After introducing herself with her stunning debut single 'Memories' last year, Belgian artist BIRTHE is back on the grind once again to deliver the vibrant new offering 'Boy Bye'.
Honing a wonderfully bright and soul-infused aesthetic for her newest outing, 'Boy Bye' makes for an incredibly rich and mesmerising listen. With her captivating vocal performance layered across a euphoric production from start to finish, she is certainly one to keep an eye on for the months ahead as well.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I have been singing since I was a little child, but I actually first started playing the piano and even the harpsichord. I always enjoyed being able to play songs, but I realized that I enjoyed singing the songs most.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
As a child, I was really into musicals and into the girl group K3, a very well-known group in Belgium for children. As I got older I started listening to more "older" songs and discovered Queen, Stevie Wonder, Prince, Guns N Roses, Amy Winehouse, Elvis, Joe Cocker,... They really laid the foundation for my passion for music.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Phew, hard to remember. I think it would have to be Norah Jones' CD - Come Away With Me. The first vinyl record I've ever bought would have to be 'Thriller' by Michael Jackson, or Samm Henshaw's debut album 'Untidy Soul'.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
There are so many good existing songs that I wish I'd written myself, but if I really have to choose I'd say 'The Thrill is Gone' by Raye at this moment.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I try not to think about it all too much. Usually, I don't really force songwriting. I often spontaneously get an idea while I'm cooking, exercising, or doing everyday stuff. From there, I really start writing my songs.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
At this moment I'm listening to Raye, Samm Henshaw, Stevie Wonder, Reneé Rapp, Olivia Dean, Elvis Presley, and Laufey.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I think opening a show for Raye, Samm Henshaw, Alicia Keys or Silk Sonic would be epic!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Being able to spread my own message into the world, in which others can find recognition. Besides that, I love to connect with people through music.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Today, as an independent artist you have to do more than just write your own music and devise a creative process. There's a business side that comes with it, which is the least fun part of being an artist for me. Sometimes, being active on social media also prevents my creativity.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
That you have to trust the process. The long road is often the most beautiful. I've had to learn to be less impatient and really enjoy what's already there.
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BIRTHE's new single 'Boy Bye' is out now. Listen to it in the player below.