|
 |
 |
 |
 |
Every so often, a musical artist works on a project that brings two auditory genres together and unwittingly closes a social divide. Bishi, the 24-year-old singer/songwriter/DJ and artistic delight, performed her album of last year – Nights at the Circus - with the London Symphony Orchestra to much acclaim at St. Luke's church in East London.
Bishi is a natural beauty, not just in looks but in voice, as she surprised and pleased the audience with a range of notes to a full interpretation of her 15 track album that's name took inspiration from the witty and bizarre novel of the late Angela Carter.
The collaboration with the LSO may not come as a surprise to those who know her work, as the British/Bengali born singer is trained in piano, ukulele, bass guitar and sitar. With the accompaniment of around ten violins, percussion, two bases and a double base, Bishi drew a crowd of creative club kids, middle-aged classical enthusiasts and some in-the-know locals.
However, what bought people together was their love of an artist and orchestra that has challenged the normalities of music by bringing an electro club DJ with a traditionally less electric ensemble. What was produced was a beautifully enchanting combination of east meets west vivaciousness and aural delight.
Other artists and producers have included or collaborated with orchestras such as William Orbit with his remix of 'Adagio for Strings', as did DJ Tiesto and the Verve with 'Bitter Sweet Symphony'. What sets them, and Bishi, apart from other electro or club tracks amongst the saturated market is their distinctiveness and flare.
Her album, which explores the folklore, social politics and history of east London, seems conceptual in its exploration and execution with its lyrics. Who else could sing about the tarts and drunks on the N149 from Stoke Newington to London Bridge or safe sex? Combine that with a more melodious Indian sung poem and you have a stimulatingly eclectic artist who sees both beauty and humour in her everyday life.
With the venue, St. Luke's, being a converted church; this was the perfect location for Bishi's more spiritually led songs that created emotion with everybody who listened. Her first performance, Namaste, was co-sung with Patrick Wolf whose voice twinkled in the background, softly but brightly to harmonise with that of Bishi's. A beautiful Indian sung poem captured the essence of Asian east Londoners and the entrancing track; The Swan was as graceful as its namesake. Her all-singing, all-dancing, all-seductive set puts listeners in a phantasmagorical state, a dreamy world that seduces and mesmerizes.
Like with any good thing, it leaves us wanting more to thrill and excite and with Bishi there are, thankfully, no signs of her taking away her talent yet.
 |
 |
 |
 |
The editor of BIG magazine and Vogue China & Vogue Nippon contributor lets LK into his organised …
Club promoter, DJ and Urban Nerd, James Benenson shows us his room.
Cassie Clarke shares her room with London Kicks.
In the build up to London's mayor election, we decided to interview the main candidates as well …
Yelle @ Mucha Marcha Proud Galleries
Fresh from his dates with Boris Johnson and Ken Livingstone, Jono Namara joins French electro-pop …
On Tuesday 13th may 2008, London's hottest new Karaoke venue, 'Karaoke Box' LKTV was at the …
Duchess Says from Montreal, Canada invaded Durrr with their brand of progressive punk rock last …
The Queens of Noise and Zoniel decided to hold a couple of fun art-based nights at Mahiki on …
Hannah Holland's Bastard Batty Bass night is pretty wild. Check out the photos!
Editor in Chief
Molaroid Solomon
molaroid@londonkicks.com
Director of Radio
Mike Kruger
mike@londonkicks.com
Managing Director
Charlie Cosser
charlie@londonkicks.com
