Rising artist ALBII is preparing to take form in the music industry with her debut single ‘Hold On (Psycho)’ set for release on February 7, 2025. In this intimate conversation, we explore her journey from award-winning visual artist to emerging musician, and how a life-changing diagnosis transformed her artistic path.
You’ve had quite a journey to get here. Can you tell us about your transition from visual arts to music?
“Like most, I grew up listening to the albums my parents would introduce me to,” ALBII reflects. “I started playing my great grandmother’s pianola with my uncle Jamie when I was six years old, but I was ridiculously shy and felt like I physically couldn’t play in front of people, including my family.”
This shyness led her to explore other creative outlets, eventually becoming an accomplished videographer and photographer in the music industry. Under her given name, Bianca Hinton, she won the Gold Coast Music Award for Visual Artist of the Year and became a three-time finalist.
What catalyzed your shift to pursuing music more seriously?
“Last year, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer,” she shares. “I endured 1.5 years of treatment – chemotherapy, radiation, a mastectomy, immunotherapy. It really took a toll, but I realized quickly that life is so fragile and unpredictable. This experience solidified my relationship with music and pushed me into following my passion – because if not today, then when?”
How would you describe your musical style to someone who hasn’t heard it yet?
With a laugh, ALBII offers an intriguing description: “If dreamy pop had an affair with the grim reaper, you’d get me.” She explains that her sound blends darker tones and synths reminiscent of Lana Del Rey and Billie Eilish with 90s and early 2000s pop influences, citing Gwen Stefani and The Gorillaz as key inspirations.
Tell us about your upcoming debut single.
“‘Hold On (Psycho)’ is more playful and cheeky with a dash of humor,” she reveals. “Even though not every song I write comes from a serious place, I really pour my heart into everything I do.”
What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
“I want my listeners to feel alive when they put on one of my songs. Whether they laugh, cry, or dance – I just want them to feel connected in some way,” ALBII emphasizes. “Everyone experiences life differently, but at the center of it, we’re all just human and can relate to each other in so many different ways.”
Looking ahead, what can fans expect?
“2025 is going to be MASSIVE for me,” she says with enthusiasm. “Although I don’t know where this is going to take me, I’m so happy to be here and experiencing everything for the first time.”
Fans can follow ALBII’s journey on Instagram, where she shares behind-the-scenes content, music updates, and advocates for breast cancer awareness. She’s also building her presence on TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Threads, offering various glimpses into her artistic process and personal story.
Through her music and presence, ALBII embodies a powerful message: strength and vulnerability can coexist. As she puts it, “My music is deeply personal, often shaped by my journey with cancer, but it’s also about finding hope, humor, and connection even in the hardest moments.”