Bella Poarch on telling the story behind the algorithm

Bella Poarch says her debut album “Picnic at the Cemetery” is meant to reflect who she is now—not who she was when virality drove her. The Filipino American singer, 29, is best known for TikTok and for “Build a Bitch,” which Warner Records says delivered the biggest debut for a new artist in YouTube history, with more than 75 million views in its first week. Speaking to Reuters in London, Poarch said she no longer writes with social media algorithms in mind, citing personal growth, evolving taste, and a better mindset than when she released her EP “Dolls.” She also explains the album’s title and describes writing “Garden” as emotionally difficult.