SAN ANGELO, TX —San Angelo native Jakobie Bell is taking the local music scene in San Antonio by storm as one of the youngest country music artists in Texas at just 15 years old. Bell was born in San Angelo and lived with his family in San Angelo until the age of five, attending Alta Loma Elementary for about a year. The Bell family decided to move to San Antonio in search of better opportunities and better schooling for their son. Little did the Bell family know, that their son Jakobie would become the youngest performing country music artist in Texas.
Bell said he's been passionate about singing and music since he can remember but explained that it wasn't until he attempted to sing aloud during a family jam session that he realized he had talent. Bell's parents Charles and Monica Bell are also San Angelo natives and talented musicians like their son. Bell explained that his mother Monica is a great singer and helps him with improving his vocal skills while his father Charles is a music producer and has roots that extend back to the early 2000s in the San Angelo hip-hop scene. The couple recognized their son's gift and immediately began cultivating an environment in which he could advance.
15-year-old Jakobie Bell
(Credit: Jakobie Father sent via messenger)
Jakobie on stage at a gig
(Credit: Jakobie's father sent via messenger)
Bell's parents involved Jakobie in as many musical activities as possible to help him develop his craft. Bell sang in the choir at church and learned to play an instrument. Initially, he started with learning the guitar but later expanded his repertoire to include the bass, and drums and will begin learning to play the fiddle next, according to Bell. He explained that fiddle players are highly sought after in true Texas County bands and are almost required to give a band the right sound, making it feel like authentic country music.
Bell currently attends classes online and plans to further his education after graduating by pursuing a degree in music while attending a local University. He says "'it can be hard at times because I don't see people my age regularly since I'm constantly doing shows and I miss that sometimes. I do have friends my age but honestly, most of my friends are grown men who are also musicians."
Bell discussed his unique sound as an artist and revealed that his philosophy on country music was shaped by older country music artists mostly from the 1970s through the 1990's such as Johnny Cash, Dewite Yoakam, and the band Kin Faux. He says that real country music shouldn't sound like pop music and to have an authentic Texas ring to it, it helps to have two signature instruments in the band, the fiddle, and the steal guitar.
Bell is not just a performer but a songwriter as well. He has already written and produced his songs. Bell explained that his process for writing a song is somewhat non-conventional stating that
"...yeah, so sometimes lyrics just come to me randomly when I am doing everyday activities. The other night for example, out of nowhere while sitting outside one night I started singing this phrase about what I was doing "Its nights like these that come and go." My process for assembling an entire song can begin with simple lyrics like these that eventually become the hook of the song or the chorus. Then, I just build the rest of the song around that."Bell expressed that his fundamental reason for pursuing music is to connect with people on an emotional level and inspire them.
Bell dreams of becoming a hit country music performer one day and plans to continue doing whatever is necessary to advance that dream and bring it to fruition. When asked about what advice he would give to other young, aspiring musicians or anyone with a big dream, Bell replied with this, "A dream won't come to you, you have to go to it."
"A dream won't come to you, you have to go to it."
-Jakobie Bell
Watch part of the Facetime Interview with Jakobie Bell Below
The South Texas Country Music Festival, presented by TCP Live Events in collaboration with sponsors Jakobie Bell and Bar-B-Que Republic, has become more than just an event for 15-year-old country singer Bell; it's a place he calls home. The festival, an idea initiated by Jakobie, features a unique musical swap and friendship, creating a platform for emerging talents like Jakobie.
Tones Country invited Bell to do a song swap which created friendship. A significant collaboration with TCP Live Events and Tony, the festival's organizer was created after Bell approached Tony with the idea. Tony simply said, "Let's make it happen."Jakobie, the youngest gigging country artist in San Antonio, TX, shared his dream of opening for Kin Faux, his mentor, and idol, who has received multiple awards, including Texas Country Band of the Year and TCMA's Entertainer of the Year.
Currently gaining recognition for his songwriting ability and his ability to perform covers of various popular country music, Jakobie Bell has been featured on prominent platforms like SA Live and the Rita and Cleto Rodriguez Podcast. As part of the upcoming festival on 04/13/24, Jakobie, along with friends Jason Gonzales and Richie B, both associated with the Bar-B-Que Republic, is set to make history on Southton Rd.
The collaborative efforts between Jakobie Bell and the South Texas Country Music Festival showcase the essence of community and the platform's commitment to nurturing young talents, marking an epic moment in the country music scene in central Texas.
Bell expressed his fondness for San Angelo and plans to bring his music back home eventually. He hopes to start booking gigs in his hometown as more people are introduced to the artist and his particular sound. Jakobie said, "I loved San Angelo. I always think about the friends I made as a little kid at Alta Loma Elementary. I even remember my teacher's name. Her name was Mrs. Miles. I love going back to visit because people are always friendly and encouraging. Honestly, I can't wait to go back and start doing more shows out that way."
Jacobny gigging
(Credit: Jakobie father sent via messenger)
Jakobie Bell posing with his guitar against car
(Credit: Jakobie's father sent via messenger)
Subscribe to the LIVE! Daily
Required
Post a comment to this article here: