Bess Atwell

Bess Harriet Hildick-Smith (born 24 September 1994), known professionally as Bess Atwell, is an English indie folk musician.

Early life

Atwell was born in South London and grew up in Cambridgeshire and Sussex. She attended Brighton College, where she was a member of Seldon House. She began her studies at Falmouth University, but withdrew and moved to London for her career.

Career

Atwell released her debut full-length album, Hold Your Mind, when she was just 19 years old. Atwell released her first EP three years later, titled Big Blue. Atwell released her second full-length album in 2021 titled Already, Always. In 2024, Atwell released her third full-length album, titled Light Sleeper. The album was produced by Aaron Dessner, who had reached out to Atwell inquiring about producing her next record. The album received positive reviews.

Artistry

Having begun to learn guitar via Taylor Swift songs, Atwell attended a Johnny Flynn concert with a friend, which she considers the moment "I really became influenced by music, in a way that shaped me as my own artist". Through Flynn, she discovered London's early 2010s nu-folk scene. As a teenager, she listened to the likes of Fleet Foxes, Bon Iver, Dry the River and Joni Mitchell, as well as Beach House, The National and Sharon Van Etten.

In a 2019 interview, Atwell cited an admiration for women singers such as Julia Jacklin, Stella Donnelly, Phoebe Bridgers and Soccer Mommy. Other artists Atwell has named include The Beach Boys, Gillian Welch, Lana Del Rey and Maggie Rogers.

Discography

Studio albums

Remix albums

Extended plays

Singles