FEATURE: Spotlight: Bibi Lucille — Music Musings & Such

FEATURE:

Spotlight

Bibi Lucille

_________

THIS is a feature…

where I will spotlight an artist who I think genuinely has a long future in the music industry. Even though she has not put out too many singles yet, I have been blown away by her sound! Her latest single, To Be Damned, followed 2024’s Addicted. I was lucky enough to interview Bibi Lucille in 2023 about her play, Meat Cute. This is a phenomenal actor, and a creative and fashion activist. Someone who, as an artist, has this distinct voice and sonic world. One I am fascinated in. I want to pull together some interviews with Bibi Lucille. As a relatively new artist, a lot of the content regarded her acting work and fashion activist brand, B.LUCILLE. I am always in awe of everything she does. A hilarious writer who is an exceptional and hugely versatile actor. Somebody that has, in part, influenced me to write comedy, she can portray so many emotions and inhabit so many different characters flawlessly. As an artist, no doubt many of the disciplines and experiences from her acting and writing C.V. feed into her music. I am definitely excited to see where she heads next and how her career blossoms. I would love to see her perform live and I can picture a stunning E.P. that includes Addicted, To Be Damned and a couple of other tracks. I do hope there is a video planned for To Be Damned because, as I listened to the song recently, I was stunned and instantly inhabited the song. So struck by its immediate brilliance, I speculated as to what a video would entail and look like. She is an artist that draws you into songs and gets into the heart and head. In such a competitive scene where it is hard to stand out, Bibi Lucille definitely has a passion, talent and vision that will see her endure for years and stand her aside from many of her peers. As mentioned, I do want to get to some interviews. Recent ones where we get to learn more about this incredible and inspiring (a word I will keep using but is very much accurate when discussing her) human.

To start, I want to source from a 2024 interview published by Voyage LA Magazine. I am going to end up by bringing it back to music. However, it is important that we get some background. The disciplines of acting and music close bedfellows. Discovering more about Bibi Lucille and her craft as an actor also ties into her career as an artist. Someone, as I mentioned, who has a long future ahead. I can see her releasing a series of albums and performing on some big stages around London:

“Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

It feels as though there was no official start date as to when I started acting. It was a thing that, for as long as I can remember, wanted. My parents enrolled me in acting classes at a young age, and at ten years old, my primary school cast me as the ‘Fairy Godmother’ in Cinderella. I was always a shy kid, but the second I climbed into that sparkly pink dress and faced the assembly hall, I transformed. My blanket of social awkwardness fell off and I was able to be outrageous, loud, bolshy – and make people laugh. I think that’s the thing that got me hooked. My career formally began when I left school at nineteen and bagged a lead role in the west end with Noel Coward’s ‘This Was a Man’ at Leicester Square Theatre. I went on to focus on theatre for years (between shifts at the call centre, of course). I bounced from playing Lady Anne at Baron’s Court to a nutty Jane Watson in a ‘Hound of the Baskervilles tour (which ended up on the mayor’s top picks in 2018, alongside Hamilton, no less). Theatre was always home to me, and still is now. But, unfortunately, even with some success, it’s an unsustainable career long term. So, after a few years, I turned to screen. I started with a plethora of short films before gaining some TV roles (‘Trust,’ Amazon Prime, and ‘Purgatory’ on Popstar!TV). But the most joy I found was in the web-series ‘I am Sophie’ that played as an ARG series where audiences on YouTube could get involved with the plot and speculate over the hidden clues and meanings within this complex horror narrative.

When covid hit, work dried up – as it did for most people in the arts. Thanks to my cousin (Anastasia Bunce, founder of Patch Plays Theatre), I started writing. The writing was something I never had any confidence in, but I loved writing short stories, poems, etc., as a hobby and then tucking them away into a folder on my computer labeled ‘PRIVATE.’ Anastasia encouraged me to write a short stand-up piece, which was well-received and was then turned into a full-blown, one-hour play called ‘Meat Cute’. It toured fringe venues and festivals around London in 2021 before being transferred to the Edinburgh Fringe in 2023. The playtext was published by Aurora Metro publishers, and from there, I have continued to write and found great joy in creating my own projects.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

Venturing down a creative path is never smooth, nor is it linear. I have had many sleepless nights where I’ve found myself digging a hole of doubt and fear as to whether I can sustain this career – if it will go anywhere or if I’ll hit middle age with little money and no concrete plan. Despite this, I love the industry more than I fear it. In recent years, I’ve come to understand that the pure volatility of it all is what makes it so exciting. We love stories that are full of ups and downs, joys and disappointments – if my own life wasn’t brimming with uncertainty, then I would find myself incurably bored. So, embracing the bumpy road and still driving at full speed is what keeps my excitement and passion for life alive, which is so important for every creative.

