WHO WILL YOU BE

04

MUSIC

Bedroom Producer

…IS not what the “B.P.” In B.P. ValenzUela StandS for, BUt It’S StIll rIght In a way!

Unlike many electronic artists who adopt a larger-than-life persona, B.P. Valenzuela arrived at our studio with a very laidback and chill demeanor. Her first album, The Neon Hour, is pretty much the kind of sound you’d expect from an album title that invokes visions of city lights, the nighttime, staying out late, and driving around.

You started young in the industry. Were you a music geek growing up?

In high school, I was a session guitarist. I went to a high school that allowed students to enjoy the arts. We would form little bands and they would always get me to play the guitar.

How would you call your music? Electronic?

Electronic pop. A lot of people are, like, “Talaga? Electronic pop?” because my music is moodier. People think e-pop is bouncier, although my music still retains some element of that.

Do you think genres are getting outdated in the modern music age? Like electronic instantly means Zedd or something.

Yeah! People think there’s just EDM. My music also has electronic elements, with a twist of pop to it. Usually people feel defined by a genre, but others can feel confined instead.

Let’s describe The Neon Hour as music to listen to when _____.

People tell me it’s the perfect drive or commute music, and it’s a huge compliment because I wrote most of it while in transit. I’d record voice memos when I think about something and that kind of feel was an inspiration–that idea of constantly moving.

What music do you play in the car?

It depends on my mood–from ’90s rock to trap [a raw amalgamation of hip-hop and electronic] when I drive talaga that’s when I soak in all the inspiration. It takes two hours to get anywhere right now so it’s a good time to listen to a lot of music!

Finally, is B.P. a secret handle?

It’s my given name, but I never really spell it out, ha ‘a lot of PeoPle ha! it’s shorthand for a really long are lIke, “talaga? name! Growing up, people would eleCtronIC PoP?” think I was a dude. I don’t BeCaUSe My MUSIC IS know if it’s a gender thing to MoodIer. PeoPle thInk have initials, but people would e-PoP IS BoUnCIer.’ think I was a boy, ha ha! FHM