TRACK REVIEW: Bianca Bazin - White Water

TRACK REVIEW:

Bianca Bazin

PHOTO CREDIT: @saskinsss

White Water

9.4/10

White Water is available via:

https://www.biancabazin.com

GENRES:

Pop; Indie

ORIGIN:

London, U.K.

RELEASE DATE:

April 2018

_________

WE are entering a phase in music...

PHOTO CREDIT: @georgiabazin

when solo artists are dominating the landscape. I feel the days of bands ruling are long gone. That is not a reason for distress and concern: solo artists are producing some fantastic music right now. I will come to Bianca Bazin and her debut single but, for now, a look at reinvention and songwriters who adapt their sounds. I will come on to look at confident female songwriters and why we need to take more notice; the way a good music video, tied to a fantastic song, can stand in the mind; different influences and creating a fuller sound; training and being educated in music – a bit about adding excitement to a stale industry. I have reviewed and interviewed Bianca Bazin before – under the guise of ‘Bee’. The new song, White Water, is Bazin identifying herself in a different light and changing her sound. That is not to say what came before, as Bee, is to be discounted. What I was interested in is artists who create one name/persona and the reason for a change. In Bazin’s case; she established a Pop sound that captured the imagination and created a fanbase. Now, in 2018, there is a need to enter the next phase and move into a different market. What we have now, under her full name, is a sound that retains some of Bee’s strands but brings in a lot more. There is a more mature sound and a fuller palette. Every song from Bazin, past and present, has her heart and soul poured into it. She is someone who does not rest and will craft every song; dedicate her all to the music and ensure it is the best it can be. What I love about her is the reason she is doing this: to inspire other people and do genuine good. White Water is Bazin embracing something else and representing where she is now. I am/was a big fan of Bee and what she was producing. If anything; the young songwriter has got everything she could from that venture and has set her sights higher.

What I notice, between ‘Bee’ and Bianca Bazin’ is the steps that have come. Bazin has moved from Surrey to London; she has learnt a lot from gigs and seen her music get out into the world. What I have noticed, also, is the strength of the music. Bazin, now, is preparing to release her debut single. There are not many songwriters who can come onto the scene with such confidence and intent. She will resonate with her existing fanbase but, if anything, pick up new ones. Her debut single marks an artist who has cemented her sound and knows exactly where she wants to go. I am, I guess, the first journalist to cover the song – it is not officially released for a few more days/weeks yet. Bazin has filmed her video – I will discuss that soon – and must be thinking ahead. The first notes of White Water let you know, here is a songwriter with a lot ahead of her. Bazin has overcome some personal hurdles and is fighting in a music world packed and competitive. It would have been easy to lie down and take some time away and rest. Instead; she has focused her vision on the horizon and created a stunning song. Many might say it is not a big reinvention – the name has shifted and the look is still the same – but it is a sign the songwriter has desires to be a mainstay in the music industry. What one notices – between names and phases – is a more rounded and full sound. Here, on the debut single, one can notice fresh influences coming to the fore. I will discuss this more but, with any great artist; Bazin has looked at what she’s created and is looking out into music. She has seen the other female songwriters around and reacting to what the public wants. Now, in 2018, there is a move towards music that digs deeper into the artist and lets the listeners in. Pop artists who create something more commercial are still wanted and needed: one looks for something more interesting and nuanced. Bazin has always produced music that goes beyond the ordinary and cliché.

In these times, when controversy rears its head, there is a danger an artist like Bazin could be taken advantage of. The film industry has the same issue: sexual assault and female artists being overlooked. Bazin, on paper, could be taken advantage of because of her age and looks. She is, naturally, stunningly beautiful and, like her peers, could be exposed to the worst instincts of labels and fellow artists – those who take a dim view of morals and feel they can treat women how they want. It is sad to see how the industry is developing and disturbances that are coming to light. I know there is a lot to tackle and problems that cannot be fixed overnight. What I do know is (that) female artists are rebelling by producing some of the most confident and immediate music around. I get the feeling there is that need to be proven and validated. That is not their fault: those who make decisions are still in the narrow mind-set and focusing on male artists. Bazin, like many others, are producing incredible music that will stand the test of time. I wonder whether Bazin, and her colleagues, will be provided the same gig chances and celebration as the men. There is that problem with sexual advantage – men taking advantage of the women – and sexism. The reason I am leaning towards female-made music at the moment is because of the depth and fascination. There is something more enticing and revealing; invention when it comes to mixing genres together; vocals that strike and get right into the heart. Maybe this has always been the way: the past couple of years has upped that impression and really come to light. It seems staggering, given the fact female artists are being overlooked to an extent, there should be any avoidance and naivety. Bazin is among a group of artists who warrant more exposure and bigger gigs. She is releasing her debut single but, with more music, how long will it take her to ascend to the bigger platforms?!

