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Biianco

On innovation , inclusivity, and pioneerig the future of electronic music

  • Sergio Niño
  • 24 October 2024
Biianco

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with BIIANCO, an artist who isn’t just pushing the boundaries of electronic music but also creating new paths when it comes to technology, inclusivity, and the rave experience. They’re someone who takes their artistry beyond just beats and sounds—it’s about connection, identity, and building spaces where everyone can thrive. In our conversation, they opened up about everything from their approach to live performance to their journey in the electronic music world, and even their personal experience as a disabled and neurodivergent individual navigating the industry. It was a conversation full of insight, heart, and hope for a more inclusive future in music.

CRAFTING MUSIC WITH TECH AND HEART

So often, we hear about DJs and producers getting caught up in the latest gear and gadgets, but for BIIANCO, it’s always about enhancing the music itself.

“I live under the philosophy of integrating live elements only when they truly enhance the sound, not when they diminish it.”

They told me when I asked about their use of analog instruments in their performances.

“Unless it’s a fully live show where everything is analog, I don’t see a reason to incorporate a live element into a DJ set if it’s not going to enhance the overall sound.”

“They’re all about making the sound better, not just more complex for the sake of it. Their setup includes a Native Instruments Maschine, which they use for synths, vocals, and samples during their hybrid DJ sets”.

I found particularly fascinating that, unlike many DJs who link analog gear to CDJs to keep everything in sync, BIIANCO prefers to beat-match live. That means they’re doing the real-time mixing without relying on automation—and that’s where the magic of live performance happens.

“I like to build songs within the transitions,” They explained.

Their technical background as an audio engineer allows them to experiment with structure and flow in ways that give the performances a unique energy. You can tell they are constantly thinking about how to elevate not just the tracks, but the overall experience for the audience.

THE SHIFT FROM INDIE TO TRANCE

When I asked BIIANCO about their transition from the indie pop world to electronic music, their response was so honest and relatable.

They didn’t shy away from admitting that it wasn’t a seamless transition, especially because pop music, especially in the U.S., is often packed with sonic layers.

“I wanted to make music that was inherently rooted in technology and sequencing,” they said.

“I was drawn to creating music where it was less about my narrative as a vocalist and more about the energetic experience I was offering the audience.”

This was such a great way to put it. For BIIANCO, electronic music isn’t just about storytelling through lyrics—it’s about creating an immersive environment where people can feel and experience something much bigger. But they also admitted that the minimalist nature of techno was something they had to adjust to.

“The biggest challenge was learning that techno and dance music, in general, are inherently minimalist,” they said.

It was only after they moved to London in 2021 that they truly found their sound. London’s underground scene, they explained, allowed them to immerse themselves in hard groove and hard trance.

“It was the best decision I could have made,” they told me.

ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSIVITY: MORE THAN JUST BUZZWORDS

What really stuck with me during our conversation was BIIANCO’s dedication to making rave spaces accessible for everyone—especially those with disabilities. As a partially blind person, they have experienced firsthand how clubs and festivals often overlook the needs of disabled attendees and artists.

“Rave spaces are not very accessible to people with disabilities. We struggle a lot to find the support we need to enjoy and thrive in these spaces.”

For example, in their rider, they always ask for a small flashlight in the DJ booth, but in the past six months, no venue has provided one. Their voice softened as they continued, but the frustration was clear:

“We’re not asking them to turn on all the lights or take away the lasers. The things we need are so minimal to the overall club experience that it’s just ridiculous they haven’t been implemented yet."

It made me think about how simple accommodations could make such a huge difference—and how these small changes wouldn’t alter the experience for anyone else but would allow disabled ravers to fully enjoy the event.

NEURODIVERGENCE AS A SUPERPOWER

BIIANCO also opened up about being neurodivergent, and how their ADHD has both helped and challenged them throughout their career. They referred to it as something of a superpower, especially when it comes to the ability to hyperfocus in the studio or during rehearsals. But they were also very open about the need to manage it carefully to avoid burnout.

“During a physically difficult moment, we tend to shut off our emotions and just keep going,” they explained.

“There’s not much space to mourn in that moment, so the pain comes later when the moment has passed, or we’re alone.”

This part of the conversation hit hard. BIIANCO has had to learn how to balance their physical and emotional needs while navigating the music industry—and they have been doing it with grace, even when things get tough. It’s a message that resonated with me and, I think, with so many others who deal with challenges like these in a high-energy environment like the music world.

LOOKING FORWARD

By the end of our conversation, I was completely in awe of how BIIANCO balances its technical skills with their emotional intelligence and advocacy for inclusion. They are not just an artist making tracks or playing DJ sets—they’re someone actively shaping the future of electronic music to be more inclusive, thoughtful, and innovative.

Their parting words stayed with me:

“The first step is for people to care"

It’s a simple yet powerful message that applies to so much more than just the music scene. If we all cared a little more about the people around us and what they need to fully participate, we’d be creating a much richer, more diverse, and more connected world.

BIIANCO’s journey reminds us that music has the power to bring us together—but only if we’re willing to make space for everyone to join the party

BIIANCO plays Techno Without Borders & Mixmag NL party at THE OTHER SIDE on Wednesday 16th October alongside Ben Klock, Victor Ruiz and more. They’re running a Masterclass at 12:15 on playback rigs and live performances on Thursday 17th at ADE Lab.

BIIANCO’s single ‘Get You Out’ is out now on Ultra Records.

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