BIIANCO: electric dreams

Gabrielle 'Gabby' Bianco, known professionally as BIIANCO, has steadily transformed from a classical pianist and indie band member into a dynamic force within Berlin’s electronic music scene. Their journey reflects a deepening artistic vision shaped by diverse cultural experiences and a commitment to emotional authenticity.

Originating from New York and raised mainly in Connecticut, Bianco’s early immersion in classical piano and songwriting set a foundation that would later inform their complex compositions. Their teenage years saw them actively performing in New York’s live music venues, honing their skills with multiple instruments and collaborating with peers through original mixtape-style CD exchanges.

Bianco’s formal education at UCLA, where they majored in Music Composition, further enriched their understanding of music theory, ethnomusicology, sound design, and the socio-cultural contexts influencing music creation and consumption. This academic background continues to resonate in their work, particularly in how the environments and communities surrounding music shape its sonic identity.

For nearly a decade, Bianco cultivated their musicianship in Los Angeles, performing under the alias TEMP3ST and within the electro-soul duo Smoke Season. This period was marked by extensive touring and live performance experience, which sharpened their adaptability and deepened their appreciation for audience engagement and improvisation.

Dance music initially appeared peripheral to Bianco’s trajectory, identified more with large-scale commercial festivals rather than the underground scenes they came to embrace. A pivotal moment occurred in 2018 at a production retreat in Joshua Tree for women and non-binary artists, where Bianco discovered a more nuanced facet of dance music beyond mainstream EDM, inspiring the birth of BIIANCO as a solo project.

The COVID-19 pandemic inadvertently accelerated Bianco’s transition to electronic music production. Lockdowns curtailed traditional performance avenues but left underground digital spaces vibrant. Experimentation with synthesizers, drum pads, and electronic instruments became central to their evolving sound.

Relocating to London in 2021 catalyzed Bianco’s immersion into rave culture, with experiences at local events and witnessing DJs like FAFF, Octo Octa, and Eris Drew significantly influencing their approach. Recognizing DJ decks as instruments, they developed a performance style characterized by improvisation, multi-deck mixing, and high-energy sets.

In early 2022, after losing stable employment and healthcare, Bianco committed fully to their music career. This decision coincided with refining their sonic identity toward faster BPMs and energetic, emotionally dense productions that still maintained dancefloor appeal.

Their current project, scheduled for release via Ultra Records, is a tripartite series beginning with the EP 'near_sight'. Conceived amid personal and political turmoil, including distressing events in the United States where Bianco’s family resides, the work channels themes of social critique, connection, and emotional complexity. The music juxtaposes trance and acid textures with potent lyrical content, representing a marked shift from their earlier, lighter collaborations.

BIIANCO’s viral breakthrough came with the track 'Against The Wall' in 2023, propelled by a live loop video showcasing their vocal and instrumental prowess. This digital exposure expanded their audience internationally, highlighting the interplay between human expression and electronic mediums in their artistry.

Now based in Berlin, BIIANCO situates their studio within a creative hub shared by friends and collaborators, emphasizing community in their artistic process. The city’s vibrant dance music culture enriches their ongoing exploration of identity, technology, and the evolving landscape of electronic music.

While BIIANCO’s ascent has been amplified by social media and digital platforms, their story underscores years of persistent development, diverse musical influences, and a resolute embrace of electronic music as a deeply personal and expressive medium.