EXRON EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: BIJOU
We recently got a chance to talk to BIJOU, a rising powerhouse of the G- House genre. This Arizona- native talks about his journey as a producer, and most importantly, his newly released debut album, ‘Diamond City’. BIJOU has left a significant mark in the scene, by infusing elements of both hip-hop and house into his music creating a unique soundscape that cultivates a sense of excitement throughout the dance floor. After much success with previous releases such as the collaboration tracks with Dr. Fresch “Revelation” and “Westside,” as well as the two EPs Gangsta Party and Style Wars, fans have been filled with the apprehension of excitement for an album. BIJOU has had a thrilling and busy last few years, creating content that is ever so crisp and amusing, causing listeners to grow more and more enchanted with the love for G- House music.
Ready to hear what BIJOU has to say?! Read the full exclusive interview below.
Exron Music: Tell us a little background on your journey with music, and how you found your way into G-House.
BIJOU: Music has always been a major part of my life as my dad was in the music industry for years and years as a manager. I grew up on reggae and rock, but came into hip hop at a very young age. That hip hop influence had me always wanting to find a way to mesh house and hip hop. Took FOREVER but I finally figured out throwing hip hop vocals over a gritty house beat worked really well and the rest is history.
Exron Music: Your new album ‘Diamond City’ has just been released after two years of hard work in the making. What was the most challenging part and what was the most enjoyable?
BIJOU: I think the most challenging part was finalizing the tracklist. We narrowed it down to 15 tracks after going through 60-70 finished records and then deciding on that last bunch. The most enjoyable part was the day that we finally decided okay this is done and ready to go. That’s a feeling I’d been wanting to have for quite some time.
Exron Music: Since this is your debut album, what are you most excited about within the release?
BIJOU: I’m most excited to show everyone different sides of me as a producer. This album is more than just g house, you get a little bit of everything that I really love as a listener
Exron Music: We see a lot of collaborations in this album with various artists, what was your favorite part about working with these other creative minds?
BIJOU: My favorite part is for sure bouncing ideas back and forth with different creatives. It’s always amazing to work solo, but working with other people brings another factor into it that really brings the two or even three of you together in a space that’s truly special in the studio.
Exron Music: We see some elements of hip-hop combined with house variations in your songs. What interested you in integrating these genres?
BIJOU: I’m a huge hip hop fan so with that being part of who I am as a person I felt it was important to translate into my music. I think it’s special when you can really take who you are and translate it into music because even if the listener doesn’t know it, they’re learning something more about you as a whole.
Exron Music: As the front of the G-House genre, what sets you apart from others working in similar styles?
BIJOU: I think it’s my work ethic and the influence from the original west coast hip hop that really sets me apart because nobody is really in that space. Coming from that background and listening to that music as such a young age its been engrained where I think maybe someone from the east coast hasn’t been as heavily influenced
Exron Music: How has the pandemic affected you as an artist and what do you feel like you’ve learned from the experience?
BIJOU: The pandemic has only really taken away touring on my end. I’ve still been able to make music consistently, but have also been teaching production lessons. That has taught me SO much over the time of the pandemic because I’ve not only had the opportunity to help people, but I’ve been able to learn and meet so many aspiring producers.
Exron Music: Once life returns to a more normal state, can we hope for a tour to celebrate ‘Diamond City’?
BIJOU: Let’s just say we are working on something special =)
Exron Music: What message do you have to those hoping to make their way in the music industry?
BIJOU: Just know that there’s no easy road to make this happen. I want to keep it real with everyone so they understand that you have to work your ass off to make this dream come true, but when it does It’s that much sweeter. The other thing I would say is to always stay true to yourself and go with what your heart tells you.
Get ready to be blown away by the masterpiece BIJOU has created that is ‘Diamond City’. This 15 track album showcases BIJOU’s creativity as each song embodies his flourishing and unique soundscape, by infusing elements of hip-hop and house. Listen below for the debut album that we’ve all been waiting for!
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