Tempo Talks: A Conversation with Beljune
THE RELEASE
Beljune, a London-based musician from Birmingham, is ready to make a significant impression in the music world with his unique, alternative modern-pop style. Beljune, who released his first song "Poison" barely two months ago, is preparing to release his second single, "Poster Boy." Beljune's own experience as a queer person, growing up without proper representation and dealing with social guilt, feeds the sincerity and urgency in his music, which attempts to inspire and elevate audiences through raw, honest lyrics and genre-blurring production.
"Poster Boy" is more than simply a song; it's a strong statement and a catalyst for change. Beljune's latest release questions the status quo, asking why minority voices, particularly those from the LGBTQIA+ community, are often ignored in the media. The single becomes a rallying cry for inclusiveness and representation because to its appealing lyrics and Beljune's emotional voice. Notably, Beljune directs the accompanying music video, which marks his directorial debut. The video, which features a cast of three amazing gay artists, including Netflix's "Sex Education" actor Felix Mufti-Wright, complements the song's message by breaking boundaries and stimulating important debates about diversity and inclusion. "Poster Boy" is a brave move forward, confronting societal complacency and advocating for a more egalitarian future.
THE INTERVIEW
If you had to create a Mount Rushmore of inspiration, what four individuals molded the artist you are today?
Anyone who knows me well knows my LOVE for Elton John, ‘Your Song’ was the first song I ever sang and ‘Rocket Man’ would be my number 1 desert island disc. Icon. I’d want him carved up there, OTT glasses and all. Amy Winehouse too… I feel no explanation needed there. Other than that, Beljune is literally both my Nan’s names, Bel and June and so they’d have to be up there too. I’d say that’s a pretty iconic four.
Were there any personal experiences or stories that influenced the creation of the music video, and if so, how did they shape the final product?
The initial inspiration for the song was personal experience of growing up queer and feeling so out of place and uncomfortable with and unaccepting of myself. Had queer representation been more prevalent in the mainstream media growing up and therefore having more people to look up to, as a community, we’d have carried so much less shame, confusion and fear into adulthood. Ultimately the song is a protest and actually refers to under representation of all minority communities but in particular right now, it’s our trans siblings who need support. When it came to the video, I wanted to create something that celebrates queerness, my own and others. So when casting the artists for the “Poster Boy” video, I wanted individuals who were proud of their identity, unapologetic and celebrate themselves! Just being so proudly themselves is a protest, like the song. The elements of clown make up are a metaphor for not being taken seriously and I think I drew influence for that from the Emcee in Cabaret (my favourite musical).
What was the most rewarding aspect of making the music video, and what message do you hope viewers take away from it?
Proving to myself I could do it! I had something like 7 hours in a studio, it was very go go go and on reflection, there’s things I’d change - but it was a real learning curve and fun experience! To have produced, directed, styled and cast (through Beast Casting) my own music video was a big tick off for me.
The whole team on the day were an absolute dream, I felt very held. Shout-out to them… the artists: Allie Daniel, Felix Mufti Wright & Hi Ching, videographer/editor Max Clendaniel, MUA Amelia Conway, styling assistant Lewys Lane, production assistant Willy Amott and studio manager/lighting legend Robbie Ewing. ABSOLUTE LEGENDS. The vibe in that studio on the day was so lovely, I’m very grateful to all of them. I hope viewers take in all the sheer queer gorgeousness of the artists and to echo the production assistant (and my good friend) Willy at the end of the shoot, I hope they watch it thinking “slay” haha!
Can you share any interesting anecdotes about the song's development with your co-writers or producers?
Not sure I’d say this is interesting but a funny moment of the process came in the very delirious last hour of the vocal session on the song, I lost it a bit and anything the producer, Zed, and I said to each other we would respond with “why?” and pretty much just communicated in “why”s for an hour. To the point at the end of the session I said “why” instead of “bye” and just left it at that… I slept well that night haha!
When it comes to the songwriting on this record, what is the message you want to get across to your listeners?
Being a protest, I feel the song’s message is pretty clear. Whilst I’m gay, I’m also a cis white man and understand that comes with huge privilege. I ask why “they” can’t be like Poster Boy because I’m not speaking for other communities here, but I am asking why on their behalf. As I said before, the trans community really need us at the moment, our prime minister is outwardly refusing to recognise trans people's identities. “Bloody hands made (what should have been) light work heavy” with human rights movements in the past… the stonewall riots, the sufragette movement. But we shouldn’t need violence anymore when it comes down to what should be a simple matter of equal human rights. Discrimination based on someones gender identity, sexuality, ethnicity, anything that isn’t a choice has always completely baffled me. I understand education is needed but ultimately, it comes down to basic empathy. I could go on… but the message I want to get across to listeners is to actively strive for change, to use their voices and platforms to keep questioning and educate others rather than “shy from asking why” in blissful ignorance.
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