Classically trained pianist, film score extraordinaire, and personal fan of 90s rave, BIIANCO is hard to put in just one category. A multi-instrumental music producer and vocalist, they blend indie electronics with dance, pop, and emotional lyricism to create a one-of-a-kind soundscape. Touring globally with the likes of SG Lewis and Dusky and securing a multitude of festival slots, they bring an infectious energy into every DJ performance and raise the bar for artists everywhere. As a queer, partially blind producer, BIIANCO and their emotional dance music have become a symbol of inclusivity within the music industry.
Firmly stepping into the dance scene, BIIANCO’s newest EP “Mixtape #3” is an ode to rave culture. “‘Mixtape #3’ is my second multi-track release and my first time placing my foot firmly on the dance floor (the ravey 125+ bpm dance floor to be exact),” explains the artist. “In the way 2021’s ‘Mixtape #2’ chronicled the breaking and unbreaking of my heart,’ Mixtape #’3 dedicates itself to the breaking and unbreaking of my body. In a post-pandemic world, I’ve found myself reconnecting to my body in dance music, the underground, and the cathartic sweaty spaces of the UK and LA rave scenes.”
We hear from BIIANCO about their early influences, the power of their new project, and the importance of working across musical disciplines.
Stream “Mixtape #3”…
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Who and what influences you?
My influences are pretty eclectic because I’m a classically trained pianist with a background in film scoring. I think you’ll always be able to hear that melodic influence in my productions. As to who has influenced me, I’ve spent a lot of time recently with the music of Underworld, the Chemical Brothers, and the rave titans of the 90s. I’m also always going to soak the circles I run in and have found myself both spinning and being influenced by the tracks my friends and peers are putting out — like Danny Goliger, GHSTGHSTGHST, Kaleena Zanders, Absolute, Azzecca, Demi Riquisimo and VNSSA.
What made you first take up an interest in producing?
I was too broke to afford a producer and too particular to let someone else make such important sonic decisions in what I was trying to create. I found myself out in a Joshua Tree retreat with a bunch of Ableton minded friends sharing details — and up to that point, I had really only thought of myself as a producer enough to develop my live playback rigs & tracks in Ableton. But after that retreat, I was like, “wait a minute, I guess I already know how to do this”. It was a natural next step.
How did you begin to shape your sound?
I think that my background in multiple styles and formal multi-instrumental training has probably been the biggest shaper of my sound. But I’m also a very emotional person. I take a very emotional view of the world and that really shapes the melodic and lyrical messages I gravitate towards. There’s always going to be a bit of pining underneath my choices and you can hear that in the synths, the melodies and the words.
How would you define your production style?
This is both the simplest and most difficult question to answer! I come from an indie electronic background and now I’m fully immersed in dance so I think my style leans towards pop rather than someone who just straight out started in techno. But ultimately I spend a lot of time crafting the sounds, tones, basslines, and synths I use, so I think my style is pretty technical.
How has your approach progressed over the years?
I now approach songs from the mindset of how they’re meant to be consumed. Is this a banger meant for the middle of a warehouse set at 2am or is this meant to be howled at the top of your lungs as you drive down the freeway? Or, even better, is this going to live in the climax of an open air festival set and be the moment everyone remembers? Sometimes the best dance tracks don’t make good radio songs, so I start out with a feeling and a setting and go from there.
Why is it important for you to be astute across so many instrumental disciplines?
I invested so much time learning them it would be a shame not to use them! But more importantly, they become more paints in your palate — more utilities for you to express yourself with. From a live perspective, it gives me many tools to play with — apart from just CDJs. I’m the kind of artist who you’ll always be able to find playing hybrid DJ sets, full live sets, and just DJing.
We love your new project, “Mixtape #3”! What did you set out to achieve when you began making it?
I wanted to create a body of work that makes people move. And I wanted to reintroduce myself to the world as a dance artist.
What are the inspirations behind the body of work?
This mixtape is dedicated to the places, faces and spaces of the rave community. It’s about collaboration and it’s about emotional movement.
What was the creative process?
A lot of collaboration. A lot of performing these songs before they were finished. And a lot of listening. I spent a lot of time soaking up the sets of other artists.