Kicking off the new year with a dose of pop goodness, Essex-based vocalist and songwriter Bee Arnold releases her first track of the year.

A taster of what’s to come from Bee throughout 2022, the single teams punchy beats and vibrant melodies to create an anthemic pop tune that oozes pop glamour.

Showcasing her sleek, powerful vocals, “Toxic” is a statement of desire. Built with bold lyricism and funk-styled guitars, the single explores the power of having a hold over someone, despite your bad traits telling them to leave. Surrounding herself with retro pop-funk stylings, “Toxic” reveals a track soaked in pop euphoria and embellished with a glimmering iridescence that projects Bee’s silky tones. 

“I wrote this track in the first lockdown on Facetime with Tori Cross; we pretty much finished the song in an hour or so and we both knew it was going to be one of our favourite tracks that we’d written together,” Arnold explains. “It’s about being the girl that’s ‘too much to handle’ but still too appealing to let go of and I’m so excited to finally show everyone what I’ve been working on. I’ve had so much fun creating the track and I hope that everyone enjoys it as much as I do.”

Since the release of her debut EP in 2018, Bee has worked with the likes of Ironik and performed at Camden Assembly, Brentwood Festival, Swanbourne Festival and more. 

Counting pop heavyweights Dua Lipa, Ariana Grande, Zara Larsson and Mabel as key influences on her creativity, Bee’s passion for pop reveals pristine production and a maturity to her songwriting. 

Graduating from BIMM Brighton and coaching fellow vocalists in her spare time, Bee has spent the last few years working on new solo material, all of which promises an abundance of shiny pop sonics. With Bee’s artistic trajectory heading for greatness, 2022 looks to be an exciting year for this emerging artist. 

Tell us about your beginnings as an artist

I think I started taking my music seriously and really believing in myself when I was in my final year of university. Ever since, I have been writing, recording, performing and networking as much as I can to help me grown as an artist. It’s taken a lot of hard work to get to the point I am at with my music and I’m nowhere near where I wanna be, so there’s definitely a lot more work to do but it’s all part of the journey and I love it. 

Who were your top 3 artists last year?

I’m a massive Dua Lipa fan, I’ve been obsessed with her since she came onto the scene and last year, I think she’s released some absolute bangers. Other than her, I really love Mahalia and Doja Cat. I think all three of these artists are crazy talented and anything they put out I end up playing on repeat for months!

How do you deal with writer’s blocks and feeling uninspired?

For me when I feel uninspired, I try to do a few things that I love to take my mind off of it. That can be anything from having some of my favourite food, going to the gym or going on a dog walk. Another thing I find really helps me is listening to my favourite songs or artists. I always feel re-inspired when surrounding myself with music created by legends. 

What are your 2022 projects and goals?

There’s so many! I think the main ones for me are to release a handful of singles alongside some amazing music videos. I also want to try and introduce myself and my music to new audiences and hopefully get a small UK tour booked for the end of the year! 

Easy one: favorite movie or TV show?

This is probably the easiest question EVER, I love RuPaul‘s Drag Race to the point of it being very unhealthy. I watch the show pretty much every day on repeat and am obsessed with the queens on it. I’m so inspired by drag and the show highlights so many important things; I just think it’s great. If you haven’t seen it, I would highly recommend!

Tell us about ‘Toxic’

I held off on releasing any music throughout 2021 but knew I wanted to come back with a bang. I wrote ‘Toxic’ with another writer in lockdown called Tori Cross. We used to do zoom sessions once a week which was weird at first but once we got used to the online sessions it became way more natural and easier to write full songs together.  Both of us decided that this track was one of our favourites and shortly after I took it to the studio to work on production with Imad Salhi. Toxic is just a fun and upbeat track for anyone to sing along to and enjoy. 

What is something that you would want to change in the music and entertainment industry?

I would love to see more females in the spotlight. Not just singers, I see so many talented female DJs, presenters, musicians and producers that don’t seem to be getting the recognition they deserve.

How does one of your ideas turn into a song?

This can change quite a lot to be honest but most of the time I get hooks or melody ideas when I’m driving. I’ll then wait till I get to wherever I’m going and voice note everything I can until I get home, then I can start creating a project on my computer with words and music. My computer and phone are just full of so many random song ideas and lyrics. 

Who inspires your style and aesthetics?

I really don’t know when I get inspo from when it comes to style. One of my friends always says that he dresses his child in the same clothes that he expects to see me in. I feel like I must just still be living in a fantasy world of Barbie and Bratz doll fashion. Anything colourful and sparkly is normally 100 percent my vibe. 

What is the achievement or moment in your career that you are the most proud of and why?

I don’t know if I can really pinpoint a moment or single achievement but I’m really proud of myself for pushing through and that I’ve kept going with everything even when I’ve felt like giving up and quitting music for whatever reason. I love what I do and can’t imagine who I would be without my music but sometimes it can be very overwhelming. 

What do you think an artist should sing about nowadays?

Anything they feel or want to. I think as an artist or a writer, your music is a part of who you are. It allows you to have the freedom to express yourself and show the world little pieces of you that might not otherwise be shown. 

What piece of advice would you give to yourself right now?

Be proud of yourself and keep pushing 🙂