Xela Bela shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Xela, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’m carving a path. I think I was wandering for years, but in 2025 I found the start of the path I’m on now. Everything I’m doing now has intention behind it, and I’m paving my own way as a queer music artist.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Xela Bela, and I’m your next favorite gender-dismantled wannabe pop star. I’m a singer, songwriter, and producer and I’m working hard to make the local scene know my name and music. In a very dark, horrific time, I just want to give marginalized and especially queer folks entertainment that speaks to them. To us. Even for a few moments, let’s get lost in the fantasy and revel in queer joy. So, I’m getting on every single stage people will let me on and putting on a show–whether I’m in a nightclub or a coffee shop, I’m determined to share something exciting and unexpected.
My approach to performing is different than a lot of acts in the way that I present myself and my music. I like production, costumes, makeup, choreography; the theater of a performance! It’s something I understandably don’t see a lot with independent singer-songwriters, and truthfully I often struggle with where where to bring my shows. That said, I absolutely LOVE the communities that have welcomed me and my performances, whether it’s singer-songwriters at Speakeasy in Carrboro or drag performers at Club Era in downtown Durham.
In 2026, I have music I’ve been working on over the past couple of years and I’m getting ready to share it with the world. You can likely find me at some sort of open mic or open call shows performing and promoting my new records. I’m super excited to finally share what I’ve been creating!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mom and dad, for sure. They’ve always believed in me and my abilities, and still do. I always thought I knew myself and thought that I believed in myself, but not in the same way. My parents put no limitations on where my creativity might take me, while I struggled to get out of my own way.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I think a fear of myself; an inability to trust myself to push forward. I’ve spent a long time standing in my own way, and I’m learning to step out of the way and put real trust in my abilities as an artist.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes. I’ve struggled with identity and “finding my place” for as long as I can remember. My mom is a Chinese immigrant, and my dad is a Polish immigrant. I’m a first-generation American and the cultural differences between the US, Poland, and China really made it difficult for me to settle into any identity. In a way, this allowed me much more freedom in my identity that I now cherish and protect. As I say in one of my new songs, “I’m everything, I’m nothing; don’t make me into something I don’t want to be.” Simply put, every part of me that I present to the world is some genuine iteration of myself, whether I’m surrounded by people or home alone with the animals.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m doing what I was born to do. I’ve known that being a performer and artist is always what I was supposed to do, and I really believe that now. I took a few detours as an adult, but now I’m back on track. It feels correct.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://xelabela.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thexelabela
