An Interview With The South African Singer BIJOU BIJOU All About Her Alt-Pop Sound and Newest Single ‘Thing For You’!

Meet the South-African alt-pop artist Bijou Bijou! She recently released her newest single, “Thing For You.” A chill track with all the feelings of summer, “Thing For You” takes listeners to the shores of the beach, bars along the road–and secret crushes. “Thing For You” was written and performed by Bijou Bijou and produced by Wesley van der Westhuizen. It was recorded at Wesley West Music in Linden, Gauteng, South Africa.

Listen to it here: http://smarturl.it/bijoubijouthing4u

“Thing For You” follows her highly successful single “California Calls”, that sits at over 147K plays and has been featured on prominent playlists such as Spotify’s New Music Friday.

Bijou Bijou, a.k.a. Kirsten Skopelitis, was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, but she’s ready to take on the world. When she’s not creating new music, Bijou Bijou can be found exploring the beach and the city, or practicing and teaching yoga. The start to her musical journey is quite unique, as she decided to start manifesting her dreams into reality after an interesting discussion and revelation with a fortune teller.

Learn more about Bijou Bijou in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time today! Where does this interview find you?

Thanks for the interview! I’m currently at home in Joburg, South Africa binge watching Brooklyn 99!

Now that we are into the 4th month of the new year, how has 2019 been treating you so far? What are some goals that you have for yourself this year? How are those New Years Resolutions going?

2019 has been really great to me! I’ve grown a lot in my music and received some amazing reviews and interviews. One of my goals for this year is to secure a manager in LA and hopefully be there by the end of the year so I can take this dream one step further.

Hahahaha, New Year’s resolutions are great! I have managed to stick to some and others I’ve left behind, my main two seem to be working out nicely.

Growing up, how important was music in your life? Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to be a musician? Was it an easy or difficult choice to make?

I’ve always wanted to be a musician and sing in front of sold out audiences, release albums etc. I was always just a little too afraid to take it seriously but whatever I ended up doing I just kept coming back to it. Deciding to go for it so late in the game has been most terrifying experience. I never know if I’m going to make it or if it’s a pipe dream. All I know is that going back and keeping it as a hobby is not an option anymore.

Was there ever a time when you thought about doing something else? If you weren’t a musician today, what else could you see yourself doing? Would you be as fulfilled in life?

Nothing has fulfilled me as much as this decision has. I have my Degree in Creative Branding Communications, I am a certified Yoga Instructor and  neither of those make me so truly happy as music does. I very much believe in signs and the fact that I keep coming back to music and feel fulfilled by it just shows that this is what I’m meant to be doing. No one said it would be easy!

What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all?

The biggest surprise is people actually liking it and singing the songs, the amazing interviews I’ve done and the reviews. I never thought people would actually like my songs or my voice but it seems they do! Getting major playlist placements has been one of the biggest surprises too!

Why did you decide to go by something other than your own real name?

My name isn’t exactly easy to pronounce or say! Bijou Bijou I feel encapsulates everything about me and my stage persona. I couldn’t imagine going by anything else.

Let’s talk about your recently released track “Thing For You.” What was the inspiration for this song? How do you think it compares to anything else that you put out?  How is it different or similar to the rest of your 2018 EP Seratonin Screen?

“Thing For You” is your typical catchy cute song about crushes, crippling fear of rejection and slight self ridicule. All that fun stuff! In comparison to “California Calls” it’s not hitting as many streams but it has received media attention so it’s going well. Serotonin Screen is a little more dark, both in sound and lyrics, with a more alternative indie sound. Whereas “Thing For You” and “California Calls” are more summery and easy listening songs.

Are you planning on releasing a full-length album next? What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on three new singles! “Voodoo Man” is set to release on May 24 so stay tuned! It’s definitely  one that’ll get stuck in your head. The other two are still in their very raw phase, I’m going to record them soon and then set them to release in due time. I think I may have to grow my following a little before  release a full-length album!

How do you think you have grown as a musician since you first started singing and writing songs?

I am a lot more confident in my songwriting and singer capabilities. I actually know I’m good now, so I’m slightly more cocky about it, but still a little shy. I think my biggest growth was actually deciding to go for this dream and not giving up.

What has it been like keeping up with your social media accounts and all of the different platforms? Is it hard to stay up to date on it all? What would you say is your favorite way to connect with your fans now?

I’d love to meet my fans! I mainly use Instagram, my social media game could be much better!

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely still love to work with in the future?

Billie Eilish, Halsey, Miley always! They’re a few of my current faves. Artists that have inspired me are Lana Del Rey, Billie Holiday, Etta James, Nina Simone, Roxette, Stevie Nicks, Taylor Swift. I would be such a fangirl if I were able to work with Lana Del Rey and Billie Eilish!

Where can people see you perform live next?

I’d like to start performing live shows within the next 3 months. For now fans can stay glued to my Spotify, iTunes etc and YouTube!

If you had an unlimited budget and your schedule was free, what would your dream music video look like?

Honestly, It would probably just be something super simple! I know that sounds boring but I just prefer simple things I guess. I’m open to suggestions!

If your music was going to be featured on any TV show that is currently on right now, which would you love it to be on? Or if you prefer, what is a movie that you love that you wish your music was featured in?

I think my music suits more indie movies or TV shows based around the beach or indie bars. The alternative scenes/ rock n roll scenes.

At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music?

I’d like people to be able to tune out of their own lives when listening, give them a break from whatever stresses or heartbreak they’re going through, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Taking a break from your mind and thoughts is really important. As far as messages go… Don’t be anyone’s doormat, stand up for yourself, fall in love or don’t, Take that risk or don’t. Just do you and don’t pay too much attention to others opinions.

Would you like to share anything else with our readers about your music?

I think I’ve pretty much covered it all! Just keep supporting me because it means so much to me to know that there are people out there listening to my songs and enjoying them