We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kate (Belly) Feldmann (Belt). Check out our conversation below.
Kate (Belly), it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I wake up at 6am. I get dressed in my show costumes. Slacks, button up. Shoulder pads, blush. Matte lip. I’m dressed for character performance, and I go to work.
I walk into the office’s event space/broadcast studio. I turn on the LED wall. I turn on the lighting grid. I take my laptop out of my briefcase and set it on the desk in the production control room.
Next, I get a latte from the office barista. It doesn’t cost me. Neither does the coconut blueberry smoothie I have for breakfast. I’m not the best dressed in the office.
I return to my desk to compose emails. I respond to chat messages with lightning speed. My team services the broadcast video and audio connections so executives can discuss AI.
At 3pm, I drive home to Koreatown.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kate Feldmann, Belly Belt. I live, work, and perform in Los Angeles. I’m a multi media performance artist.
I’m performing at WARLOCK HOUR FEST III, raising funds for the Iowa Trans Mutual Aid in Iowa City on October 11th.
I’m co directing “CARRIE,” Ian McPherson’s stage adaptation of the classic film, at the Elysian Theatre in Atwater Village on Halloween night.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I don’t find myself commanding presence as often as I used to. I’m not single-handedly trying to create something that no one has. I no longer need to express myself as a means of survival. I feel seen by those close to me, and I think I’ve shifted to a more nurturing presence in the art community.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
When I was in junior high, I learned of a recording studio for kids to book free at the Youth Center downtown Iowa City (United Action for Youth). My rock and roll band signed up for a session.
Once my mother arrived to pick me up, Stu Mullins asked to talk to me aside. Stu told me that I had a very special singing voice, and my intuition in the recording studio seemed to come naturally to me as just a child.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
Rachel Feldmann, my big sister. Bass Player and Lead Singer of Lipstick Homicide (IA).
Adam Leier (CA), my spotlight operator, drummer, guitarist, sample programmer, content consultant, personal photographer, background actor, and tiktok bestie.
Recently, Sherri Beck (FL), my mentor from the audio-video integration company I work for. She has taught me workplace emotional intelligence, and to be the better person in an environment that honors mediocrity.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop living so far away from my family.
I would stop working so hard. I wouldn’t stop working, but maybe I would work for a more rewarding purpose like servicing my community.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/belly_belt
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-feldmann-927745187/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/bellybeltcorporate
- Other: 2018 Voyage LA – https://voyagela.com/interview/meet-kate-feldmann-belly-belt-nela-long-beach/
2025 Voyage Austin – https://voyageaustin.com/interview/rising-stars-meet-kate-belly-belt-feldmann-of-los-angeles/
Donate to the United Action for Youth – https://www.unitedactionforyouth.org/donate
