feel alone—to create something that reminds them they aren’t the only ones going through what they’re going through. Life isn’t just about the big picture. It’s about the millions of small moments, experiences, and situations that happen every day.
I also knew I wanted to create something bigger than myself or my band. That dream became Psyche Fest.
I founded Psyche Fest to bring more mental health awareness into the Memphis arts community while creating a space where music can come together without the boundaries of genre, following, or anything else that divides us.
At its heart, Psyche Fest is about connection, community, and reminding people that they don’t have to feel alone.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have been many struggles along the way. I’ve had to learn how to be more careful with how much of myself I give to others. I absolutely love making friends, building relationships, and working in a collaborative field like music. It’s one of the things I love most about being part of this community.
There have been moments when I’ve felt like I put too much of my heart on the line for the wrong people. But I refuse to let those experiences change who I am or the love and passion I want to bring to the Memphis music community.
I’d rather continue showing up with an open heart, even if that means sometimes getting hurt, than allow a few difficult experiences to take away the part of me that wants to connect, create, and build something meaningful with others.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am best known for being the Lead singer of “Phases” and for being the founder of “Psyche Fest”.
I am extremely proud of the connections I have built and the work that I have put into “Psyche Fest”. Through many challenges I have taken the opportunity to learn and not give up.
Truthfully I believe that what sets me apart from others is that I want to foster creativity and empathy over being competitive. Comparison is the death of creativity and for all of us to succeed in this world we have to work together. Not for what one has to offer but just to do it.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
As an artist my songs are written about some of the worst moments of my life. I have had to cope with these traumatic events and not become them.
“Phases” has two parts being the original project and the cover band. Both give a wide range of styles and stories.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phases_band
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DeBwtfySq/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/cphases
Image Credits
Instagram @floydinfocus and @noflash.anna
