BEKKA BLAKE: “YOU CAN STILL HAVE YOUR OWN LIFE AND INDEPENDENCE WHILE LETTING SOMEONE LOVE YOU FULLY”

With her new single ‘I Could Be’, Bekka Blake is challenging the idea that love has to come at the cost of independence. Blending the warmth of R&B and Soul with Nu-Jazz, Funk and House influences, the Chester-based singer-songwriter explores what it means to choose connection without losing yourself in the process.

Inspired by her own experiences with emotionally avoidant partners, ‘I Could Be’ is a heartfelt reminder that real commitment is not about restriction, but about two people choosing to support one another while remaining true to who they are. With its uplifting groove and emotionally honest lyrics, the track captures Bekka’s ability to pair feel-good musicianship with a deeper message about vulnerability, self-worth and genuine connection.

Having received BBC Introducing support, including plays on BBC Radio 1Xtra and BBC Radio Merseyside, Bekka is continuing to build momentum as an independent artist. We caught up with her to discuss the inspiration behind ‘I Could Be’, navigating vulnerability, her musical influences and her hopes for the next chapter.

1. ‘I Could Be’ explores the idea of loving someone without losing your independence. Was there a particular experience that changed how you think about commitment, and how did that translate into the song?

It came from recognising a pattern in my relationships. I've often been drawn to people who were emotionally unavailable, and I started to realise how easy it is to confuse the excitement and uncertainty with love.

I realised I wanted something real, where we both choose each other, support one another and still have our own lives and independence. That's what inspired I Could Be. I have my own life and dreams, but I still want to share those things with someone. It's about being open to love without losing yourself or compromising who you are, because I believe the right person should make you feel even more like yourself.

2. You’ve spoken about attracting emotionally avoidant partners and wanting the track to reach people who struggle with vulnerability. What do you think makes it so difficult for some people to let themselves be loved, and what would you want them to take away from the song?

I think a lot of it comes down to fear. Letting someone love you fully means allowing yourself to be seen, and that can feel uncomfortable if you're used to protecting yourself or keeping people at a distance. Sometimes it's easier to keep things casual or unpredictable because you never have to be fully vulnerable.. You can end up overthinking everything, waiting for a message or trying to work out how someone feels about you. It can become addictive, but when you step back, you realise that isn't a healthy connection. I've also noticed that I can struggle with being vulnerable myself, especially because I find rejection hard. I think ADHD plays a part in that, as rejection can feel really intense for me, and I can end up overanalysing things and going over them in my head for ages. Sometimes that makes me hold back rather than risk getting hurt.I want people to hear I Could Be and think about what they really want, rather than just what they're used to. You don't have to settle for mixed signals or convince someone to see your worth. And if you're someone who struggles to let people in, I hope the song reminds you that being vulnerable doesn't make you weak.

3. There’s a strong message in ‘I Could Be’ about interdependence rather than relying entirely on yourself. Was learning to accept support from someone else as important to the writing process as learning to give it?

Yes, there's a difference between being independent and feeling like you have to do everything on your own. I value having my own life and freedom, but I still want someone to share my life with. I think it's just as important to be able to accept support as it is to give it.We're often taught that being strong means not needing anyone, but I don't think that's true. It's nice to know you can rely on someone and have them there for you, without losing your independence.For me, that's a big part of what I Could Be is about. It's not about needing someone to complete you, but wanting to share your life with someone and build something together, while still being your own person.

4. Your sound brings together R&B, soul and nu-jazz, with influences ranging from Sister Sledge and Incognito to contemporary artists like Cleo Sol and Olivia Dean. How do you balance those classic influences with your own experiences and perspective as a songwriter?

I've always been drawn to music that has soul and feeling in it. I love the warmth, musicianship and grooves of artists like Incognito and Sister Sledge, and I also love the way artists like Cleo Sol and Olivia Dean bring something really honest and personal to their music.Those influences naturally find their way into my sound, alongside my love of R&B, funk, jazz and house. I love music that makes you feel something but also makes you move.I love taking inspiration from different artists and genres, but my music reflects who I am and my own experiences. The music I grew up listening to has influenced my sound, but my songwriting comes from my own life, relationships and things I've experienced or observed.With I Could Be, I wanted the music to have that groove and uplifting feel, while the lyrics are still quite deep and personal. I love that contrast, where a song can make you want to dance but there's a deeper meaning underneath it. That's the kind of music I want to keep making.

5. Originally from Adelaide and now based in Chester, you’re building momentum in the UK with support from BBC Introducing. How has the move shaped you creatively, and what would you like the next chapter of your music career to look and sound like?

I was born in Adelaide, Australia, but moved to Chester when I was five. I still go back to Adelaide nearly every year, and I find it really inspiring and healing.It's exciting to be building my career in the UK and to have had support from BBC Introducing. As an independent artist, having people discover and connect with your music feels so rewarding.For the next chapter, I'd love to keep growing, reaching new audiences and breaking boundaries. I want to see I Could Be reach more radio stations, playlists and continually grow my fanbase. I’d also like to collaborate with more musicians and producers who love Soul, Funk, R&B, Jazz and House.Most of all, I want to make music that feels authentic to me, makes people feel something and brings more real love, deeper meaning and healing into the world.