In my earlier years, I certainly struggled with naivety. You’d think the old adage of male directors telling young actresses that they’ll ‘make them a star’ has long passed, but it unfortunately still manifests itself in many different forms and in many different people. I was privy to several predatory behaviors, which instilled in me a real fear of the industry for a while. When I was about twenty-two, a particular incident of a man pretending to be an agent kicked all my motivation out of me for over half a year. I was terrified I’d keep being taken advantage of and that my spirit would be beaten to a pulp by the time I was in my mid-twenties. Fortunately, with a supportive family and community around me, I was able to pick myself back up and go at it full force, but without the bright eyes and bushy tails this time. As I’ve aged, I’ve found my voice and ensured that any untoward behavior is halted before it’s even started. It’s imperative that any woman entering the industry isn’t afraid to call out inappropriate behavior, as simply ‘dealing with it’ will destroy a love for the arts.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

As of the past few years, I’ve become a writer/performer. I love creating work and projects and opening up interesting roles for women to play that don’t revolve around being ‘the girlfriend’ or ‘the mother.’ I’m particularly drawn to dark comedy at the moment and finding humor in the absurd. I would say I’m best known for playing Lara in ‘I am Sophie’ and for my one-woman show ‘Meat Cute.’ I think a niche that I’ve found is really playing into my passion for animal rights and presenting more activism-based works. I think the elements that really make a story stand out is when it has a message that goes beyond entertainment and a good plot. If there is something to learn or understand, it adds another layer of purpose to the story, which I find really exciting”.

I have to talk about Bibi Lucille’s fashion brand, B.LUCILLE. It is a brand that empowers people to make a positive impact on society. In everything she is involved with and champions, she is empowering and inspiring. This is someone who you need to know about! Before getting to a couple of further interviews, I want to include Rolling Stone UK’s 2024 discussion with Bibi Lucille. I am excited about this expanding and diverse portfolio (and legacy). Make sure you follow Bibi Lucille on social media:

“The “B. Lucille” couture collection pays homage to the timeless beauty of impressionist art, translating iconic masterpieces like Renoir’s “The Swing” and Vermeer’s “The Astronomer” into wearable works of art. Each dress is a careful study in colour, texture, and movement, meticulously crafted to capture the essence of the original paintings. Underscoring our dedication to environmental responsibility and animal welfare, every fabric used in this collection is vegan and sustainably sourced. From the delicate chiffons that billow like clouds to the richly hued velvet accents, each material is carefully selected to minimise our ecological footprint.

“My whole life, I have been an actor. More recently, I have ventured into writing. But I could never have guessed that 2024 will be the year I start my own couture clothing brand. Fashion was something that I took an interest in at an early age but left the hobby dormant in childhood; my last brush with fashion being in textiles at high school, before being whisked away by Literature, French and, of course, Drama for GCSE. I was a painfully shy kid, and in my hazy memories of school can recall burrowing myself in the art block, where I would fumble with sewing machines and shoddily tie dye bits of loose fabric. One of our first assignments was to create an apron (which lived in the back of my wardrobe for many years before I finally found the strength to throw it away). I worked on this apron for many hours and through countless lunch breaks, creating a pink tie dye aesthetic with the word BIBI in bold on the front pocket. When it was finally completed, the teacher proudly mounted it on a mannequin, telling me that I was the first Year 7 to have my work displayed amongst the GCSE students’ fashion projects. As that apron stood proudly on the porcelain, headless doll overlooking the entire classroom, I felt an overwhelmed wash of pride. I was good at something.” Stated Bibi

With B.LUCILLE, Bibi Lucille has created a brand that not only celebrates individuality and style but also empowers individuals to make a positive impact on society. Through her fashion activist brand, she aims to raise awareness about important social issues such as animal cruelty, and inspire others to join the movement. So, when you wear a B.LUCILLE dress, you are not just making a fashion statement, but you are also becoming a part of a larger community that strives for positive impact.

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Scriptwriting and Activism Via Film

Starring in the upcoming short film named ‘The Silver Lining’, through the medium of film, “The Silver Lining” provides a platform to explore these concerns and spark important conversations about the impact of EMFs on our lives. By weaving the issue into a compelling narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, the film engages audiences in a way that traditional educational campaigns cannot. Bibi will also be releasing the film ‘Meat Cute’ which is an adaptation of the critically acclaimed play. ‘Meat Cute’ follows the story of the impassioned vegan activist, Lena, who attempts to turn all her dates vegan as a form of activism. This farcical comedy details the life of a woman desperately seeking to implement change and influence in an indifferent society.

