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Japan born Malaysian-American Billie Blue Blackstone is a singer-songwriter who has called Kuala Lumpur since she was 17. After a decade in the indie scene where she primarily wrote and performed with her former band, Billie Blue & the Nowhere Men, Billie is embarking on her solo project, embracing the breadth of her name and her influences. Growing up in Japan, Billie attended all of her mother’s gigs and poured through her father’s extensive CD collection. From there, she retained the core of her influences; folk, acid-rock and blues, and later, she found herself appreciating a broader spectrum of sounds.
In 2025, Billie toured Kansai, Japan, after being invited to perform at an underground venue in Osaka. During this tour, she promoted her new single, Persimmon Tree, which was inspired by her childhood in the Japanese countryside. Billie received the Festival Director’s Choice Award at Malaysia’s Short + Sweet Arts Festival (2023) for “Persimmon Tree”. In 2018, Billie and her band released an album which spawned 3 singles. Their debut single, “Emperor” was nominated for the VIMA Music Awards (2018). Following attention in local Malaysian press and mentions in publications in India, BBTNM toured India in January 2020, covering 3 cities.
Billie is known for embracing the (un)graceful feminine, and believes that softness possesses an inherent strength. Her music is melody led and carried by a dynamic vocal range that juxtaposes power and grit with airy, gossamer tones. Her songwriting is concerned with the complexity of human emotions and their reverberations beyond the real. Folklore and the natural world guide her as she considers their intersections with her own lived perspectives.
Some of her musical heroes include Neil Young, Stevie Nicks, Grace Slick, David Bowie, Robert Plant, Bjork, Laura Marling, Hope Sandoval and Margo Guryan.
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Brendan de de Cruz is a musician whose unwavering passion and dedication are the cornerstones of his artistry and persona. From the moment his debut EP, Even So, was released in September 2016, it was evident that de Cruz was here to make a lasting impact. His subsequent 4-track EP, Black, released in August 2017, further established his place in the independent music scene, showcasing his relentless creativity and drive.
In August 2018, de Cruz reached a new milestone with his third record, III, marking his first collaboration with Nadir Studios and Bentley Records Europe. His fourth EP, I Am Not Billie Eilish, released in July 2020, highlighted his growth as an artist. This 3-track EP, recorded and produced in his home studio, was mastered by the esteemed Pete Maher, whose portfolio includes work with The Killers, Damien Rice, U2, and contributions to Peaky Blinders and La La Land. The EP's success on major streaming platforms underscored de Cruz’s evolving artistry and hands-on approach.
Brendan’s journey is marked by significant milestones and collaborations. In 2020, his rendition of James Taylor's Sweet Baby James earned him a feature on Taylor’s Instagram feed, reflecting his ability to connect deeply with listeners. Later that year, he was selected by Malaysian artist Yuna for a mentorship project with Hewlett Packard. His 2022 concert, LOVE LIFE MUSIC, and contributions to the video game Rhythm Doctor, the indie film Rain Town, and the ASTRO SHOW TV series FRAMED further highlight his diverse talents. Sharing stages with local acts like Kyoto Protocol and Bil Musa, as well as international stars such as Phum Viphurit, Julie Byrne, and RHODES, Brendan de Cruz’s music remains a profound expression of his soul, captured perfectly by his sentiment, “As long as I’m making music, I’m happy.”