I will move onto new ideas but, right now, I want to stay on the subject and talk about confident songwriters. I have discussed Bazin’s relaunch and new phase. She has discovered a fresh sound and, if anything, there is nothing out there like her. One hears White Water and, from the very first notes, there is that naturalness and charm. You are taken into the song and feel part of the process. The vocal and delivery is oozing with heart and passion. There is subtlety and tenderness that mixes into the agenda. Rather than create something quite modest and settled; you have a musician who wants to get under the skin right away and get success. I know there will be more music coming soon – it is the start of something wonderful for Bazin. It would be easy to compromise and write a song that slotted into the mainstream and would, as such, get onto the radio. She could have crafted a Pop banger that would get plays and be heard by many. If that was true to who she is, then that would be fair enough. I have heard Bazin grow through the years and seen her move through stages. I can see her going on to be a big name in music. In years to come; there will be new chances to grow and succeed. On this first outing; you can hear how much it means to Bazin. She wants to remain in music and see her music compel others and make a difference. There are many people in music for the wrong reasons. They might be in it for commercial gain or to follow another artist. I feel Bazin is in the industry to show where she has come from and use her story as a lead for those who struggle and are looking for a way in. These are exciting times for the songwriter. I know White Water is going to see her transition from the underground and gain a lot more ears. That is, in no small part, down to her spirit and determination.

It is rare we talk about music videos and what they mean. The days of music television are gone and dead. We have streaming sites and can see videos on YouTube. There are so many songs out there right now. How many of us can name a music video, from the past few years, we can class as ‘iconic’?! It has been a fair few years since a video came along that captured the public imagination. Every artist puts out a video at some point in their careers. It can be expensive releasing something ambitious and full. What I love is seeing a video that has simplicity but perfectly bonds with the song. You do not need to create something extravagant and explosive. In the case of White Water; the video shows the heroine walking the city and contemplating things. It might sound basic on paper but, when you watch it alongside the song; it gets into the brain and makes you think. What strikes me is the fact that the video seems quite personal and meaningful. By that; Bazin has filmed something that looks incredible and brings the listener into the story. She does that with her vocals but, when you see the video; an extra layer comes through. There are videos out there, from bigger names, that seem to throw money at the screen and do not really offer anything. Modern artists are limited as to what they can afford and produce. It is not feasible bringing out huge films and casting lots of extras. Instead; you have those brilliantly engaging videos that are filmed on a small budget. In the case of White Water; it is a great promotional that wonderfully joins the song’s narrative with the film world. Bazin has a natural ability and confidence in front of the camera. There is a definite shine and connection and, if you go to her official website and watch it yourself; you notice how the song really comes to life. She seems free and able to conquer anything; engrossed in what she is doing and, as such, that gives the song itself new light and revelation.

I will conclude this topic soon but, going forward, and there are other filming opportunities for Bazin. She has, with her producers and director, created a concept (for White Water) that unveils a reborn, repurposed songwriter. Even as Bee; the videos were striking and strong. Now, a little while on from her previous song; I can see something in Bazin’s eyes. There is that hunger for new challenges and the desire to hook the listener in. Bazin is an artist who wants to keep building her career and get people listening. So many artists, I find, are putting out music for the sake of it. They repeat themselves or provide the public with sounds one can get elsewhere. Bazin has worked hard and crafted music that is true to who she is. The video for her debut single captures her essence and, with it, a wonderful film. That lure and visual style (she has created) is going to be interesting to follow. I wonder what she will come up with on future singles. Based in London; there is the perfect backdrop and setting. I imagine her videos will get more ambitious but retain her identity and vision. There is every reason to suspect, when the video for White Water gets out there, people will flock in and promote her work. It is a shame there is not a bespoke music channel for new musicians. Seeing an MTV-like channel that promotes unsigned artists would be a good move. I am sad we do not place the same importance on videos as we once did. Maybe that is a sign of the way things are going: it is all about the digital and getting all that music out there quickly. Few can deny how the audio has overtaken the visual. Bazin is an artist who still places pride on videos and visuals. Her photos and promotional snaps are striking and engaging. I have mentioned how she is a very striking woman – something that can be seen as a reason for men to take advantage of – but her shots are very classy and mature. Rather than flaunt her body and tease the camera; she has a classy, if sexy, vibe that is good to see. An artist who has her head screwed on and stands aside from her peers – I have high hopes for her as we move through this year.

