Belle Histoire (band)
| Company type | Indie pop band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States |
| Headquarters | Cincinnati , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs, singles |
Belle Histoire was an American indie pop ensemble originating in 2011 from Cincinnati, Ohio. The group featured vocalist Jane Smith, guitarists Aaron Hunt and Austin Livingood, bassist Mitch Winsett, and drummer Wes Comer. After independently releasing their initial EP, Spirits, they secured a deal with InVogue Records in 2012, which led to the release of their follow-up EP, I Can Tell, as well as their first full-length album, Dreamers, within the same year. Although their time together was short-lived, the band attained notable regional acclaim, earning attention from publications like Alternative Press and AbsolutePunk, and performing at events such as the MidPoint Music Festival and the inaugural Bunbury Music Festival. After disbanding, Smith embarked on a solo career, including a prominent appearance on The Voice.
Formation and Spirits
Belle Histoire came together in Cincinnati in 2011. Vocalist Jane Smith and drummer Wes Comer had previously been members of the pop punk outfit Formulas. As Smith began crafting more imaginative songs that did not align with Formulas’ sound, she was motivated by her brother John to assemble new musicians and fund recording sessions. Shortly after Formulas dissolved, the Smith siblings enlisted Comer along with guitarists Aaron Hunt (formerly affiliated with Seabird) and Austin Livingood. Their debut EP, Spirits, was recorded at Brandon Weaver's Iron Wing studio located in Covington, Kentucky. At that time, the band was known as The History but soon adopted the name Belle Histoire—meaning "beautiful history" in French. Hunt took on production duties while Smith served as the primary songwriter. Bassist Mitch Winsett became part of the lineup during the production of their second EP, I Can Tell, recorded in May 2011.
During the summer months, Belle Histoire appeared at MidPoint Music Festival’s Indie Summer Series held at Cincinnati’s Fountain Square alongside artists such as Javelin, July for Kings, and Ted Leo. They also shared stages with bands including Mansions, I Can Make a Mess, and Into It. Over It., and opened for Cold War Kids in August. Their EP Spirits earned recognition from Cincinnati CityBeat as one of the top 100 local releases of 2011.
Partnership with InVogue Records and I Can Tell
On January 12, 2012, Belle Histoire inked a contract with InVogue Records, leading to the release of their EP I Can Tell on February 14 and initiating work on their first full-length album by March. Jane Smith had an existing relationship with label head Nick Moore dating back to her involvement with Formulas. Later that month, Alternative Press debuted the music video for "Be Alright," which served as the lead single from I Can Tell. Meanwhile, AbsolutePunk featured their forthcoming album among the "Most Anticipated Albums of 2012." The EP’s second single, "Misguided," was unveiled by Alternative Press in early February. On February 13, InVogue hosted an exclusive listening event for I Can Tell through platforms like AOL Music and Spinner, with the EP officially released the next day. A third single titled "Stay Awhile" was made available as a complimentary digital download via RCRD LBL.
In April, Belle Histoire joined the "Stripped Down to the Bone Tour" headlined by Hawthorne Heights, featuring Mark Rose from Spitalfield, and performed at Cincinnati's Clifton Heights Music Festival alongside groups such as Cabin and Sullivan. The following month saw them opening for labelmates Before Their Eyes during the "Redemption Tour," while Jane Smith supported Craig Owens of Chiodos on his solo tour.
Dreamers
The music video for "Stay Awhile" debuted on Alternative Press on June 5, 2012, while the lead single from Belle Histoire's forthcoming album Dreamers, titled "My Dear", was streamed by AbsolutePunk on June 12. During that month, the group performed at the MidPoint Indie Summer Series alongside bands such as The Bright Light Social Hour, Buffalo Killers, and Orgone. They also shared the stage with Vanity Theft in Dayton, Ohio.
On July 16, the second single "We'll Never Learn" was unveiled through Alternative Press, followed by the album's official release on July 17. Belle Histoire toured with The Orphan The Poet throughout July and appeared at the inaugural Bunbury Music Festival, performing alongside notable acts including Jane's Addiction, Weezer, Death Cab for Cutie, Neon Trees, and Imagine Dragons. In August, they joined the Chiodos Reunion Tour and made their first appearance at the main MidPoint Music Festival in September, performing with Pomegranates and The Antlers.
The "My Dear" music video was launched via Alternative Press on January 17, 2013. The publication also featured Belle Histoire in its "100 Bands You Need To Know in 2013" list. In April of that year, the band returned to perform at the MidPoint Indie Summer Series with artists such as We Were Promised Jetpacks and Mike Mains & The Branches.
Dissolution
Following the release of Dreamers in July 2012, Aaron Hunt departed from Belle Histoire to concentrate on production work; his final appearance with the band was at their Bunbury performance. Shortly thereafter, Austin Livingood left to embark on a solo career. In 2013, Jane Smith placed the band on hiatus to focus on recording and promoting her solo EP. Her participation in season 4 of the reality competition The Voice, where she performed a cover of Florence and the Machine's "You've Got the Love," confirmed her transition toward solo endeavors.
In a 2015 interview with Cincinnati CityBeat, Smith recounted that Belle Histoire encountered limited touring opportunities and lineup instability, resulting in primarily local success. After her time on The Voice, she dedicated herself to songwriting and producing an indie-focused EP, moving away from the band's pop-oriented style to pursue a direction better suited to her strengths.
Musical style
Belle Histoire's sound encompassed genres such as indie rock, indie pop, pop rock, and dream pop. Mike Breen of Cincinnati CityBeat characterized their music as "a heartland interpretation of The Cranberries infused with elements reminiscent of Coldplay and U2." Various media compared them to artists including Regina Spektor, Florence and the Machine, The Civil Wars, Eisley, Deas Vail, Laura Stevenson and the Cans, Feist, States, Madi Diaz, Ingrid Michaelson, and Stars. The band acknowledged influences ranging from Coldplay and Young the Giant to Phantom Planet, Fun., The Civil Wars, Bruce Springsteen, Josh Ritter, James Taylor, Sara Bareilles, as well as jazz.
Members
- Jane Smith – lead vocals, keyboards (2011–2013)
- Aaron Hunt – guitar, keyboards, percussion, vocals (2011–2012)
- Austin Livingood – guitar, vocals (2011–2012)
- Mitch Winsett – bass guitar, vocals (2011–2013)
- Wes Comer – drums and percussion (2011–2013)
Albums
- Dreamers (2012, released under InVogue)
Extended plays
- Spirits EP (2011, independently released)
- I Can Tell (2012, InVogue)
Singles
| Year | Title | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | "Spirits" | Spirits EP |
| "Nightmares" | ||
| 2012 | "Be Alright" | I Can Tell EP |
| "Misguided" | ||
| "Stay Awhile" | ||
| "My Dear" | Dreamers | |
| "We'll Never Learn" |
Music videos
| Year | Song | Director |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | "Nightmares" (live performance video) | Jessica Lyne Ross |
| 2012 | "Be Alright" | Jeffrey Riley |
| "Stay Awhile" | ||
| 2013 | "My Dear" | Jeffrey Riley |