INTERVIEW: Belau — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Belau

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I have been speaking with Krisztián of Belau…

about the duo’s new song, Breath, and working with Sophie Lindinger on it. I discover how Belau got together and whether there is much of a music scene where they are in Budapest; which new act we should watch out for – Krisztián tells me whether more material will arrive down the line.

I wanted to know whether Belau have touring plans and how likely they are to visit the U.K.; what they/Krisztián hope to achieve before the end of this year; the artists that are most influential to Belau right now – Krisztián ends the interview by selecting a classic song.

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How are you? How has your week been?

Krisztián Buzás: Thank you for having us on your site - all fine. The summer in Budapest is lovely and we are on tour as always. We’re reaching out for some major festival here in Hungary and we are also touring around in countries like Croatia or Montenegro - unique sights and excellent adventures.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?

Belau is a Budapest-based Chillwave duo, stepping into the third summer of the band existence. We had the pleasure to tour in more than twenty countries. As a live act, we work now as a four-piece band and try to reach out for as many people as we possibly can. We have released several music videos, made an award-winning debut album and, right now, we are working on our second full-length.

Breath is your new song. What is the inspiration behind it?

The song is a picture painted by our inner-self; a journey to the inside where we are able to see the truth between the never-ending struggles to finally find peace. The music video tries to underline this with the woman who is escaping the reality - and then she finally slips into the coveted state where we are all heading to.

What was it like working with Sophie Lindinger on the song?

Sophie is a unique talent with an extraordinary voice. The fact that she accepted to feature on our new album is our honour. LEYYA, the band she sings for, is a great Austrian act. The work came together very instantly - although, we did not meet during the recording session. We had to wait to finally meet personally at SXSW in Austin, TX where both of us played.

IN THIS PHOTO: Belau with Sophie Lindinger

Is there going to be more material coming down the line?

Definitely. In the background, we are constructing the new album which is taking shape slowly. The release is scheduled for early-2019 but, if you are following us, you will notice that Breath and Redefine are already out and shows the new direction for Belau 3.0.

How did you get together? When did Belau start life?

Belau’s first live show was in 2016. Peter and I have been friends since we were ten and he had the idea to start a Chillwave band. Originally, he started it alone because I was very busy at that time of my life - so, I joined later on during the first live show. The success of Island of Promise pushed us and provided a great start and, since then, we have achieved a lot of things what we are proud of.

You are based in Budapest. Is there an active scene over there?

The music scene in very diverse in Budapest - but we have a sub-scene for all the genres. The sad fact is that, however, we have some amazing artists who are unique, up-to-date and exciting, yet the first great international breakthrough is still to come. That’s what we are working forwards.

In terms of music; what do you listen to when not recording your own?

For me, it’s way different than it should be because I mostly listen to totally different music (than Belau). But, we can say that the most influential artists to us nowadays are Odesza and Ibeyi. What I listen to the most is something uplifting and wonderful; progressive miracles like The Contortionist or some regardless and hellraising old-school stuff like Blood Incantation.

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

Touring is the main goal while, in the background, we are working on the second full-length - which will be out in early-2019. What I want to achieve is to bring Belau to the next level.

If you could support any musician alive today, who would that be?

Beth Gibbons of Portishead. If not alive, then Chester from Linkin Park.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

I consider us to be a new artist - but, I would say hard work always pays off. Work for it!

Might we see you tour very soon? Do you think you’ll come to the U.K.?

We had two U.K. shows so far in London but we are planning a small tour for you guys. As far as I see now we will go to Croatia, Montenegro; Germany, Sweden and Denmark in the next months…but the numbers are always increasing.

IN THIS PHOTO: Orient Fall

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Go check out my Metal band, Orient Fall.

Do you all get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

Sleeping or organizing my vinyl collection.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Obviously, in these cases, I put something here that totally does not fit the subject. Poison’s hit, Every Rose Has Its Thorn, is an example. I heard yesterday in a Rob Schneider movie.