Through their dynamic music, the Scottish band Beldon Haigh seeks to challenge societal norms and inspire change. Both a critique and call to action, their latest single “World Got So Dumb” delves into themes of protest and societal disillusionment, while offering a glimmer of hope amidst the chaotic nature of today’s complex world. The single also gives its name to the band’s upcoming debut album.
We caught up with frontman Justin Skelton to learn more about the band’s artistry, the story behind their debut album and hopes for the future.
– Congratulations on the upcoming release of your debut album, “World Got So Dumb”! Can you tell us about the journey of creating this album and what inspired its themes and sound?
This album was created across a four year period and is a collection of songs observing, in many ways, the oddness, strangeness, madness and growing dumbness and numbness of the world. During that time the band’s sound has really matured, and the songs themselves have established a more provocative dynamic and aura, both in terms of production and lyrically.
– The album title, “World Got So Dumb”, seems to capture a sentiment many can relate to. What does it mean to you and how does it resonate with the songs on the album?
I love the song World Got So Dumb and very early on decided it would be a great album title, so long as the collection of songs in the album could stand up to the name. I wrote a lot of songs to distilled out ten that all fitted with that name. So there will be another album coming quite soon because the process generated a really strong forward catalogue. I think the lyrics on the songs on the album are all full of picture power and I very much like the protest element and irreverence of the collection. It’s angry, but not in a shouty, aimless way, it’s more focused, thought provoking and challenging.
– Your music is known for its powerful vocals, strong rhythms, and thought-provoking lyrics. How do you approach song writing, especially when tackling complex themes like societal disillusionment and protest?
I write songs very quickly, from initial idea to all the lyrics, usually in about an hour. I unconsciously trained myself to do that, because, that methods seems to produce a body of lyrics that really gel together well, because they are all in the same stream of thought and capture a moment in time. I then spend days perfecting the song structure, polishing the words and then of course take it all into the studio with the band, developing the sonic tapestry. But the actual song, the tune, the chords, the lyrics, the story at the core of everything comes very fast – often in the middle of the night, sometimes even in a dream. That part is always just me and an acoustic guitar and often at about 5am.
– Your band has been quite active in social commentary and activism through your music. How do you see your role as musicians in addressing societal issues, and how does this influence your creative process?
I think artists play an important role in raising issues and singing about them. This is especially important now, in today’s world of increasing censorship and corporate control. Musicians need to keep finding and using thier voice.
– With the current state of the world, where do you find hope and inspiration for your music?
It isnt difficult to find things to write about, unfortunately. The world seems headed increasingly on a war footing. That is a sad realistic observation. It’s also strange how few anti-war songs exist. Regarding finding hope?…by definition every protest song is a song of hope – otherwise there would be no purpose to the song. These types of songs are created and performed in the core belief that situations, circumstances can change… no matter how hopeless the cause might seem to be at the time.
– Can you share any memorable moments from the recording process of “World Got So Dumb”?
One of the joys of recording and working with this band is we can be completely ourselves with each other. Therefore there is a way of talking to each other which is full of humour and joy – and what I’d call very healthy banter. I will leave it at that. 
– What are your hopes for how listeners will engage with and interpret the songs on this album?
That listeners love the whole album enough to have their own favourite song from it. I always really appreciate it when people tell me what their favourite is. It shows they’ve listened pretty closely to the songs, and that means a lot to me.
More from Beldon Haigh:
https://beldonhaigh.com / Facebook: @BeldonHaigh / Instagram: @BeldonHaighOfficial / X: @beldonhaigh / Youtube: @beldonhaigh3721 / TikTok: @beldonhaigh
