Boston's own Bebe Stockwell kicked off Boston Calling 2025 on the festival's new rotating main stage. The singer-songwriter, known for her rich blend of folk, indie, and pop genres, crafted a mesmerizing set fit for the sunshine that morning. The star sat down with Following Boston correspondent Samantha Davidson at the ground's artist camp to chat about her set, upcoming first headline shows, and her new EP.

Note: Questions and answers have been edited for clarity and brevity

Following Boston: Congratulations on an incredible set! How did it feel kicking off the festival?

Bebe Stockwell: I've never felt so calm on a stage and it was just really fun to see friends and family and know there's people from Boston coming out.

FB: You have a lot of firsts coming up this year, let’s dive into some of those. You are going on your first ever headline tour this June, what can fans expect from these shows? 

Stockwell: All the songs I put out and some new special songs. I've never played a headline show before so I want to make it really intimate. It feels like we're all together, you know? Especially because these are small venues. I think that's super special at the beginning to feel all together and see one another.

FB: Yes, people can really connect with your music that way.

Stockwell: Some of the songs are super slow. I didn't play any of those ones today, but it does feel nice when everyone can kind of be in it.

FB: You also just released your stunning fist EP Driving Backwards this month. I love the tender lyricism, harmonies, and layered acoustic instrumentals, what was different about this creative process when compared to releasing a single?

Stockwell: There's just more depth. When all songs come together some of the stories make more sense. It's just cool to see a body of work, my first body of work that I put out. I can look back and remember when I wrote all of those songs, so it's just nice that they're out.

FB: I love how you said you can see a story come together, because you definitely weave a story through each song, but when you have multiple songs together, it creates a bigger storyline.

Stockwell: Yes, I think it's always my favorite thing when an artist puts out projects to listen to it fully. It makes them make more sense.

FB: You mentioned on stage that you're from Boston. I read that you went to school in Massachusetts and you mention Boston in the song “Want Me.” Do you have any favorite memories or go-to spots in the city?

Stockwell: In Newton, I used to go to Tango Mango. It's the best place ever. I lived in Beacon Hill, so any of the shops over there. There's shops like a bookstore or honestly Starbucks.

FB: Now that you can go enjoy the festival, who are your must-see artists?

Stockwell: Honestly, Luke Combs. I was so excited because I wanted to see him for so long. It just happened to be perfect.

Stay tuned for Following Boston's full Friday recap including Luke Combs' stellar performance in the pouring rain coming soon. Buy tickets to see Stockwell live on her first headline tour here and buy tickets to catch the final two days of Boston Calling here.