In this compelling episode of Rational Grounds, I sit down with Perth rap artist Bitter Belief to explore the intersections of religion, ethics, and politics in both his music and his life.
We discuss his journey to faith, starting with a profound moment in Bali that led him to embrace Christianity and find deeper purpose. Bitter Belief shares how his belief in God has reshaped his creative process, steering him further toward authenticity and away from the shallow pursuits of the entertainment industry.
We also tackle ethical questions about the responsibility of artists. Are rappers accountable for the moral impact of their lyrics? Is it possible to balance commercial success with staying true to one’s values? Bitter Belief opens up about his own prior struggles with hedonism.
On the political front, we examine how societal trends, the pressures of fake celebrity culture, and the rapid consumption of media influence both the creation and perception of art.
Bitter Belief believes in creating music that stands apart from the noise and i’m very keen to hear his upcoming album and interested to see him carve this new path.
Recommended Books:
Paulo Coelho - The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream
Eckhart Tolle - A New Earth: The life-changing follow up to The Power of Now.
Russell Brand - Recovery: Freedom From Our Addictions
TIMESTAMPS
(0:00:00 - 0:05:00) - Intro
A casual start to the conversation, with a light discussion on hydration, digestion issues, and dietary changes.
(0:05:01 - 0:12:00) - The Evolution of Music Creation
Bitter Belief shares why he’s transitioning to EPs, reflecting on the challenges of creating albums and staying relevant in the fast-paced music industry.
(0:12:01 - 0:20:00) - Authenticity in Music
A deep dive into the importance of authenticity, avoiding the toxic pressures of the industry, and why staying true to personal beliefs matters.
(0:20:01 - 0:28:00) - Rappers, Ethics, and Responsibility
Thought-provoking reflections on the role of morality in lyrics and the responsibility artists have to their audience.
(0:28:01 - 0:36:00) - Faith and Purpose
Bitter Belief opens up about his journey to faith, the pivotal moment in Bali, and how this transformation has influenced his perspective on life and music.
(0:36:01 - 0:41:00) - Inspirations and Aspirations
From Michael Jackson to J. Cole, we explore Bitter Belief’s artistic influences and how they’ve shaped his career.