Rising artist Biljana Heights has released her debut 7 track album, Stranger, featuring 3 music videos. The EP, which includes acclaimed singles “Stranger” and “Lies,” invites listeners to embark on a trip-hop inspired odyssey, weaving a tapestry of mystery and presence that explores the realms of alternative realities.
Stranger delves deep into the theme of alienation, drawing inspiration from Biljana’s personal journey as a child of immigrants in Denmark and her subsequent artistic pursuits as a musician and actor in New York City. Her experiences have often left her with a profound sense of isolation. Biljana reflects, “Sometimes I ask myself: what if I had grown up in Macedonia, where my father is from? Would I be the same?” The duality of her creative soul and the unique challenges of growing up have shaped the foundation of this remarkable EP.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Biljana about the latest music, AI, dream collabs, and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
AI (aka Artificial Intelligence aka Chat GPT 4.0)… How is it changing the music world? What are your thoughts about this new trend?
I try to focus on trusting that real work from real humans will still have its place and justification in the future. I’m really drawn to people who work hard to get their art out into the world and I don’t think AI will change that. I believe that art made by humans will never go out of fashion.
Can you choose a favorite song of all time?
Must be “T’aint What You Do” – Ella Fitzgerald’s version. It always makes me smile.
What about this project makes you most proud? Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?
From the beginning my idea with this project has been to merge my love for film and acting with music. I’ve always dreamed of writing the title song for a TV show and it happened recently when I got the chance with my producer Birk Nevel. We got together in his studio and made a version of “Pray” for the Danish TV2 show “Overleverne”. My goal has been for every song on my EP to be featured in a film or TV Series and I have four down so hopefully the rest will follow soon.
What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?
Life, my friends and family, fiction and traveling.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why?
Aaron Dessner because he’s such a genius. He has collaborated with so many different artists and he really brings the best out in each of them. He also composes score music so a dream would be to do a hybrid album of pop and score music with him. And then I would ask Brit Marling to write and direct the music videos for the album. Her feature “Another Earth” inspired me to write the song “World” and she’s such a rare and gifted filmmaker and multi-artist. So she would definitely be included in my dream scenario, too!
What was the last song you listened to?
Frazey Ford : One More Cup of Coffee
Favorite all-time bands/artists?
I have many but I love Bat for Lashes – her songwriting seems so effortless, playful, mythical and full of layers. Also PJ Harvey – I fell in love with her songwriting as a teenager and she just has a special place in my heart. She has the ability to redefine herself as an artist with every release and still keep her DNA of mystery and poetry intact. I also want to mention Mazzy Star and their unique dreamy sound. Perfect soundtrack for rainy days.
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
You can find me on www.biljanaheights.com and my Instagram @biljanaheights come say hi!
I appreciate Your time. Want to say or plug any other projects before we part ways?
Thank you so much for your interest. It means a lot.
Please check out Vinyl Moon – https://vinylmoon.co – which is a really cool monthly vinyl club created by Brandon Bogajewicz. One of my songs will be out on vinyl soon thanks to this amazing project!
