Bianca James - Bianca James (Album) + 10 Questions

Toronto’s Bianca James establishes herself as a truly compelling singer/songwriter with a tight set of incredibly hooky sixties inspired tracks on her self-titled debut album out August 4th.

While many artists mine similar veins of vintage musical vibes, few do so as convincingly and effortlessly as Bianca James. On this, her independent debut album, Bianca nails it with her huge voice and a degree of cinematic flair that captures all the drama and glamour of the time, while adding an eminently satisfying splash of modern pop to the mix.

That comes across loud and clear on every track on the album. Nowhere more so than on cutting-edge track ‘Bang Bang Baby.' Featuring a uniquely expressive vocal performance, a stellar contribution by The Hollywood Horns, and some decidedly modern flourishes haunting the edges, 'Bang Bang Baby' is an absolute earworm that somehow manages to sound timeless and current simultaneously.

For Bianca, music has always been a means of transforming heartbreak and pain into strength and freedom. “I don’t think I consciously wrote songs about empowerment, but there is a message of overcoming, of finding hope on the other side. That’s an undercurrent in all my songs,” she explains, adding that although she typically draws on personal experience in her songwriting: “My mission is to inspire others to live their life, and their dreams, to the fullest.”

Recorded in LA, Toronto, and the UK (at The Kinks' iconic Konk Studios) and produced by multiple Grammy nominee Rob Kleiner (Sia, David Guetta) and Juno-nominee Thomas McKay, on her album, Bianca depended on a time-tested approach – recording with live players.

Tracking with a group of top-flight musicians, including Michael Bublé’s former MD/Saxophonist Gene Hardy, allowed Bianca to capture her distinct vision on record with clarity, depth, and power. “Music made with actual organic instruments and real musicians, to me, is timeless,” Bianca says, citing the work of artists like Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Mark Ronson.

Timeless is perhaps the best way to describe Bianca’s contemporary take on a truly classic, international sound – one that draws reference from American and British 1960s styles with a melding of elements of Motown, Soul, and modern pop.

While she’s going for glamour across the board, Bianca does so with integrity, poise, and grace, proving that grit, determination, and ambition – like the signature blend of old and new school sounds on the album – never go out of style. And while she's quick to credit everyone for their indelible contributions, at its core the album owes its strength and universal appeal to Bianca's undeniably powerful voice, finely honed chops as a songwriter, and unwillingness to compromise on her dream.

Ultimately, the album is the culmination of hard work, writing, traveling, honing her skills, and embracing every experience – the good, the bad, and the ugly – as fuel for her innate creative fire.

Bianca James sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

Listening to my parents' record collection growing up in Montreal – they played incredible albums from the 60's by Nina Simone, Dusty Springfield and classic Rock n Roll and Motown. I remember hearing "Please Mr. Postman" by The Marvelettes when I was 9 and getting up and dancing around!

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I'm very inspired by British musicians like Amy Winehouse, Paloma Faith, Duffy and Adele - but also classics like The Kinks, The Beatles - and American 60's Motown. I also love modern pop like Dua Lipa and Lana Del Rey. I'd love to work with Mark Ronson - he's a genius.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

I'm about to release (yay!) my debut self-titled album on August 4th - I'm so excited. I was really involved in everything: from writing, singing, working with my producer - to shooting the album artwork (it's a selfie I took on the beach) - to designing the album packaging. I had to sell my Mini Cooper for funds to pay for the recording etc as I'm an independent artist. My parents definitely thought I was crazy, lol! I've also already begun recording Album #2 in Amsterdam to have new music ready to go. Finally, we are planning live shows and showcases in London this October so I can rock out with a killer band. It's been a very creative, fruitful time. I feel blessed.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I've created my own blend of old-school meets modern pop. It's soulful and draws inspiration from 1960's Motown + British Rock blended with pop.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

Finding out that I'm going to be featured in ROLLING STONE next month with a review in August and an article in September. They are also apparently printing 10,000 copies of a Rolling Stone CD and one of my songs called 'Inside Out' (from the upcoming album) will be on it.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Never give up! There's an audience for everything. Just keep writing, releasing, and defining your sound. Don't wait until perfection, or you'll never get anywhere.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

Lu Kala who is also from Toronto - she's f*** brilliant with such a bright warm energy, and confidence that inspires me.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Dua Lipa, Duffy, Camilla Cabello and Harry Styles. 

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

Take photos, have fun with fashion, watch vintage movies, water my plants, gawk at beautiful vintage cars, and plan my fantasy travel to the South of France!

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

My Audio Technica Headphones.

My vocal steamer to keep my voice in good health.

My Courrèges miniskirt.