Bel channels indie rock sounds and childhood strife in “Amelia”

Philly-based singer-songwriter Bel channels her younger self in her first single of 2021, “Amelia.”

Released Friday, the song departs from the style of Bel’s past work and adopts an indie-rock framework composed of catchy riffs and creative lyricism. The lyrics and accompanying video are themed around Bel’s past, with retro visuals of childish scribbles and narration of her identity from the viewpoint of her older self: “and maybe I’ll conceal it / But Amelia I’ll always be blue.”

The song tells the story of a fourth-grade Bel confronting a bully, and is meant to challenge concepts of femininity and gender. Bel’s brother, Eli Furman, worked with her on the track, helping to make her more comfortable with the creative process. Here’s what she had to say about the collaboration:

“I recruited the help of my older brother, who has always been my mentor and encouraged me to break out of my boxes. As someone who knew the song’s narrator personally, my brother’s presence made me feel comfortable enough to be playful, as if my younger self recognized her playmate and wanted to emerge.”

“Amelia” and its accompanying video are out now. Check it out below.