Recently: Flunk, The Decemberists, Air, Victor Bermon (Perth boy), Sebastian Orre..... then there's.... Damien Rice, Jeff Buckley, Jason Mraz, Radiohead, Handsome Boy Modeling School, Imogen Heap, Cat Power, Rufus Wainwright, Ani Difranco, John Mayer, Howie Day, india.arie, Sigur Ros, Bjork, Emiliana Torrini, all things Icelandic, the musical RENT, Feist, The Postal Service, Death Cab For Cutie, Jose Gonzalez, travelling, silence, slap bands, marbles, electronica, strings, softball, other singer/songwriters, observation, the people I meet.....
Sounds Like
I have probably been compared to most contemporary female singer/songwriters out there. What can I say? People like to categorise and compare.... I guess it makes things easier.
“I sing, strum and pick and I’d like to learn how to knit someday.” For years, Bianca Chen’s incredible voice, and very special blend of folk, soul, and pop has enchanted fans and music industry professionals alike. She has performed at Melbourne’s premier music venues, including The Corner Hotel, Manchester Lane, The Artery, Bar Open, and Wesley Anne. She launched her debut EP, “Once there was a girl…”, at the Empress in 2007 and is currently gearing up to release a new record and an exciting video production.
what's new with bianca...
Bianca is currently hard at work on her second EP and a music video with award winning director Chris Pahlow. This project is 100% independent with no label backing. To raise money for the project, Bianca will be holding a series of fundraising gigs over the coming months. Promotional t-shirts and other fun stuff will also be available soon! Check myspace.com/biancachen and biancachen.blogspot.com for updates!
all about bianca...
Bianca Chen, fell in love with music at a young age. “I received a tape recorder when I was five or six and would make up songs and record them. I would write songs about crocodiles with big grins, and I would sing songs with the names of all the boys I had crushes on! I was obsessed with the radio and music TV. In primary school, I would tape every music award on TV and watch them over and over. I was a music freak!”
While a lot has happened in the years since then, Bianca still remains childlike and emphatically passionate about music. Over the last few years her music has consistently impressed, winning praise from fans and music industry professionals alike. Her 2003 track “Cautious Hands” was selected above the work of seasoned bands and artists at Launchpad (’03) to win recording time and a slot on an industry compilation CD. Soon after, she was scouted to join the all-girl band “Dollhouse”.
After working with the group for a year Bianca realised it was time for a change. “It was a great learning experience but I felt liberated when I left. We were signed, and I didn’t feel like I had a lot of creative input into the music. It helped me realise just how important authenticity is to my music. It’s my goal to write and play music as honestly as possible.”
Bianca has since left power-produced pop far behind her, and remains decidedly free-spirited and independent. Her astonishing voice and assured musicianship blends the ferocity of Damian Rice with the gentleness of Emiliana Torrini, creating music that lingers in the minds of listeners long after the last chord has been strummed.
She has performed her unique blend of folk, soul and blues influenced pop at Melbourne’s premier music venues, including The Corner Hotel, Manchester Lane, The Artery, Bar Open, and Wesley Anne. She launched her debut EP “Once there was a girl…” at the Empress last year. A record equal parts naivety and sweet melancholy, the mesmerising “Once there was a girl…” is just the beginning for Bianca. “Again, doing that record was a big learning experience. I’ve learnt a lot since then and I can’t wait to show everyone my latest work.”
Bianca’s creativity and youthful enthusiasm is not limited to her recording career. She is currently studying to be a primary school teacher, and works performing and teaching music to young children. “It’s a lot of fun. It involves playing lots of different instruments, and puppetry, singing, and dancing.” As she describes her work with children, it’s not hard to imagine the young Bianca, singing into her tape recorder and dancing around the house. The child inside Bianca has never left, and it’s that quality that makes her music so special.
So what does the future hold for Bianca Chen? New music, a new record, and a video project with award winning director Chris Pahlow. “It’s a very exciting time. All the people I’m working with are good friends of mine. The new project will be more experimental, more easygoing. It’s very exciting, I’m very lucky to be in the position I’m in.” Like her previous EP, this new project will be 100% independent. “I’ll be doing gigs to raise money for the project. There’ll also be t-shirts for sale and some other fun stuff. If you can, please come along and support me. It will be a lot of fun!”
For gig listings and more info, check: myspace.com/biancachen
This film clip was made by Glass Kingdom Films! Please visit www.belladonnathemovie.com to see their feature film to be released later this year with Lamplight appearing in the film and on the sound track!
Friday
Night Fire continues this Friday June 26 with Tobias Cummings and new band
Alaska Coats, Pony Face, and Voodoo Economic. Also Dan Lethbridge rounds out
his residency at Wesley Anne this Thursday June 25 with D Rogers in support.
Two great nights of local Melbourne
music, proudly presented by Hundred Fire Management. We hope to see you there!
Girl in the Red Light are playing this saturday night (june 13th) at the WOW/POGO on Geddes lane off King street, Melb CBD. This will be there debut Melbourne performance! We'll be fucking rockin with five other bands, include international indie dancers Bang Bang Eche and awesome dudes samson! You should come and get shitfaced and dance!!!! doors open at nine! say Girl in the Red Light at the door, if you consider yourself to be awesome!
Dan Lethbridge continues his June residency at Wesley Anne this
Thursday with support from one Tim Cannon. Come warm yourself by the
open fire, have a drink and relax with some great music.
Hello, the Custom Kings are playing their only Melbourne show this Saturday at the John Curtin Hotel, with special guests the Hello Mornings and Matheson.
Hope to see you there.
CK
Hello,
Some of the boys from the Custom Kings have a side project called Joe Neptune. Joe Neptune's debut album, "No Time To Grow Up", is in stores today. Bonus tracks are available on iTunes.
Thank you.
FankQ 4 the add, know vat my page is here, if you are wandering, visit it!!! And if you are buying music from itunes, I suggest you buy Geo Lee Collection, of course.