“Acting was the only thing I could remember ever wanting. Even as a kid, I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t glued to some old film on one of those 90s box TVs, watching a VCR and wishing I was Marilyn Monroe. Acting was the only thing that brought me out of my introverted shell and created a space where I could play and forget the world. Ironically, acting is the thing that let me be wholly myself. Veganism was also something I was always intensely passionate about, so fusing acting and activism together felt like some form of paradise. It was great to finally realise that I could do what I loved and make a meaningful change in the process.” Said Bibi

Bibi Lucille’s B.LUCILLE brand is a true testament to her creativity, passion, and commitment to making a difference. By combining exquisite craftsmanship, EMF protective fabrics, and exotic vegan materials, she has created a brand that is not only fashion-forward but also socially conscious. So, if you’re looking for a dress that not only makes you look stunning but also allows you to contribute to a better world, look no further than B.LUCILLE”.

Canvas Rebel met Bibi Lucille last year. There are a couple of questions that caught my eye and I wanted to share them here. The more I know about her, the more impressed and awed I am! I am especially invested in her as a rising artist, though I love everything that has come before. Someone who can balance writing, acting, her fashion brand with a music career:

“We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

For any creative, resilience is key. It’s the thing that’s going to get you through the greatest set-backs and is going to help you push through the inevitable self-doubt.

A moment of resilience that really sticks in my mind was when I was auditioning for a role in a film that I really, REALLY wanted. There were four stages in the audition process; I cancelled everything I had on that week, hired an acting coach and threw everything I had into those auditions. I got to the fourth round and really thought I had the role in the bag. A few weeks like, I was on set and received an email from the producer – my heart was racing as I opened it up to an email that said, ‘unfortunately, we have decided to go in a different direction this time.’ My heart broke. I had to hold back tears for the rest of the job and when I finally left the building, I burst into tears. After feeling sorry for myself for a couple of minutes, I told myself that I would allow myself to grieve the loss of this job for five minutes. Five whole minutes, and then I’m done. So I fully let myself feel the rejection and disappointment. Then by the time I had walked to the tube station, I decided that that was it – I was going to just let it go and carry on.

In any creative career, the rejection is going to be the worst part. You’re going to wonder if you even have any talent or anything to offer the industry. Having the gift of resilience is the key to any kind of success – and it’s the thing that’s going to keep digging you out of those pits of disappointment. Run headfirst into rejection – even seek rejection – because the more exposure you have to it, the stronger that resilience will grow.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Something that really drives me is my inner angry feminist and my passion for animal rights and the environment. I know I sound like a real martyr with that trio but it is what it is. My first play, ‘Meat Cute’ is a comedy that follows the story of a woman who attempts to turn all her dates vegan as a form of activism. (Of course, a lot of the time, it goes horribly wrong).

The story was so important to me because it really highlights the horrors of being an activist – of caring deeply for something in an apathetic society. The pursuit of changing the world is an exhausting one, and one that feels incredibly unrewarding. I wanted to give a voice to those people who are desperate to do good in the world and fight for a cause, letting them know that they are seen, heard and important. Because if we don’t have the martyrs of the world, what state will we be left in?

I think feminism is my roman empire. I think for a lot of women, it is, whether it’s conscious or not. So much of our thoughts are consumed with the very act of being a woman; societal pressures, dating, whether we want to be a mother or not, weight, dealing with being a woman in business… it’s a curse that follows us everywhere. I truly feel that the more we talk about it and create rich, interesting characters for women in film and on stage, the closer we can get to just being human rather than focusing on the art of navigating the world as a woman”.

We have heard about Bibi Lucille as an activist, writer and actor. However, how does this link with her career in music? Last week, Nerd Alert spent some time with Bibi Lucille. She talks about the new single, To Be Damned, and what is coming next. The rest of this year are going to be very busy and exciting for her:

“TiShea Wilson: Hi Bibi! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us. Let’s jump right in! You have quite an impressive resume with writing, acting, and even producing. Please tell us a little bit about your journey and what led you to broaden your horizons into music.

Bibi Lucille: Since I could remember, I always wanted to be an actor. From an early age, I had tunnel vision, and made the decision to throw my all into it. During school, I would attend auditions and the second I was let free into the world, dove straight into any acting work I could get. Of course, it was easier said than done, so I paid my dues by working in a call center for two years before being able to go full time. My music career began at a very early age – the second I could walk, I’m pretty sure my dad handed me a guitar. Bob Salmons aka Robert Hokum was a blues pariah in Ealing where we grew up – he founded the Ealing Blues Festival and became a local celebrity. He would take me to gigs, get me to busk at events and got me a small slot at Barnet Festival when I was 14. When I hit my late teens, I decided to give music a break for a while to focus on acting.