I can imagine more songs will follow very soon. Bazin is a restless artist who moves through stages and has different influences. I hear bits of Fleetwood Mac in her sounds; there is Carole King and London Grammar – she lists as influences – and modern-day artists like Lorde and Sia. Rather than copy others and create something we have heard a million times; Bazin sprinkles together her heroines and produces something unique. It is the fusion of older and new artists that impresses me. A lot of young artists tend to have a narrow concentration. They will utilise sounds from a particular decade or period. Bazin, one suspects, grew up around great music and was taught to love the feel and purity of the music – rather than love what is deemed ‘popular’ and ‘cool’. You have those touches of King and Fleetwood Mac; the credible sounds of Lorde and modern-day idols. There is never any sense Bazin is trying to follow in their steps and get into their light. Rather than dance to their groove; we have an artist who is compelled by what they stand for and what they do with music. That confidence and independent spirit – one hears with the aforementioned – dominates. There are modern Pop touches in the blend but, largely, Bazin sources from more credible and mature artists. I keep saying ‘mature’ and many might see that as a negative – it is not meant to be. What I am referring to is how Bazin does not use youthfulness as an excuse for immaturity. Too many artists are producing empty music and creating something juvenile. Rather than provide the public something instant and Pop-y; she has an intelligence and depth that means her music takes a bit of time to reveal its colours. It blossoms and grows the more you hear it. I am compelled seeing where Bazin takes her music and what she can achieve.

It is not a surprise to see Bazin captivate and produce such incredible music. She has performed at Italia Conti and learnt to dance and sing there. She picked up a guitar in 2012 – playing the piano at the same time. Bazin started performing live 2014 and has grown as a performer. It is that early attachment to music that means, years down the line, the young artist continues to push. I am seeing fewer and fewer artists get into music at such a young age. Maybe it is the fact music is not part of the mandatory curriculum like it once was. It is an option for many students: one that fewer are choosing to follow. I worry new generations are not going to take up music and will get into it rather late. Bazin is still very young but, as a child, bonded with music and knew that is what she had to do! That passion and intuitiveness, mixed with her influences, has seen her get to where she is now. Bazin’s musical upbringing was rich and rewarding. Those incredible artists she listened to – and the ones she holds dear now – have impacted her direction and inspired her to put her all into music. The fact she has that training and musical education means she is in a better position than a lot of her contemporaries. I know Bazin is doing something different and exciting. The industry is still rather lifeless and not quite as exciting as it could be. Bazin has moved to London and, I’m sure, has gigs lined up. The songwriter is embracing the city and throwing her all into music. It can only be a matter of time before she gets onto the big radio stations and moving up. Bazin has made some big steps and, with every move, improving as an artist and performance. White Water is the sound of a bold and challenging artist who has ammunition to take the music world by storm.

There is a sense of the dramatic and intriguing regarding the opening moments of White Water. There is the sound of, I suspect Big Ben, and the water rushing. Watch the video – directed by Jim Robinson; producers Emma Little and Chris Boorman produce – and one sees Bazin on a bed by the water. The waves are coming in and we see her bed, out in the open. The scene shifts to the river-side and Bazin dressed and looking out around her. There is a concentrated and focused look that signals a woman who has desire and questions on her mind. The opening vocals have that seductive and tender quality. I hear, instantly, elements of London Grammar and, oddly, St. Vincent, right away. The scene is set and one gets into Bazin’s emotional head-space. With minimal accompaniment; Bazin talks about a seemingly care-free life. There are opportunities at her feet and the world is open to her – nothing to complain about. On the outside; there is that sunny façade and a demeanour that suggests everything is okay. Look deeper behind the eyes and there is a pain that lingers. The heroine has faced troubles and changes and is keeping things in. I feel there is that need to fool people and retain an air of happiness and contentment. People, maybe, will walk away if she opens up and reveals what is going on. In the video; that concentrated look and sense of sadness can be heard. We see figures barge past her and, dressed comfortably and elegantly; there is metaphor and visual clues coming through. The heroine is protecting herself and wrapping up warm; people are walking past and not looking at her. Rather than stop and talk; there are those who run past and do not care. Bazin is walking alone and trying to keep things together. The edges are fraying and, like the water, she ebbs and flows. There are good and bad times (like we all experience) but that transition is clear.

