There have already been three songs released from the 7-track project – 'Melt', ‘Bygones Will Be Bygones’ and ‘Scorpio Rising’. The most recent release, ‘Scorpio Rising’, is an intimate revelation and declaration of queer awakening.
“‘Scorpio Rising’ is one of my favourite songs on the record,” Eyes of Bel says. “There was something both difficult and empowering about putting that desire into words. But the song is naturally so sexy, I could lean into that feeling and let it say what I found hard to.”
The track is steeped in quiet intensity, and the gravitational pull of what you truly, really want. Meanwhile the EP as a whole was written during a period of personal upheaval.
“None of the songs exist in a single emotional state. Hope and pain sit beside each other because that is how I experienced this chapter of my life, and how I continue to experience it.”
Ahead of the full EP release, Bel lists five things you’d tell yourself at the beginning of a queer awakening.
One
Communicate efficiently. If queer dating is new to you and feels scary or unfamiliar, tell the person you’re seeing or going on a date with. You don’t have to pretend you’ve got it all figured out, or know what or who you like. If they can’t make space for you while you’re discovering this part of yourself, they’re probably not the right person. Honest communication makes something new a lot less lonely and opens doors to connection.
Two
Be present. Breathe. You don’t have to work out your whole future before going on a date or kissing someone, or sleeping with someone. Stay present and pay attention to how you feel. Some nerves are part of trying something new, but you never have to push through something that doesn’t feel right. You can slow down, change your mind or take a step back whenever you need to.
Three
Find your people. For many queer people, family isn’t somewhere they can turn for support. I didn’t have many queer friends growing up, but I found people who had my back while I figured things out. Find people you can be honest with, who are excited for you and who you can call when it all feels a bit much.
Four
Give yourself credit. It takes courage to question the life you assumed you’d have, especially when everyone around you seems to be following the same path. Letting yourself want something different can be terrifying. But there’s something pretty cool about giving yourself the chance to find out who you are and what makes you happy. Be proud of yourself for that.
Five
If they say they’re straight, believe them. Please don’t make it your mission to be the exception. I do not recommend heartbreak. You can’t change someone’s sexuality or make them ready to acknowledge feelings they’re not ready to face. You deserve someone who can meet you where you are, without having to convince them.
‘End Of An Era’ is out 13 November.