For years, I knew I wanted to return to it, but it never felt like I had the time (or the money). In autumn ‘23, my dad was diagnosed with motor neuron disease. We weren’t sure how long he had left, and so the urgency to pick music back up again took ahold of me. It was always our thing and it was something I didn’t feel I could do without him. I was very fortunate to meet my friend and colleague, Devansh, who massively helped me with the resources and contacts to create an album. I had just about created two songs (that my dad was very proud of) before he passed in October ‘24. I want to keep creating music in honor of him and to carry on the blues legacy, even if I only possess about half his talent.

TW: Your song ‘Addicted’ has a bluesy-pop vibe to it, and it’s quickly become part of my daily playlist. What is the meaning behind the lyrics and what was your inspiration for writing it?

BL: Blues music historically explores the perils of life to an upbeat tune; most blues songs are about losing everything, being lost, being in debt. I wanted to go down that same path with ‘Addicted’ – the lyrics talking about something or someone the listener is addicted to. It could be a person, alcohol, cigarettes… anything that takes the form of the devil when you have too much of it.

The visuals of the song describe a liar turning up to your door (the liar being the thing you’re addicted to, the thing roping you in) and offering you a drink. In a moment of weakness, you take it and accept that you’ve made the decision to break bread with the devil, so to speak. Blues music often talks about selling your soul to the devil, so I wanted to add that with the twist of the devil being the very thing you’re addicted to. In the second verse, the lyrics describe looking in the mirror the next morning and recognizing the fear of what you’ve done – of how you let yourself give in. We’re all only human, and we’ve all given in to something we know isn’t good for us.

TW: What was the process of creating and releasing ‘Addicted’ like for you?

BL: The process felt so smooth and very exciting. I work with Andrew O’Halloran who produces and mixes the songs – I recorded a raw, acoustic version of ‘Addicted’ on my phone and then sent it off to him where he added his own bluesy flair and melodies to make the song full and alive. It’s great to work with someone who so completely understands the style you’re going for and is able to add things to the song I would never have thought of.

TW: What can you tell us about your upcoming song, ‘To Be Damned’?

BL: ‘To Be Damned’ runs with the blues theme again of being damned, and wondering if there’s a way back from your mistakes. I wanted to explore the idea of guilt and damnation, when you wonder if you’ve made a wrong turn in life and if you’re damned to the path you’ve chosen for yourself. I think we can all relate to that – the curiosity of “what if?”. What if I had chosen to take another path ten years ago, where would I be now? Would it be better or would it be worse? It’s the question we will never know the answer to.

The first lyric of ‘climbing into your mind’ is that idea of something completely consuming you. Whether it be a person or a thought – in this case, I wanted to address the yearning for intimacy we (or someone else) has for a person – that they could crave it to the point of wanting to climb into someone’s mind. It could also be interpreted in a way that someone you love could be distracted by someone else and that thing they’re distracted by has climbed into their mind and pushed you away. The lyric ‘a filthy mouth and a soul to match’ touches on those feelings of guilt – addressing that instant regret of saying something we don’t mean and looking inwards at yourself, wondering if you’re a terrible person. If your soul matches your mouth. What I love about the lyrics is that it can all be interpreted. I like to keep everything a little bit vague so people can attach their own feelings and situations to the lyrics so that they can get what they want or need out of the song.

TW: Who would you say are your biggest musical influences and why?

BL: My first, biggest music influence is Hozier. He perfectly married blues and pop together and I will forever be in awe of that. And on top of the perfect music, his lyrics are so poetic – the way he talks about Greek mythology, God, death… All these topics on deity that make his songs feel otherworldly. Also I love the classics – Otis Redding, BB King. Another favourite is a street band in New Orleans called The Dirty Rotten Vipers who are just the epitome of raw talent.

TW: Can you give us a little insight into what the future holds for you? Are there any upcoming projects, musically or otherwise, you can tell us about?

BL: I’m firing a lot of arrows at a lot of targets this year! Some projects that are up and running are: a new dark comedy play called ‘Narcissists’ which will be performing in LA, London and the Edinburgh Fringe this year. I’ll be completing the album this year with about seven tracks overall. I’ve also got a couture dress brand coming out in Spring called ‘B.LUCILLE’ which I’m very excited to share with the world”.

I hope that as many people as possible pick up and hear the music of Bibi Lucille. More than that, there are so many different sides to discover. Someone who should definitely be on your radar. Since I interviewed her in 2023, she has achieved a huge amount. Every year sees something new, exciting and, yes, inspiring from her! Even though we are only in February, I think that this will…