If you’ve seen my other piece, you’ll know pop artist Belot has recently released a new EP titled, The Good Life. Since then, Belot has answered some of our questions. So, get listening, and here are their answers!
How did you get involved in music?
“I’ve always naturally gravitated to music. I started songwriting at the baby age of 5 and self-teaching the guitar at 7/8. By 12 I had sourced a laptop and started playing around with production. Making songs has been my favourite pastime forever!”
Has your creative process changed over time?
“My creative process has always been complete chaos! I have no strict way that I write a song. Inspiration can come from a line, a film, a real-life struggle or just be completely conceptual. What I would say is that lately I’ve been more drawn to starting a song with a chorus tag line in mind. The song gets shaped around the chorus or the chorus idea.”
Does your music have any overlaying messages?
“Honestly, not really… I think each song has its own individual story and identity. However, I do really enjoy writing about relationship dynamics.”
Where do you get your overall inspiration from?
“I have so many different sources of inspiration. I’ve been listening to a diverse range of music for a long time. Growing up I was listening to artists such as The Strokes, The Beach Boys, Stevie Wonder… the list goes on and on. Films have also always been a huge source of inspiration for me. Ever since I was little, I have loved going to the cinema and disappearing for a few hours. I’ve written countless songs based off of film or TV characters.”
How would you describe your styles of music?
“I’d describe my music as funky, awkward pop.” If you’re someone who already listens to Belot, you’ll know this is a perfect description.
How did you discover your style?
“I think in the way that most artists do. I’m constantly listening to new music and whenever I hear anything that excites me, I take note of why I think it’s made me feel a certain way. I keep that in mind when I’m writing! My style is just a melting pot of what I like as a listener!” This in itself would certainly also be good advice for any aspiring musicians!
Belot has recently released their new EP The Good Life but;
What inspired each of the songs in the EP? The opening song to Belot’s EP is titled ‘Cool Whip’. “Cool Whip was inspired by a relationship that seemed too good to be true! Being showered in gifts and compliments and then realising it’s all a cover up for a not so sweet cheater.”
Following ‘Cool Whip’ is ‘The Good Life’ which “is about taking a second to appreciate all the good that’s going on in your life. When you are young and ambitious it’s easy to get in the habit of seeking the next checkpoint. However, it’s super important to enjoy yourself and your present rather than fixating on the future.”
Next up is ‘V.I.P’ which “was inspired by 90s/2000s hip hop tracks. My co-writer and I had this beat and it felt like it was destined to emulate the likes of an Eminem track. We never thought the track would see the light of day and we were just messing around. However, it found its way to my label’s ears and is now a fun little song to have out.”
The penultimate song to the EP is named ‘Get This’. “‘Get This’ was inspired by a sad truth both myself and my pals have lived. That moment when you have finally recovered from a heartbreak, and the person who broke said heart has the audacity to slide in your DMs as soon as you are thriving again.”
Finally is ‘Ain’t it a shame’. This track “is honestly inspired by various industry gossip. So many artists and writers have different versions of the same story. Artists are cast-aside one day and fawned over the next. I just thought it would be an interesting concept to write about.”
Do you have a personal favourite from the EP?
“I do… but it’s a secret hahaha”
Are there any prevalent messages in the EP?
“Honestly the EP is just a mish mash of both ideas and experiences.”
What was the inspiration behind ‘Harmless Fun’?
If you already listen to Belot you’ll recognise the title, ‘harmless fun’ which was released in November 2021. “The inspiration for ‘Harmless Fun’ came about during the first covid lockdown in the UK. I found myself binge watching the show ‘Modern Family’ and it led me to this idea. The concept was essentially: What if the Dad character, real estate agent Phil Dunphy; turned up to a conference and was met by a surprise? He went there thinking it was going to be a very legitimate and educational work conference but all of a sudden, he sees a whole bunch of businessmen absolutely hammered. He soon realises this is some sort of grown-up version of spring break. The song is about giving in to the lighter side of life! Not being afraid to let your hair down. After all that’s what life is about, having fun!”
Do you have anything new in the works at the moment?
“I do indeed, I’ve been writing a boatload of new music and am working on getting it together ASAP!” I for one, can’t wait!
Do you have any upcoming gigs?
“I’m going to be playing a cheeky intimate acoustic set on December 6th at the Sebright Arms in support of the wonderful ‘LA LA HAYDEN’”
You can find Belot on Instagram, YouTube and of course at the Seabright Arms on December 6th, so, attend if you can and make sure to give the new EP a listen!