Who is Fem Belling?
Fem Belling is an excitable, loving, tenacious, passionate being who gets to hustle her way through one of the most magical professions in the world. She is also impetuous, fiery, ballsy and enterprising. She loves a bad pun, hates floral craft beer and secretly day dreams of fashion. Above all, she is determined to leave a glitter bomb of smiles, music, adventure, thought and memories in her wake.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Oh Gee… I know we are all meant to say there is nothing we would change about ourselves, but hey, there is so much I would like to do differently. I would like to eradicate the self doubt that creeps in when creating new works or curating music (it happens with every living creative soul). But then I wouldn’t have the insights that makes me the performer I am right now.
I would like to have fallen in love with pop music – it pays more. But then I would never have known the sheer delight of singing the Ella songbook and scatting. I would like to say “no” more often. But the arts in Australia is such that I need to create and sing and compose and social media as much as I can to make it my living.
Who inspires you and why?
People inspire me… just look at what we are capable of. We have such a deep capacity to care. We don’t all tap into it, but it’s in there. We have an incredible ability to create, I am in awe of some things I go and see in the arts world.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I’d like to think I am already making a difference through my music and way of life. Each note I make and each day I’m here I try to live with empathy, courage, consideration and a touch of fabulousness. I try to reach people through music and art in a way that will make them feel they can do or overcome anything. It is through communication, respect and education we can look to the future.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Italy – the views, the cheese, the cobblestones, the wine, the language, the naps, the carbohydrates!!!!
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Melbourne Lane way bar crawl – because secrets are always fun! Easey’s – eating a burger atop of a building designed by my brother, Zvi Belling, in a decommissioned Metro train! The Paul Williamson Hammond Combo on the last Monday of the month at the Rainbow Hotel – because its like going to the chiropractor of the soul!
What are you currently reading?
Lee Child’s latest page turner.
What are you currently listening to?
Sometimes my brain can be so full of music. Music I am learning or discovering. Ear worms from past shows. Snippets from cafes or radios – there is so much ambient music in our world. I love to carve out time for no music – does that go against being a musician? So, right now I am listening to the sounds of a distant neighbor’s lawnmower.
Happiness is?
Time – Time for family. Time for friends. Time for cooking. Time for travel. Time for time really!
What does the future hold for you?
Sometimes Australia can feel so far from the rest if the world and that is true of its music geography too. I want to bring my music to the rest of the world. I want to tell stories and contribute and collaborate on the world stage now. So there are a few tours coming up in Europe and a cheeky NYC appearance next year. It’s all about getting the finances in order to make these magical things happen. (Any patrons of the Arts out there fancy being a Belling benefactor? wink).
Fem presents Fem ‘n ‘n Organ at Chapel Off Chapel: 25 & 26 June – as part of the 2019 Melbourne Cabaret Festival. For more information, visit: www.melbournecabaret.com for details.
Image: Fem Belling (supplied)