Arabic version: ثنائي الإلكترو بانك تشالك يجسر الفجوات الثقافية في بلفاست

Electro-punk duo Chalk, comprised of Ross Cullen and Benedict Goddard, is making waves in Belfast’s music scene with their unique sound that reflects their mixed heritages. According to The Guardian, the duo’s music is a blend of influences, drawing from both traditional and contemporary styles.

Chalk formed when the pair met studying film at university and has spent five years honing a live performance that rivals the best in the UK and Ireland. Their debut album, “Crystalpunk,” features a mix of beautiful electronic sounds and sharp, destructive elements, symbolizing the complexities of identity in post-Troubles Belfast. The album’s centerpiece, “Béal Feirste,” captures the feeling of being unclaimed by either side of the cultural divide.

Cullen and Goddard’s backgrounds play a significant role in their music. Goddard, with an English father and Irish mother, and Cullen, from a mixed-religion family, reflect on their experiences of growing up in a city marked by division. They aim to foster unity through their music, especially in light of recent anti-immigrant riots in Northern Ireland in 2025.

Their work resonates with local experiences, as seen in tracks like “Skem,” inspired by graffiti seen on trains. The duo also explores themes of outsider status and personal growth, with Cullen expressing that their songs serve as a vessel for emotions he’s carried for years.

Chalk recently performed at SXSW and are set to embark on a North American and European tour that finishes back home in May, emphasizing their commitment to Belfast’s vibrant cultural scene. Goddard highlights the city’s DIY attitude, stating their desire for the music industry to recognize the talent emerging from Belfast.