Song-by-Song: ‘Harmless Fun’ by Belot

Belot on writing Harmless Fun: “I found myself binge-watching Modern Family, and it led me to this idea.” Photo: Isy Townsend

The North London songwriter’s latest collection of “awkward pop” music is a catchy and melodic diary of her early 20s

With a musical journey that includes teaching herself guitar aged eight, learning Logic aged 12 and attending the Brit School, “awkward pop” pioneer Belot has arrived at her next destination. Harmless Fun, her second EP, is something of a diary of the North London songwriter’s early 20s. Like debut EP Electric Blue, it’s also a delectably catchy collection from someone who grew up on a diet of Stevie Wonder, The Beach Boys and Al Green, before adding the likes of The Strokes, Metronomy and early Kanye West to her sonic spice rack.

With songs about awkward encounters with an ex, young lovers growing apart and the need to embrace the fun side of life, these are songs we can all relate to. It’s over to Belot to tell us a little more…

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HARMLESS FUN

Harmless Fun came about during the first lockdown in the UK. I found myself binge-watching Modern Family, and it led me to this idea. The concept was essentially: What if the dad character Phil Dunphy turned up to a conference thinking it was going to be a very legitimate and educational work conference and then all of a sudden he sees a whole bunch of businessmen absolutely hammered. He swiftly realises this is an adult version of spring break. The song is about giving in to the lighter side of life and not being afraid to let your hair down. After all, that’s what life is about… having fun!

MATH

Math is about the struggle of not wanting a serious relationship in your youth. You are entangled with this person and you care about them, but you just can’t find it in you, to settle down quite yet.

Belot: “Fake Phone Calls is an unfortunately true tale about when I almost physically ran into my ex whilst walking with my new partner.” Photo: Isy Townsend

DRIVING TO LA

Driving To LA is about when you have grown up in a teen relationship. You thought it would be a fling when it started but in the blink of an eye 16-18 flies by. All of a sudden you are faced with the fact that you have separate goals and opportunities, that don’t exactly facilitate each other. The dynamic that worked so flawlessly when you were at school doesn’t seem to translate into adulthood. You will always have love for one another, but you have to find your own footing and start building your careers.

CHAOTIC

Chaotic is about when you end up at a party with your crush. You decide the only way to get through the excruciating awkwardness of the situation is to get absolutely smashed together. You swiftly become the messiest people at the party but don’t care because you having a hilarious time with one another.

FAKE PHONE CALLS

Fake Phone Calls is an unfortunately true tale about when I almost physically ran into my ex whilst walking with my new partner. In order to do anything and everything to avoid the hellish interaction, I fumbled and pretended to be on the phone and of course my phone decided to ring at that very moment, so I panicked and crossed the road… She pretended she didn’t see me and the whole thing was the stuff of nightmares.

Belot’s Harmless Fun EP is out now, discover more over at her Facebook page facebook.com/belotmusic

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