Summer Belt is an exciting and bold new voice in the Nashville rock scene, known for her high-energy performances and eclectic blend of classic rock and modern alternative influences. Growing up on a goat farm in rural Indiana, Belt’s early exposure to classic rock from legends like AC/DC, Van Halen, and Prince, combined with her training in classical piano, shaped her into the powerhouse artist she is today. After releasing her debut album at just 15, Summer has since performed internationally, earned multiple awards, and recently released new music as an independent artist. Her unique ability to fuse big guitar riffs, shredding solos, and dynamic songwriting has drawn comparisons to icons like Joan Jett and Halestorm. Guitar Girl Magazine caught up with Summer to discuss her latest project, “She’s In The Mood,” her journey from Indiana to Nashville, and what’s next for this rising star in rock.
Listen to “She’s In The Mood” by Summer Belt below:
GC: Being from a small town in Northwest Ohio myself, I loved reading that you grew up on a goat farm in rural Indiana. How did that environment influence your musical journey, and what role did your early training play in shaping your current rock sound?
SB: I think growing up on that farm definitely changed everything for me. Being out there with just my animals, that’s where my musical inspiration really began. I’d be out in the fields, writing little song ideas while taking care of the animals. That freedom and solitude were so important for developing my creativity. Plus, my parents raised me on some great music—lots of classic rock. The combination of being out in the country and having that music around me really laid the foundation for where I am now.
GC: It’s amazing how freeing that open space can be for creativity, especially as a young person. You mentioned classic rock; your music draws inspiration from bands like AC/DC and Van Halen, but also modern acts like Halestorm and Miley Cyrus. How do you balance those influences to create something uniquely your own?
SB: I take a lot of the instrumental elements from classic rock—the big guitar riffs, the tones, the Marshall amps. But when it comes to songwriting structure, that’s where I pull more from modern artists. I think blending those things naturally gives my music its own identity. As much as I love those bands, I don’t feel like I sound exactly like any of them.
GC: Exactly, and that’s the beauty of it—you’re creating something new. You started writing songs at such a young age and even released your debut album early on. How has your songwriting evolved since then, and how does that growth show in your new track?
SB: My songwriting has definitely evolved. When I first started, I would have an idea, write the whole song in one go, and be done. Those early songs were fun and raw, but now I’m more intentional with the lyrics and the energy I want to build in the song. The biggest growth for me with this new track has been learning how to capture the live energy I have on stage and bring it into the studio.
GC: That was actually my next question — how do you capture that live intensity in a studio setting? And since we’re Guitar Girl Magazine, are there any specific guitars or gear you use to create your sound?
SB: Absolutely. I’m a big fan of Gibson SGs. I’ve got two that I use—a vintage 1969 model and a newer one. Pairing my SGs with my Marshall amp is my go-to setup for pretty much everything. I also have a guitarist who plays with me, and we layer different tones to fill out the sound, but my SG and Marshall combo are always the core of it.
GC: Do you stick with the same guitars when you’re performing live?
SB: Definitely. I rarely stray from those two guitars when I’m playing live.
GC: That’s awesome. I love how consistent you are with your setup. As a female rock artist in Nashville, a city known more for country music, how do you feel you’re carving out space in the rock scene? What challenges have you faced?
SB: There are definitely pros and cons to being a rock artist in Nashville. On the one hand, doing rock while everyone else is focused on country gives me a bit of an advantage because I’m standing out. But it can also be tough because the majority of showcases and industry attention are on country music. That said, there are great rock artists here, and I’m focused on creating more opportunities for rock in Nashville—doing more rock showcases and shows.
GC: I’d love to see that! I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for your shows. You’ve performed internationally and won multiple awards. How have these experiences shaped your career, and what’s been a standout moment for you?
SB: Each one of those moments has had an impact, but I think one of the most important was attending a summer program at Berklee. I won a scholarship to go, and I also won a songwriting contest while I was there. It was my first time leaving the farm, and I made so many connections, including the guitarist who eventually helped me move to Nashville. That experience really kickstarted everything.
GC: That sounds like such a pivotal moment. Speaking of songwriting, your track “She’s in the Mood” is about embracing risk and adventure. Was there a personal experience that inspired the song, and how do you channel those emotions into your music?
SB: The song isn’t about one particular night, but more about the feeling of making impulsive decisions — like having an amazing night that you know you’ll pay for the next day. It’s that balance of knowing it’s worth it in the moment, even though you’ll regret it later. That feeling can apply to so many situations, and that’s really what the song captures.
GC: I love that! So, what’s next for you this year?
SB: I’ve got another song ready to go, and I’m hoping to release it by the end of October. I’ve also been writing a lot, so I’m planning to record more demos and hopefully put together an EP for next spring. I’m really excited about what’s coming.
GC: That’s so exciting! One last question: Are there any female guitarists who have inspired you along the way?
SB: Absolutely. Joan Jett is a big one—she’s not a shredder, but she rocks her riffs and just has this iconic presence. Nancy Wilson from Heart is another one. My dad had a bunch of old concert videos of her, and I’d watch her play and just be in awe. Those are two of my biggest influences, for sure.
Stay connected with Summer Belt on her Instagram or website for more information.
