INTRODUCING DIRTY HIT’S LATEST SIGNING
BONNIE KEMPLAY
BRAND NEW TRACK ‘19’ OUT NOW
Introducing Edinburgh-based singer-songwriter Bonnie Kemplay with her brand new single ‘19’. Delicate, vivid and gorgeously cinematic, Bonnie is the latest signing to world-renowned record label Dirty Hit (The 1975, Beabadoobee, Wolf Alice) and follows her knockout performance for BBC 1’s prestigious Live Lounge series last year. Watch the video for ‘19’ here: https://bonniekemplay.
‘19’ was penned during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and finds Bonnie grappling with coming of age during an uncertain and monotonous time. Directed by Katie Burdon, the kaleidoscopic video is the perfect tonesetter for Bonnie’s musical world and a modern retrospection of all things nostalgia and loneliness. Bonnie gravitates towards writing about personal experiences, hardships, relationships and friendships; like a diary to the inner monologue in her head, her tracks are honest and candidly authentic. Spearheaded by her unique ear for guitar melodies, vulnerable lyrics, and nostalgic alt-pop production, the homespun track certifies the 20-year-old as a vital new voice within the bedroom pop movement.
Speaking on ‘19’, Bonnie explains: “I wrote 19 on and off over the span of six months. As my life shifted throughout that period of time, the lyrical content took shape in parallel to my experiences – so it ended up being about many things. There are common themes of time passing, ritual, hopelessness.”
Last year, Bonnie was named as the UK’s top emerging artist after beating over 10,000 other entries to perform in the world famous Radio 1 Live Lounge, joining the likes of Ariana Grande, Miley Cyrus and Stormzy in the Live Lounge history books. The talent search was in partnership with BBC Radio 1 and BBC Music Introducing, in which she unveiled her original song ‘Blushing’ and a cover of The 1975’s “If You’re Too Shy (Let Me Know)“.
Formerly a Jazz Guitar student at the Royal Northern College of Music, Bonnie began nurturing her love of performing aged just 11 when she was encouraged by her brother to join a community music club who supported her to explore different instruments and build her confidence. Daughter of a guitarist and a painter, Bonnie was constantly surrounded by creativity growing up and counts artists such as Soccer Mommy, Julien Baker and Clairo among her biggest inspirations. Now aged just 20, she has organically racked up over 1 million streams for her self-described brand of ‘indie sadcore’ and opened for Adele at her recent BST Hyde Park shows. Straight out of the gate, Bonnie has proved herself to be one of the most exciting artists to watch this year, stay tuned for more.