Rebelle Interview: From Croatia’s Got Talent to Disco-Pop Stardom with TBDD

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It’s funny, because people always assume that experience gave me a ton of confidence, but at that age it wasn’t really about confidence — it was about falling in love with the process of performing. I was 10, and suddenly I was rehearsing choreography for hours, wearing custom costumes, doing press interviews, balancing schoolwork I was constantly missing, and barely sleeping — and yet I loved every single second of it. What it really gave me was a taste of what show business is actually like: the work, the discipline, the sacrifices, but also the rush of being on stage with lights, music, and an audience. I realized even then that this wasn’t just a “childhood dream” — it was a calling. As exhausting and scary as it could be, I knew I wanted to chase that feeling for the rest of my life. And of course, none of it would’ve been possible without my parents supporting me at every step — they helped me discover what it means to truly commit to something you love.

Rebelle is a Croatian-born pop artist redefining disco-pop in Los Angeles. From her classical roots to Croatia’s Got Talent, she’s built a powerful global presence. Her latest single TBDD (Till the Beat Drops Down) pulses with bold energy and empowerment. With influences like Dua Lipa and Britney Spears, Rebelle is a rising force on the international stage.

You became a finalist on Croatia’s Got Talent at just 10 years old. How did that experience shape your passion for music?

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How does your classical training influence your disco-pop sound today?

Classical training gave me breath support like steel lungs, precision with pitch, and an appreciation for technique. My professor Blanka Tkalčić was key — she really drilled in shaping and control. Music theory knowledge gave me the confidence to approach songwriting, arranging, and production with no hesitation. Even though classical and pop feel like two different worlds, my professors always encouraged me to embrace being “different.” They let me explore theatrical arias and dramatic characters, and I even got cast as the antagonist in Croatia’s first musical. That kind of freedom is why today my pop performance still carries drama, precision, and attitude.

What inspired your move from Croatia to Los Angeles?

I wanted to study songwriting and commercial music/singing, something I couldn’t pursue fully back home. When LACM admitted me with a scholarship — eventually three — I jumped. But the reality hit quickly: I didn’t have funds for the whole 4-year program. I figured it out piece by piece, so graduating with a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance means even more to me. Every day in LA is still a challenge — booking gigs, writing, dealing with writer's block, finding collaborators, and securing funding for music. But that struggle is shaping me as an artist. If today’s song fails, tomorrow’s will be better. If a venue doesn’t answer, I’ll find one that pays more. I need to learn 30 songs in the next 2 days? Bring. It. On! I’ve learned to love the hustle.

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Do you approach performances differently depending on the audience?

Yes and no. I’m always myself, but I adapt to the environment. A small acoustic setting doesn’t need the same energy as a big stage with a full band — but I’ll still bring my personality, my spice, and my fire into every performance. My goal is always to make the audience feel like they’re experiencing something only Rebelle can deliver, no matter the size of the room.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?

That there isn’t just one way to “make it.” Success can mean so many different things — monetizing your music, licensing, building a fan base, or just creating art that resonates. The mentors I met through Grammy U showed me that patience and consistency pay off. Good things take time, but if you’re intentional and doing the work, they will happen. That mindset keeps me grounded and hungry at the same time.

You said creating TBDD was like rewriting your own narrative. How so?

This project forced me to re-examine everything, especially the top 10 on the charts. The song originally sounded completely different — new melody, harmony, even lyrics. Instead of sticking with the first draft, I stripped it down to bare bones: lyrics, hooks, rhymes, basslines, production layers, ear candy. I studied the charts and challenged myself to rebuild with intention, but also to sometimes write without overthinking, just following rhythm and instinct. That process taught me not only how to build a stronger track but also how to shift my own perspective as a songwriter.

Why is it important for you to bring a female perspective to your music?

Because no matter what women wear, say, or do, we’re sexualized anyway — I’ve lived through that. So I wanted to flip the script with TBDD. This time, I’m in control: I decide how I express my sexuality, when I lean into it, and when I pull away. I wanted to give women a dancefloor anthem that says: your desires are valid, your confidence is powerful, and your body is yours. If a man feels intimidated or insecure by your fire, that’s not your burden. You’re a queen — and if the energy isn’t right, you walk away. That empowerment is at the heart of my music.

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What advice would you give indie artists?

Say yes to things that scare you. Stay kind and open. Get up early and practice like your life depends on it. Trust Him. Most importantly, don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone’s path is different, and your uniqueness is your edge. I built everything I have without a label — writing, gigging, collaborating — and it’s proof that you can carve your own lane if you’re consistent.

What’s next after TBDD?

I’ll say this much: the next era is going to be louder, bolder, and even harder to ignore. TBDD was the appetizer. What’s coming is the feast.

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