Moulded from the roots of a small Canadian town, BLOND:ISH, whose real name is Vivie-ann Bakos, is an acclaimed music producer and DJ who has progressively ascended the ranks of the electronic music scene. With performances at some of the world’s most famous venues and collaborations with global superstars like Madonna and Taylor Swift, her unique talent for fostering and capturing uplifting, feel-good energy in her transcendent music has set her apart as one of the most in-demand production pioneers in the dance music realm.
Her advocacy for change is further highlighted by the release of the world’s most sustainable vinyl record, #PlasticFreeParty – an initiative aimed at eradicating single-use plastics from clubs and festivals by promoting sustainable alternatives. The Bye Bye Plastic movement has already made strides in overcoming obstacles to drive global social change. In a discussion about her musical journey leading to the launch of her new album, ‘Never Walk Alone,’ which is out today, CLASH connected with BLOND:ISH in anticipation of her electrifying performance at Pacha ICONS – an exhilarating outdoor event bringing renowned artists to Playa Pacha Dubai.
Before we delve into music, could you share some details about your childhood and upbringing?
I’m from a small town in Canada and I have immigrant parents. I was always quite rebellious. Whenever someone told me no, I would find another way. I didn’t fully grasp the significance of that at the time, but now I understand. I aspire to create a new system where everyone can lead their best lives, and I recognized that music is my means to assist people – that connection point. I participated in many sports and was very competitive, serving as captain on all my teams. I played basketball, volleyball, and attended a school focused on computer science.
My parents frequently hosted parties; my dad had vinyl records at home and speakers everywhere. He created a reel-to-reel setup and would record all of his vinyl onto those reels, which led me to realize he was a kind of DJ – a DJ for his friends in a different way. I became fascinated with that part of the house. One day, when my parents were out, I took a needle from my mom’s sewing kit because I couldn’t figure out how to operate the vinyl setup. I placed it on the record and started it up myself. The moment I heard the music… that discovery fueled my obsession with music.
When did this discovery transform into a practical pursuit? When did you start creating music?
It wasn’t until I reached university. I bought a sampler when I was 12, and my dad got me turntables when I entered university. I set them up in the living room. I experimented with them but never took it too seriously. I collected records as DJs do but wasn’t actively DJing. I didn’t truly learn how to DJ until I befriended several DJs and asked them questions until they taught me how.
Now, after years of making music with a discography that dates back to 2015, how has your sound evolved over the last decade?
My entire music journey is continuously evolving. I learn from my music and experiences; my life shapes the music I create. I’m not one of those DJs who will offer the same sound consistency throughout my career. What you will hear is music driven by intention. I’m a DJ, and my music helps you experience life at its best. Back in 2015, I was attending many parties and living that lifestyle, whereas now I have a family. My music back then had a darker tone. Since then, I’ve traveled to India, meditated, and engaged in extensive self-discovery, leading me to understand the purpose of my music.
Let’s discuss your new album. What were the primary influences for this project, and how do you feel as its release approaches?
I’m experiencing a range of emotions because some of the tracks were created in LA, resulting in a broader sound. My goal is not just to help a small underground community thrive but to make access available to everyone. This harkens back to my childhood when I disliked when people told me I didn’t comprehend the system. I couldn’t understand why I was receiving only 0.1% interest while they were benefiting significantly more. That felt unfair to me. I resolved to use my music to create a better life for all. While I can’t help each person individually, infusing that intention in all my music allows it to spread.
Do you feel a creative pressure to make music that appeals to everyone? How do you balance creating music for yourself while also aiding others around the world?
As a Libra, I constantly seek balance. I need to communicate with people. If your long-time fans anticipate just one sound from you, and you fail to convey what’s happening through storytelling, they may misunderstand and think, “Oh, they’ve gone commercial.” My obsession with culture transcends any location. Inspiration can strike me anywhere
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Originating from the roots of a small Canadian town, BLOND:ISH, whose real name is Vivie-ann Bakos, is a world-famous music producer and DJ who has