Blond:ish Restores Balance on Her New Album, Never Walk Alone

Montreal-bred, Miami-based DJ and music producer Blond:ish (AKA Vivie-ann Bakos) released her sophomore album, Never Walk Alone, out on Insomniac Records, on Valentine's Day, describing it as a love letter to her fans — or as she calls them, her family.

"The whole album started because of my DMs," Bakos tells New Times. "I realized I didn't have enough time in my day to answer all of these messages because they were getting pretty deep. So I was like, how can I hack time and show up for my fans when I can't be there? Never Walk Alone is that answer."

The 12-track album blends Afro-house, pop, and soul, featuring the early summer hit and title track "Never Walk Alone." It is meant to serve as a huge group hug to her fans and bring listeners unity, love, and harmony.

"That's the goal of my music. How can humans win at life? How can my music be a tool for that? This album, Never Walk Alone, is just another tool set because we need constant reminders," she says.

Apart from music, Bakos is also the founder of Bye Bye Plastic, a foundation envisioning a future without plastic. Her #PlasticFreeParty movement has inspired the creation of a special BioVinyl for her first vinyl release, making it a fully recyclable material that cuts down on 90 percent of carbon emissions. Made from biogenic waste like used cooking oil, the BioVinyl material is 99.98 percent petroleum-free. Bakos is also inviting her fans to be part of the album's release by submitting photos with their loved ones for a special mosaic to be featured on the limited edition packaging.
"I'm in nature a lot. When you're stomping on plastic, it doesn't feel in balance," Bakos explains. "I just thought I could make a difference in that way, and that's where the sustainability comes in. I'm not really an environmental activist. I'm just trying to get back to balance in everything we do."

This pursuit of balance also extends to breaking barriers for women in the dance music industry.

Blond:ish has been going to the Spanish party island of Ibiza since she was 17. Now, she's making history as Pacha Ibiza's first female resident DJ to host her own event. This summer, she'll host Abracadabra, an event series from May 21-July 30, playing every Wednesday night during the 11-week residency.

When asked how she maintains her positive attitude amidst a whirlwind of responsibilities and ongoing projects, she emphasizes the power of having a support system.

"Life is constant. You have to make magic because time is an illusion," she adds. "With Blond:ish, I have an amazing team. It's all about building an amazing team around you so you can stay the artist. You need a team to count on so you can let go and create."

Following the release of Never Walk Alone, Blond:ish is focused on staying present. She continues using her energy to grow the "magic movement," as she calls her brand, and help people create magic in their own lives.