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Music

Bipolar Sunshine takes us on a deep-dive into his debut album ‘3034’

bipolar sunshine
Credit: Cara Stricker

Bipolar Sunshine takes us on an introspective, soul-igniting journey, as we delve into his debut record, 3034. He tells us, “I put all my energy into creating something that felt profound and vulnerable.”

Manchester-born, LA-based artist, Adio Marchant, known by his moniker Bipolar Sunshine, unveils his long-awaited debut album, 3034. The 11-track collection showcases his most “profound and vulnerable” music to date.

Since breaking into the global music scene in 2014 with charting singles, Where Did the Love Go, Deckchairs on the Moon and Daydreamer, Bipolar Sunshine has performed at sold-out shows and festivals around the world, featured on acclaimed tracks with the likes of DJ Snake, Petit Biscuit and The Avener to name a few, co-written the Grammy-winning song Brown Skin Girl by Beyoncé and WizKid, and the list just goes on!

Now, adding a debut album to his stellar record of accomplishments, Adio reflects on his career: I’ve felt for some time that in order for me to progress in my career, I need to give the world a body of work. I love all the features I have done, but they don’t fully showcase all my abilities. For this project, I put all my energy into creating something that felt profound and vulnerable.”

Following the launch of 3034, we caught up with Adio who offered Happy Mag a peek behind the unique creative lens that led to the fruition of his debut record. Join us as we chat about inspirations that fuelled the album, dream collab experiences, music festival highlights, Jamaican food spots, and more.

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HAPPY: Thanks for chatting with us! What are you looking forward to this week?

ADIO: I’m looking forward to being able to share my album. I’ve been working on this for so long, And I’m glad I get to share it with anyone who wants to listen. I’ve felt for some time that in order for me to progress in my career, I need to give the world a body of work. I love all the features I have done, but they don’t fully showcase all my abilities. For this project, I put all my energy into creating something that felt profound and vulnerable.

HAPPY: Born in Manchester but now based in LA, you’ve lived in many different places with different localised scenes. What do you love/not love about where you live?

ADIO: I love where I live now. It’s sunny constantly, which is completely different to Manchester. But sometimes I miss the seasons. I enjoy wearing jackets and LA doesn’t offer that but it’s cool. If LA had more Jamaican food spots, it would be perfect. That’s the only things it’s missing. I feel I can create with new incredible people everyday and that’s a massive plus for me.

HAPPY: What’s involved in your ultimate day?

ADIO: Being with family for the start of the day, then going to a Manchester City match, and then playing at a festival. That would be a ultimate day for me…Oh, and in between each activity, I would get a 30-minute body massage. That sounds incredible!

 

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HAPPY: Tell us about your creative community.

ADIO: I have many artists that I work with. I recently finished my album with Malay, and amazing writers like Paul Phamous. Luca from Toronto is a general! I’ve been recently working a lot with P on the boards and Benji Miller and Jessie Mason. You should be hearing some of stuff we have been making soon.

HAPPY: You’ve collaborated with so many amazing artists! Describe what your writing sessions are like when you work with them.

ADIO: The best part of collaborating is that you get to really know the person you’re working with. For me, the best sessions have come like that. Most of the time, you need chatting for an hour, and totally forget you’re meant to be making music. Escapism opens up the creativity portal. 

HAPPY: What was the recording experience like for your 3034 album?

ADIO: The experience took many different turns. Most of the project was made before COVID. So I had a lot of time to sit on songs and over-analyse them. This resulted in me writing American Dream, which I think really showcases a different side to me that wasn’t on the album.

HAPPY: Are there any books or TV shows you’re currently enjoying?

ADIO: I’m currently reading a book by Karline Smith called Moss Side Massive. Favourite TV shows are Game of Thrones, Barry and Top Boy

HAPPY: What did you listen to growing up that fuelled your inspiration for your music?

ADIO: I used to listen to a lot of garage music, then I moved on to Lil Nas X, Jay-Z, DMX, Kanye and Tame Impala. Heavy influences on me.

HAPPY: What did you read or hear that opened your eyes and mind to the perspective you’ve painted in your album, 3034?

ADIO: I watched a documentary on AGI and it blew my mind as to how far we’ve come. And the level of information that an Ai can do. It has me thinking about our human extinction in a big way.

HAPPY: Of all the festivals you’ve played at, which has been your favourite and why?

ADIO: Glastonbury. Easily one of the best festivals in the world.

HAPPY: If it was the last day on Earth, what would you be up to?

ADIO: I would be trying to find an AI company that can freeze my brain, until technology advances enough to restore me into a new shell. Or, I’d be having a feast full of Jamaican food. Go out with a bang lol.

HAPPY: Thanks for taking the time to chat with us! Congrats on the new release.

Stream 3034 via Spotify below.

Interviewed by Olivia Adams.