Slovak singer-songwriter B’licious has released a new single, ‘Creation’. The single was released on 26 November and was very well received by listeners who need this type of song. 'Creation' is set to feature on the upcoming EP 'Surrender', so wait for the release date to be announced as we can expect some great tracks. 'Creation' has a lot of catchy sounds in it that make us listen to this track with interest and wish it would last as long as possible. Now I invite you to an interview with the artist who will reveal information about her creation.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hey B'licious, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What have you been up to over the past year in this big old mess?
To be honest I have been busy creating. I took the opportunity of isolation to write. Thanks to the lockdowns, I got two EPs and an album under my sleeve.
I'm very interested in how you started your adventure with music and did you know from the beginning that this is what you will be doing for the rest of your life?
Singing and writing songs was something I always did. Got this picture of me when I’m about 4 years old. I am on our living room table, dancing and singing and my dad is in the background playing music. I used to do little impromptu performance for my family. However, no one ever encouraged me in that direction. I guess, coming from a Slovakian working-class family meant that singing was not seen as a career direction. Hence, I have a science degree from University of Cambridge. I never studied music. I am self-taught. I moved to United States on my own when I was 16. My neighbour heard me singing. He gave me a CD of Billie Holiday and told me I should listen to this woman because I sound a little bit like her. Then I got into jazz and it really opened up my horizons. I didn’t get to sing in a band, till I was at university and formed my first all-girl band at the age 24. After Uni, I moved back to London and started up my own not-for-profit company doing environmental education. I lived on a boat on the river Lee and used to organise my own shows on top of the boat. One of my neighbours saw me singing and told me that she has a friend who has a band called the Heliocentrics and they are looking for a singer. I spoke to Malcolm Catto, went for an audition and that was that. Few weeks later I was touring Europe, singing my own songs and getting paid for what I love doing.
Your latest track is 'Creation'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
‘Creation’ is one of the tracks from my upcoming EP called ‘Surrender’. ‘Surrender’ is going to come out in January. The whole EP was written in a lockdown after the pandemic was announced. The first day of lockdown was on my birthday. The times were so dark. I guess I believe that a lot of the issues we are facing as people are because of the unsustainable way we are living. There is so much destruction, environmental degradation, and overconsumption fuelled by runaway capitalist economy and old colonial systems. I think sometimes it feels overwhelming and feelings of cynicism and hopelessness can take over. And ‘what’s the point attitude’ sets in. Many people feel they can’t do anything or that anything they do is not enough. And I don’t know what the answers are and maybe even the people who are in the leadership of many positive movements don’t know the exact answers. But I guess if we don’t dream then we won’t manifest a different world. And I guess that is what I’m saying with the song. What comes to mind when I sing this is song is a quote from Angela Davis. “You have to act as if it were possible to radically transform the world. And you have to do it all the time.”
On your website there is a picture with a very interesting style. Can you describe where the idea came from?
My head..haha. It was inspired my Manga cartoons and psychedelic art but who put the vision into force was Chantel Koning from YOUMEWE Clothing who makes all the beautiful clothes for me to perform in.
Do you have any advice for beginning artists, what should they focus on?
Staying authentic and persevering. Making music they want to hear.
Does your family share your passion for music? What do they think about your work?
I inherited my voice from my dad. He won a national singing competition in Slovakia when he was young. But he never pursued it any further. I am living his dreams. He was proud of me for that even though he didn’t quite understand the type of music I make. His favourites were Elton John and Eagles. I think my family think I’m a little bit crazy. But my mum is supportive and is my biggest number one fan. I think they all believe my music is a little bit odd.
Can you write what was your best performance in your career? How do you remember it?
One of the most memorable shows was a small show with the Heliocentrics at the Moth Club in London. People kept coming up to me after the show and saying that it was not like a regular gig but rather like a spiritual journey. I really like that. Music is very spiritual for me. Music is medicine.
Is there any other occupation that could replace you making music?
No :) !
Who or what inspires you while writing lyrics?
I write based on my personal experiences. About what happens to me and what I see other people experience. Things I’m passionate about. But I have to be somehow connected to the story and be vulnerable in it to write well.
What are your plans for next year? Do you have any productions ready to be released?
I’m planning to release my 1st EP in January 2022. And then I’m going to follow that up with a few more singles and another EP. And hopefully by the autumn next year I am planning to release a full album.