Off the back of the success of her previous single ‘O.T.R.’ London-based singer-songwriter with gospel roots, BIM returns with her new ethereal, soulful single, ‘I Still Remember’, produced by LGK, taken from her upcoming EP.
‘I Still Remember’ is a soulful take on the emotional whirlwind that depicts the collective experience of being black in Britain.
Opening with BIM’s familiar bass lines, the single navigates through an intricate flawless refined soundscape of slow, textured beats and elegant melodies, allowing for her celestial harmonies to cushion her every word.
Speaking about the single, BIM explains “It was written in the summer of 2020 when it seemed that so many, for the first time, we’re seeing the reality of our daily lives for what can be. There seemed to be an awakening taking place but this song articulates my frustration with the idea that this is a ‘new’ occurrence. It’s not. Calling out what has been wrong for so long is very overdue and this is my way of asking where were you? and why did you take so long?”
Equipped with a soaring mezzo soprano which has tone and texture in abundance, deft songwriting and a clear point of view, BIM has provided distinctive vocals for many of the world’s top artists including; Stormzy, Calvin Harris, Dua Lipa, Bastille, & Elton John. She also coordinated the choir for The Royal Wedding.
What’s your story as an artist?
I’m that person who has sung since they were a kid but never thought it was something they could do professionally. I have an innate desire to storytell and express different vantage points musically so here I am.
What inspired this single?
Frustration. It was written in the summer of 2020 when it seemed the whole world was experiencing an awakening. It was good to see so many people gain an understanding of racial inequality and the oppression in power structures but I kept asking “did people seriously not see this before?” “I Still Remember” came straight from that place.
What was it like to collaborate with LGK on this?
So easy! We had already spoken about the direction I wanted the next track to go in and so an hour before I was due to arrive at the studio, he sent me an initial idea. I had already written half of the song before I arrived and rest came very quickly. Musically, we think very similarly and he’s excellent so it’s always a smooth process when we work together.
How do you think this single is different from your previous one?
Signature bass lines and smooth vocals are a natural part of what I do but with each song, the aim is to show another facet. “O.T.R.” embodied my love of organic instrumentation and 90s style harmonies. “I Still Remember” is all about the storytelling with a touch of dark RNB. They are different branches of the same tree.
Tell us about the music video and the idea behind it.
It was a collaborative effort between myself and Cat Couture, the director.
The song is about enduring a collective experience that isn’t even recognised by those outside of it so it needed to reflect those ideas of community and mutual reflection. Cat was able to capture that boldly and from the viewpoint of the most innocent. You simultaneously feel the weight of the subject and the beauty of the unity and I love that.
What’s a record that shaped your creativity?
There are too many but I adore ‘He Loves Me’ by Jill Scott. The delivery, the vocal dexterity, the choices…perfection
How do you think gospel and soul music shaped your artistry?
They are foundational to me and you can hear that regardless of how I use my voice. They inform my desire to have intrinsic depth and meaning in whatever I create. These genres definitely helped form my understanding of music.
Any future projects?
My EP is definitely on the way. I really want to create bodies of work that speak to a wider arc every time so that’s absolutely coming.
Top 3 dream collaborations?
This changes all the time but definitely D’Mile. So much of the music I have admired in the last few years can be traced straight back to him. His work is a brilliant hybrid of both fresh and vintage RNB.
Robert Glasper. You have to pretty stellar to work with him but it makes sense as the music is so nuanced and brilliant.
Mary J Blige would have to be on the list as firstly I’m a massive fan and secondly, she’s always mentioned to me when I sing. Let’s see if it works in real life!
What does music mean to you?
To me, it’s whatever I need it to be at the time. A tool of expression, a mood booster, an articulation of current events, it can do it all!
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?
A surprisingly fresh take on retro soul – how’s that?
