Written By: Randy Radic
Singer-songwriter Belle VEX recently unveiled his latest single/music video, “Nobody, but Me,” a song that channels his discontent with the pervasive negative influences within the music industry.
This emotional journey serves as a declaration of independence, a commitment to staying true to his roots in a sometimes-corrupt industry. The track extends beyond the music scene, offering words of encouragement to those under pressure to conform in any environment. The accompanying music video is a visually striking piece of content that amplifies Belle VEX’s message. Incorporating the acerbic words from his recent lyric video as background visuals, he skillfully crafts a narrative that goes beyond the auditory experience, resonating with those struggling to fit in.
With his unique blend of authenticity and bold brashness, Belle VEX emerges as a refreshing force in the “fake it till you make it” music industry, urging listeners to embrace their individuality.
Dopetrackz spoke with Belle VEX to find out more about his discontent, how the video came together, and his definition of success.
What inspired your latest single/music video, “Nobody, but Me?” Discontention. I’ve been at this for quite some time now and I’ve been scammed, taken advantage of, used, and dejected. That’s just the unfortunate nature of this business. I’ve sat with all of that for the longest time, but it all built up to this point of explosive frustration where I had to let it out. It got personal. This was the last track on a group of 12 I wrote in a night that were just piano and vocals. It went through all 5 stages of grief and just ended here.
Who directed the video and where was it shot?
I linked up with this really cool director, Austin Hein. He works a lot in NY and the surrounding areas so that worked out for me. I had a couple of other options out there, but there’s a specific reason I went with him. When we were talking about ideas for the shoot, I was basically increasing the budget more and more and he basically said “Stop, we’re not doing that. Let’s do it for the absolute minimum it’ll cost you.” No one’s ever said that to me. I’ve never been downscaled, and I was sort of taken back by it. He had this vision to shoot for a different video and we made all of the plans for that. We shot in Lume studios in NYC which is used by a bunch of different people and companies for many different reasons, but they have this projection system that let us throw content on the walls and ceiling. This video was just one thing we shot at the end of a bunch of other stuff.
What do you want people to take away from the video?
At its core, this song is about self-respect. We live in a stripper society where it’s never been easier to sell your dignity for the dollar. People keep telling me I should do the same. The line I hear most is ‘You have to be on gram because that’s how people get big now.’ I don’t have to do anything. I want listeners to keep that energy. I understand that it’s ironic because I’m basically saying ‘don’t listen to anyone, but listen to me’. Yet, that’s unavoidable, because otherwise, that lesson will be taught the hard way and life doesn’t pull any punches. There’s so much more to this song, I’d encourage listeners to explore it.
How did you get started in music?
Music to me is a lifelong relationship that’s worthy of its own story, but I’ll keep it short. I played instruments when I was a child and ended up hating it for a really long time. It wasn’t until I was at the absolute lowest point of my prior, terrible life that I chose to make it for myself. Back then, it was the only thing that I had. It was an outdated laptop, some software, and an old microphone. You couldn’t get any of this stuff that’s available to the consumer today. It was just enough to save me, and it’s been my sword and shield ever since.
Which singers/musicians influenced your sound?
I’ve done my own thing since the beginning, but favorite past artists of mine would have been Eminem, My Chemical Romance, and that mischievous boy sound that you’d hear today. I wanted to be theatrical with a bit of angst and irony. There wasn’t really any ‘sound’ that I found to express the misery I lived with, so I made one. This is way back then, though. I think a lot of people who are introduced to my music think I may be influenced by today’s artists, but I’ve had this since the beginning.
If you had to describe your sound to the uninitiated, what would you say?
It’s upbeat, danceable, anthemic, and counter intuitive. When one song starts to play, you’d probably expect one thing and get something else. It can also be annoyingly catchy. It’s different enough.
Why do you make music?
Because this world has no heroes. Everyone’s a gimmick and as long as that exists, I will make music.
What can you share about your writing process?
My writing process used to be really complex, but now it’s pretty simple. I’ve done all of the exploring I wanted to, and I just come up with an idea, sing the lyrics until they feel right, and then I lay them down. I don’t really write them. If I can’t remember them, they’re not worth it to me. I outsource the production these days. There are people out there who are much more passionate about the sound of the tracks and as long as it hits my vision, then it’s a collaborative art. Honestly, it’s more important to focus on the feel of the result and not the process. The end justifies the means.
Which artists in your opinion are killing it right now?
I have no idea. Not even kidding. I don’t know what anyone else is doing. I’m so busy in my own little world trying to come up with ways to make my ideas a reality. I don’t really spend it on everyone else’s. I’m out of touch.
How do you define success?
Success is the culmination of the steps you take forward. As long as you keep moving in your chosen direction, you are succeeding. If you have more than you had before, you are succeeding. I do my best to not hinder myself and just keep going. What can your fans look forward to over the next six months? Live gigs? Music videos?
You’ve got ‘Mania’ coming which is a song I’m excited to share. ‘Nobody, but Me’ took my sound back to the beginning, but ‘Mania’ is synergistic and will give listeners a look into what I want my music to be remembered as. That said, I’ll put money on it, that they’ll love ‘Breathe’ instead. Look forward to it soon.
Follow Belle VEX Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Spotify
Author Media Links :
https://www.instagram.com/radicrandall/
https://twitter.com/groupatoldpink
https://www.facebook.com/doctorradic
Email
