Bekka Dowland isn’t trying to overcomplicate things. With “Be A Little Kinder,” the Western Massachusetts–based country-pop artist leans into a message that’s easy to dismiss precisely because of how simple it sounds. But beneath that simplicity is something more pointed: an observation of how often people move through the world without considering what someone else might be carrying.
Blending traditional country storytelling with a contemporary pop sensibility, Dowland builds the track around everyday realities: loss, uncertainty, and the quiet weight of personal struggles. Instead of framing them as spectacle, she pulls the focus back to the small, human responses that tend to go unnoticed, but matter anyway.
We caught up with Bekka to talk about the making of “Be A Little Kinder,” her songwriting instincts and navigating the realities of being an independent artist.
“Be A Little Kinder” centres on a simple idea, but it doesn’t feel simplistic. What sparked the song?
After seeing the wildfires happening in California last year, my brain kind of had a snowball effect into thinking about the natural disasters and personal struggles people face on a daily basis. Observing so much loss and uncertainty really made me think about the little things we can all do in our day to day lives to spread kindness towards each other. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but even a smile at a stranger can have a positive lasting effect.
The song focuses on small acts of kindness rather than grand gestures. What do people often overlook about their impact—and how do you carry that into your own life?
I feel like sometimes we can get into our heads and convince ourselves that one little gesture isn’t going to change anything, but oftentimes it is that one simple thing that has the biggest impact. I do my best to smile and say hello to everyone I walk by. I’m also known for holding the door open even if someone is significantly farther behind me.
The track feels uplifting, but there’s a grounded emotional layer underneath. How did you approach balancing those contrasts in the production and vocal delivery?
If I’m being honest, the entire process of this song and how it came about was extremely organic. There were no real big decisions as far as vocal and instrumental production—just singing from the heart.
Your songs are rooted in lived experience, but not every moment translates easily into music. What makes something feel “writeable” to you?
When it comes to music, everything about my process is very natural and organic. It’s easy for me to write about things I’ve personally been through or witnessed other people go through in my life. I tend to write from the heart about topics that I believe are relatable to most people. Most of the time, the songs I write tend to be a reflection on a certain situation I’ve been in at some point, but there are some times where a song is written more intentionally based off of a longer period of time.
You’re still early in your career but already establishing a distinct voice. What has that process looked like behind the scenes?
I’ve always stayed true to myself in terms of creating my distinct sound. I tend to have a more simple style when it comes to vocals and production, but I also like to pack a punch. My strong suit has always been writing, so I focus most of my energy on lyrics and hooks. I have a very intuitive personality, so a lot of my sound has been from instinct, based on how I feel per song.
For many indie artists, building a music career looks very different behind the scenes. What’s been the most unexpected part of this phase for you?
I think the most unexpected part for me being an independent artist is actually how many hats you must wear to create the big picture. I’m a one-man band currently, so juggling all kinds of tasks—from writing, marketing, and social media to booking shows, etc.—can be a little overwhelming at times if you don’t keep yourself organized. A planner and a calendar are truly my best friends so I can stay on top of everything the best I can. As crazy as it can be, I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything.
Country-pop sits between strong tradition and a contemporary audience. How do you navigate that balance, and who has influenced your sound?
Although I was raised on ’90s country, I actually listen to a wide variety of music. I think I have a more traditional country writing style, but also find influence within songs I listen to across other genres. It’s no secret that I’m heavily influenced by Taylor Swift as far as lyrics go. I’m also a huge fan of Kelsea Ballerini and really respect the line she walks in the country/pop genre so flawlessly.
When you share something personal, does it change how you see that experience? Have you had a moment where you understood the impact of your music?
There’s something really special about music being interpreted in so many different ways. I love that something I have written can mean something totally different to someone else, while to me it still feels the same as exactly when I wrote it.
“Be A Little Kinder” has been an awesome song to watch come to life for so many people. The response has been nothing but positive, and I’ve had a handful of people tell me it is their favorite song. I think having a message so simple yet so effective has really made me realize how much of an impact my writing can have.
Looking ahead to your debut album, what feels different about creating a full body of work compared to releasing singles? What excites you most about this phase?
I feel like singles capture one moment in time, whereas an album captures an entire era. This album incorporates songs that have been written across the past decade of my life and truly tells the perfect story of my life from age 20–29. This project has a few more vulnerable songs on it than what I have released in the past, and I’m really excited for listeners to discover a different side of me I have yet to reveal.
What did you take away from “Be A Little Kinder”? Share your thoughts with us on X and Instagram, and explore more interviews and music features on Lyrical Muse.
Leave a Reply