Bel Kil 

In this exclusive interview, Bel Kil opens up about the inspiration behind "Kinda Funny," the mixed reactions to her decision to pursue music full-time, and how these experiences have shaped her unique perspective in the industry. As a producer and festival promoter, Bel also shares insights into her creative process, the challenges of refining her sound, and her ambitious plans for the future, including her upcoming EP and the much-anticipated 'Out West Fest' in rural Victoria.

"Kinda Funny" is a playful yet introspective anthem. Can you share the story behind this track and what inspired its creation?

Most of the production for "Kinda Funny" came together really quickly. I was procrastinating creatively while trying to focus on an Intellectual Property Law essay. I actually really loved learning about IP, but I just couldn’t stay on track and kept finding myself back in ableton creating a whole new track. While the production was quick, refining the arrangement took much longer because that's when the constant tweaking, second-guessing, and reworking comes into play.

You mentioned the mixed reactions you received when you decided to chase your dreams as a producer and performer. How did these reactions influence the lyrics and overall theme of "Kinda Funny"?

The chorus lyrics came to me in the first burst: "You look at me and think girl your crazy dreams are kinda funny. I look at you and think boy there's more to life than chasing money." This song is all about those initial reactions when I told people I quit my job to follow my dreams. Some were skeptical with their "oh's," while others were genuinely supportive with their "oh wows!" I found it both fascinating and amusing. The song reflects these different values in personal relationships and highlights the contrast between pursuing material things and chasing authentic dreams, even if it sometimes seems naive.

As an artist in today's music industry, what unique perspectives or experiences do you bring to your work?

My music is playful and a little tongue-in-cheek, but it's always honest, authentic, and raw, drawing from my own experiences and observations. I don't try to sound like anyone else or reference specific artists when I write or produce—well, not intentionally. I never know what I'm going to create until I sit down with my keys or guitar and experiment with riffs, chords, melodies, sounds, or a beat and effects in Ableton that resonate with me. I think you can’t help but bring a fresh perspective when you create spontaneously and stay true to your own voice.

Growing up on a farm in the Northern Grampians with a musically inclined family, how did your upbringing shape your musical style and career?

As kids, my older sisters, cousins, and I had the freedom to run wild on the farm. We were really creative, experimental, and adventurous, and I think without realising it, I apply this to my music making. We created our own fun, whether it was making guitars in the workshop with angle grinders or writing out lyrics to the songs on Rage and choreographing dance routines. We didn't really have toys, so we had to be inventive—making grass skis and towing behind the four-wheeler, playing cops and robbers on motorbikes, or creating a music concert and selling tickets to our uncles down in the shearing shed. My family loved entertaining, which always involved great music, mostly soundtracks, big dinners, someone playing guitar, and mum dancing on the table to ‘You Can Leave Your Hat On.’

My dad loved singing Beatles and Dire Straits songs, and my uncle had a voice like Mick Jagger. I guess I’m subconsciously drawing from the music I grew up with. We're innately influenced by our surroundings whether we realise it or not—songs my parents and older sisters listened to when I was young, songs I loved in high school. These influences have molded my appreciation and love for music, probably resulting in a sound that's nostalgic, versatile, unique, distinct, and easily recognizable.

Your debut EP "My Year" blends dream-pop, trip-hop, and funk. How do you approach incorporating such diverse influences into your music while maintaining a modern pop edge?

I guess each song on "My Year" and this upcoming EP began as an open-ended experiment. When I came up with a riff or beat that caught my ear, I ran with it, layering elements that resonated with me. I think when you're not focused on trying to sound like anyone else or write for anyone else but yourself you’re able to be more creative and experimental, unintentionally blending diverse influences. It could also come from my lack of theory knowledge, my process is all ears. I also recently found out I have aphantasia, 3% of people in the world have it. With aphantasia, my mind’s eye sees only darkness, not images. It’s like missing a sense, and only imagination can compensate. I think this means I rely heavily on my other senses. I’ve got good ears. My sisters are always amazed I can hear them speaking in a different room. 

Working in Ableton also allows me to break the rules and explore new sonic worlds, keeping my sound fresh yet diverse.

After a major bike accident, you gained the confidence to pursue music as a career. How did this pivotal moment in your life influence your music and your outlook on following your dreams?

The accident made me slow down and appreciate how lucky I was to be alive. I was car-doored by a driving car, smashing the whole car door with my head, which left me whiplashed and concussed. I was eventually diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). I can’t play the guitar the way I used to and despite the tough process of multiple surgeries and relearning how to sing, it made me more determined to follow my dreams without the pressure of a “real job.”

I was so excited about learning to produce and throwing myself into music that I didn’t allow myself to dwell on the severity of the accident. When I started recording and producing, I didn't initially aim to pursue my own music. I just wanted to write songs and create a sonic world for them, whether for myself or others. Incredible opportunities, like writing for Sony at Popakademie in Germany and attending Andrew Scheps' workshop, were inspiring and validating. The more I experimented with sound, the more I realised I had my own ideas to share. The accident put things into perspective and helped me let go of unnecessary pressures. This led me to write an EP and put my own music out into the world.

Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re particularly excited about?

My ultimate goal is to be on major festival lineups both in Australia and internationally. I’m often told after a show that my music feels perfect for festival stages, so achieving this would be an absolute dream come true. I’m excited about the festivals and support slots I’ve got lined up, including a festival I’m organising ‘Out West Fest’ near where I grew up in Victoria on the 9th of November.

I also love to collaborate. I enjoy creating on my own but I'm an extrovert who thrives on working with others and sharing ideas. Currently, I’m working with Edward Quinn (Telenova/Slum Sociable), which is great because he understands my music, and we have a really comfortable working relationship. 

I also have a debut album in the works, set to follow this upcoming EP. I’m so excited about it and having so much fun producing new music. 

Ultimately, my focus is on continuing to produce quality music and pouring everything I’ve got into the process because I truly love it