Interview: Blond:ish Discusses Music Creation, Bye Bye Plastic Initiative, and the Value of Consistency Over Talent

Blond:ish: A Journey Through Sound, Sustainability, and Sisterhood

From the pulsating streets of Ibiza to the vibrant beaches of Miami, Bald:ish is carving out a niche for herself in the electronic music world. Canadian-born DJ and producer Vivie-Ann Bakos, known professionally as Blond:ish, boasts an impressive resume, holding a residency at the iconic Pacha, gracing stages at global festivals such as Burning Man and Tomorrowland, and fostering creativity through her record label and non-profit ventures. In the midst of it all, she’s making waves with her commitment to sustainability, having successfully kept 325,000 single-use plastic bottles out of the environment.

Setting the Scene: Sunset Monaco

When we spoke, Blond:ish was gearing up for her debut at Sunset Monaco, an outdoor event set against the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean—a fitting setting for someone deeply connected to both music and nature. As the Grand Prix weekend unfolded, the energy in the air was electric, mirroring her enthusiasm for the performance that awaited her. Reflecting on her journey, she described her approach to music as not merely a pursuit of sound, but an embodiment of responsibility to the audience and the planet.

Igniting the Spark: From Montreal to Monaco

Originally, Vivie-Ann formed Blond:ish as a duo with Anstascia D’Elene Corniere, connected by love for music since they met in 2007. They captivated audiences together until 2019 when she chose to take center stage alone. With a signature style that melds house, techno, afro house, and global rhythms, Blond:ish has developed a unique sound that transcends genres. Reflecting on her long-standing relationship with Monaco, she noted, “These days I’m in my feminine energy—lighter, more fun, happier.” For her, music by the sea during sunset resonates with her current artistic expression.

Early Influences: A Basement Full of Vinyl

Blond:ish’s story is imbued with fond memories from her childhood—a sailor father and a basement brimming with vinyl records. “My dad had a reel-to-reel machine and was always on a quest for new sounds from across the globe,” she shares. The experience greatly shaped her creative outlook. “I recognized that my dad was essentially a DJ, indirectly sparking my own curiosity and love for music from an early age.”

Navigating the Boys’ Club

In an industry often dominated by men, Blond:ish tackles the subject with candidness. “I never really paid attention to it. I grew up as a tomboy; I was used to playing with boys,” she explains. Thus, entering the electronic music scene felt like stepping into another boys’ club. Yet, she acknowledges that with the advent of social media, opportunities have expanded, allowing diverse voices to flourish.

The Evolution of Electronic Music

The conversation shifts to the shifting landscape of electronic music. Blond:ish passionately discusses the decline of EDM as a boon for the genre. “EDM kind of died a few years ago, enabling artists to cross-collaborate more freely,” she notes. This newfound freedom has led to vibrant, diverse soundscapes and audiences who resonate with various genres, encouraging artists to experiment and collaborate without constraints.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring DJs

For those looking to follow in her footsteps, she reframes the advice away from gender-specific guidance. “Consistency is essential—more so than pure talent. Also, everything is energy; find your uniqueness,” she emphasizes. Blond:ish encourages aspiring musicians to make choices driven by passion rather than monetary gain, a strategy that has guided her journey through the intricate tapestry of the music industry.

Reducing Plastic Footprint in the Music Industry

As much as music defines her, Blond:ish has become a formidable force in advocating for sustainability within the industry. Through her co-founded non-profit, Bye Bye Plastic, she confronts a hidden truth in live music: the staggering amount of single-use plastics. Her Eco-Rider initiative has been a game-changer, adopted by over 1,500 DJs globally, preventing the circulation of more than 325,000 single-use plastic bottles.

A Moment of Realization

The motivation for her non-profit work blossomed from a powerful experience during a breathtaking performance. “After an incredible show in the jungle, I was elated, only to be met with a mountain of plastic bottles left in the aftermath. It felt so wrong,” she recalls. Convinced that change was necessary, she leveraged her influence within the industry: “I realized that I was just one call away from making a difference.”

Innovating Beyond Plastic

Her endeavors extend to materials innovation, spearheading efforts to create sustainable replacements for single-use plastics. One exciting venture involves a cup made from PHA, a biopolymer derived from bacteria, illustrating her commitment to environmental sustainability. “We’re really into developing new materials,” she joked, sharing her passion for progressive initiatives within the music domain.

Shifting Perspectives: Not an Activist, but a Balance Seeker

Despite her environmental advocacy, Blond:ish hesitates to label herself as an activist. “I like putting things back into balance,” she articulates simply. This philosophy of questioning norms and creating a harmonious relationship between her passions underscores her multifaceted journey.

As she prepares to step onto the Sunset Monaco stage with the Mediterranean gleaming behind her, it’s clear that for Blond:ish, success isn’t about following trends. Instead, it centers on curiosity and a dedication to pave the way for what comes next, intertwining the richness of music with the responsibility of stewardship towards the planet.