Premiere: Meet BVLLVDS, who brings darkness with AS ABOVE SO BELOW

Header image by Georgia Blackie.

If you're yet to acquaint yourself with BVLLVDS, let's give you a quick run-down. She's a Korean/Australian musician from Sydney whose face may be recognisable from renowned Sydney collective Bad Bitch Choir, with BVLLVDS - an interpretation on the word 'ballad' - marking her solo project; one that focuses on what she describes as the "darker side to life" and the music you'd find accompanying. Utilising her work as a visual artist, she brings dark, haunting imagery and matches it with goth-influenced music that welcomes a unique edge to predominately electronic-built music, building a sound from haziness and sombreness and pairing it together with lyrics that often, fall hand-in-hand.

Take AS ABOVE SO BELOW for example. Premiering today on Pilerats ahead of a full release later this month, AS ABOVE SO BELOW encompasses what BVLLVDS is here to present as an artist, introducing yourself to her and her music through its twisting musical edge and Korea-inspired visuals, which doubles-down on her dark, gothic persona with its black/red imagery. Musically, the track builds itself up to a confrontational finale, showcasing the softer side of her music built upon light pop hooks and subtle electronica before eventually, the track becomes enveloped in her trademark richness, bringing together glistening synth lines with strong, commanding vocals.

There's a lot to talk about here and a lot to talk about when it comes to BVLLVDS in general. So, with AS ABOVE AS BELOW positioning her as an artist-on-the-rise - and with her debut EP Apertures on the way - allow yourself to get to know BVLLVDS while you stream her latest single below:

Tell us about yourself?

I am a Korean-Australian art school dropout, now a musical debutante hopeful. I also am part of the gender diverse singing group Bad Bitch Choir, which really is the best musical movement that I have been lucky to be a part of.

What’s the vibe music-wise?

I am a synth-loving recovering goth that really enjoys pop hooks and harmonies. I am all about vocal layers with heavy subject matter - like a degenerate Enya.

Some songs sound like a cigarette and some songs sound like what would be played in the background when you’re running while crying. I prefer to stick to singing about the darker side to life. It’s what I know best, really!

What are your production and writing processes like?

I write most of my songs on a vocal loop station, singing all the instrument parts, then I bring in my producers to translate them into electronic sounds. I am very fortunate to have worked with amazingly talented people that can understand my often obtuse way of explaining things. So grateful!

Can you tell us about your new single, As Above, So Below?

The song is about entropy, about breakdowns - whether it is a connection to someone or of the self and what it means to reflect on that.

Any tour dates coming up?

My single launch gig is August 2nd at Knox St Bar, Chippendale with DROVES and RUSSO.

What does 2019 have in store for you?

More gigs, more new songs, another single and video and an EP launch! I also am in talks with a dear friend of mine for a split EP cassette collaboration too.

Where can we find more of your music?

The single will be available in all streaming platforms from July 12th but I am most active on my Instagram account. Come @ me!

Follow BVLLVDS: FACEBOOK