Bettine Solf, a Peruvian-born, London-based singer-songwriter, has just released a new song, called “Magazines”. “Magazines speaks about everything that I grew up with, restraining my image. Always thinking about how I should look, or act”, says Bettine explaining the reasons rooted in the story behind the lyrics. The body image issues. The pressure of the various communities to always look perfect. The expectation to always “maintain” an image, rather than being your actual self. “Magazines”, the song, comes with two faces reflecting the same subject. On one hand, we have the lyrics which go straight into the subject that is painful for a lot of people. On the other hand, we have the video, which treats the same story more lightly. This contrast of approaches has inspired an open and honest conversation I have had with Bettine, which you can read below.
Bartek: For someone like me, who has struggled with body image issues for a long time, I wonder if you have ever experienced them as well?
Bettine Solf: I have. I had anorexia during my teenage years and it expanded further into my 20’s. I also know that women in my family went through the same experience, so I’ve been close to the subject all my life.
How did you deal with these issues?
My mother noticed it quite fast, it was hard because I didn’t understand the issue. It was through a nutritionist and therapy that I managed to keep it under control. I had a distorted impression of my body and it took me years to not “hate” it.
Since then, have you found a solution to not caring about it anymore?
I think the solution was to stop listening to the way people talk about somebody else’s body and loving myself a bit more. The way women’s bodies are portrayed in the media is unrealistic and unhealthy. And it sends an unsuitable message to teenagers. It certainly got me, so when I started hanging out with other women and started detaching from what was expected from a woman to look like, I gave space to what I wanted my body to feel like, and how I wanted to dress. I wanted to make sure it was healthy and I wanted to listen to my own voice.
I view your new song, “Magazines”, as a metaphor for all sorts of media, not just the press, but also social media platforms, TV, movies, etc. Was there any direct inspiration for writing this song?
There was no direct inspiration. I think about it more as a collective of information that I gathered over the years that exploded now – when I felt powerful in my own skin.
Despite the seriousness of the subject, you decided that the storyline in your music video would be more light-hearted. I think it’s a healthy decision, but I wonder why you have opted for a “tongue-in-cheek” approach in this case?
Well, I believe in opposites. I asked a couple of friends to get behind the concept of the video, and I chose them because I knew their approach. Gonzalo Calmet and Vanessa Rossi, an incredible pair of Peruvian creatives.
My intention is never to preach when I write lyrics such as these. I am an artist who believes that art is a political act, but I also like to entertain and be entertained. I have a strong sense of humour and Gonzalo and Vanessa do, too. I think they got to the core of the message and did a brilliant job on playing with concepts that were both visually fun and provocative.
So even though I am expressing discomfort, I like to believe that “after the storm comes the rainbow”. I like to be a happy person. That doesn’t mean life is perfect, but I choose the bright side even when things are challenging.
What do you think is a remedy for what we are being fed by the media?
I believe, more than anything, in family values. Even though I don’t think we can control what the media choose to do, we can have control over what we share at home. In my house, there was always room for everyone to express opinions and emotions. That got me through because I had parents that supported my looks and my changes. So, I believe in a strong sense of community and active listening.
Do you see a way out of the real-life problem the various media are causing by creating body image issues, especially in the case of younger people?
I believe the education system needs to have information available to young people and an open conversation space. I recently saw someone I used to date in my 20’s. The person commented on my body and how I had gained some weight. I could not believe how this person thought that was allowed or ok. But I know this now. It would have crushed me 15 years ago or I would not have eaten for days. People should look at their own body, and not comment on someone else’s. I believe that could help relieve the pressure, too. Also, exercise builds and keeps good mental health.
I do want to say that, even though, yes, we see unhealthy media coverage, there are some brands standing up for healthy body images, and I hope this will keep happening more.
Photos: Dennis Garcia
Video: Vanessa Rossi, Gonzalo Calmet
More info: https://www.instagram.com/bettinesolfartist
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