Looking at the lyrics and the way they produce metaphor; it seems like Bazin is the water and tide. She is changing and wants to move. Rather than remain turbulent but overlooked; she wants that calm and sense of wonder – people to look at her and take notice. Right now, she is stuck and wants someone (or something) to take her away. Perhaps the song refers to a geographical quandary: stuck somewhere inspiring that is not fulfilling her. I feel there is more of a romantic and personal desire. She has had her heart broken and lost people along the way. Maybe a man has let her down; others have taken her for granted and, it seems, she has been left to take stock and make sense of this all. Bazin is keen to explore new ground and have her heart lifted. Right now, there is a shadow in her soul that is taking a lot from her. One hears the piano in the background: the spotlight is on Bazin’s voice and the mention coming from it. The heroine is flesh and bones; she is feeling the lash of the wind and needs to take some time out and relax. Maybe, where she is now, there are too many cruel minds and it is hard for her to be heard. Packing her bags – literally, in the video – the heroine has reached a point where she needs to find who she is and some balance. Maybe there is that need to find a loving soul; surround herself with good friends and like-minded people. Strings ache and the vocals are layered as the heroine looks back at her past – things getting on top of her and things spiraling out of control. This transition and relocation is a new phase of her life. Maybe, looking closely, one might see this rebirth as a move between her previous music incarnation and her new, more personal, sounds. Bianca Bazin is a woman who does not want to be buried and hurt. There is a hunger and intensity coming through – things have to change.

The song subtlety moves and brings in new contours. Strings come through and the romantic elegance of the background works with the soulfulness and beauty of Bazin’s voice. The heroine, in the video, is on a train and being squashed; she is looking out the window and wondering where she is headed. One heats notations of 1970s Folk and classic songwriters of the past. Bazin has her mind set on new ventures and places. White Water is a very revealing and open song that shows how hard things are right now. Maybe Bazin has bottled up her emotions or felt she has to keep things inside. Treading water and stuck in the same place; that desire to break thorough and do what she needs to do – that will connect with many people out there. So many of us – myself include – are in a rut and want to move on. It can be depressing being in the same place and going through the motions. I have seen many others move on (Bazin would have) and seeing how happy they are. Bazin has worked hard and made compromises for other people. Maybe others have not been looking out for her. Now; there is this peak and rise in tension that needs to be released. It can be difficult changing things and making that big step. Bazin has been unhappy but is making strides and changes. The time is now and this is the moment to be who she wants to be. The final moments of the song follow Bazin’s trip and where she is moving to. Come “Hell or high water”, she will be standing strong and coming home. Maybe there is the need to overcome personal limitations and face things with a stern spirit. We see, in the video, Bazin by the water with bare feet. She has been reading motivational text and, now, stands proud and looks out to the waves. It is not as intimidating and hard as it once was. The video comes round in a circle. She was, in the first shots, asleep and resigned as the waves lapped in. We have followed her progress and movements. Now, at the very end, she is in the same spot and, instead, looking happier and calmer. It is a fantastic ending and realisation that, if you push yourself and make that decision; you can improve and find satisfaction. White Water, in a sense, is Bazin sending out a declaration and proving she is here for the long-run. Things might have been hard but, with her debut single; the songwriter is where she wants to be and ready for the challenges put before her.

Bianca Bazin is an artist we all need to watch out for. I know I have spoken a lot about her transition from ‘Bee’ to ‘Bianca Bazin’. She might not want it laboured or see it as a big deal. It is a natural change and progression from a young woman who has big plans. I wonder whether Bazin has an E.P. in mind. It is going to be a great year for her. She has, already, got under the radar of websites and radio stations – expect this to rise and expand as we head through 2018. What amazes me is how Bazin manages to tackle everything herself. There are others helping her out but, look at her social media and you can see how much she wants this. She promotes her work and is tirelessly getting her name to the people. When White Water is officially out there in the world; it will be a chance for Bazin to prove what she is about and look forward. I would love to see her get loads of gigs and put her single out on the stage. Her stunning voice and engaging personality mean she will be a heroine to many out there. London is a big and varied city that means doors will be open for her. I am curious seeing what sort of dates she gets after the release of her debut single. Festivals are coming up and it will be a chance for Bazin to get out there and captivate the crowds. I feel White Water is part of a narrative that will reveal more in time. By that, I mean she is exploring herself more and creating music that reflects where she is in life – and where she wants to hear. A four-track release would be a great way of getting the music out into the world and hinting where she will head. I can imagine, in time, an album will come and headline sets will come. That might be a little way away: for now, Bazin is focusing on her debut and ensuring people get behind it. Make sure you go buy her single from the official website (see the link at the bottom of this review) and support a songwriter who has big and exciting times ahead. White Water is a song, very much, about the here and now. It is a fresh and grand creation from a songwriter who…