Zack Fraser sits down with Phoenix's own BBgail for a conversation about artistic vision, transparency as an artist and dream collaborations.
BBgail is a free-spirited electronic artist hailing from Phoenix, Arizona. Her sound hovers within the realms of ambient, synthwave, and downtempo, with a splash of techno and soul influence via her collaborations with Weston Smith. Smooth and richly layered vocals serve as the paint used to draw beautiful works on arpeggiated synth canvases. The songs she creates work wonderfully as Y2K-esque bops to add to dance playlists. They can also be viewed as time capsules that capture meaningful moments in her life, such as her trip to Europe. I got a chance to catch up with BBgail since her most recent shift to Fort Lowell Records, and here’s what I learned:
Can fans expect a longer project such as an EP or album this year? If so, do you have any details you could share with us?
It’s on my goal list to create an EP or album in 2026….I have severe adhd so I constantly struggle with wanting to release a song as soon as it feels finished, but there’s a beauty in waiting. I’m currently working on a handful of new songs that I plan to release as an EP….but I could also make it a whole album…I’m definitely conflicted! I feel like I’m still exploring my voice as an artist, so it can feel tricky to try and piece together songs that all feel a bit different. It can also be hard when you’re the only one holding yourself accountable, but something is definitely coming. My loose goal is to have something out within 6 months. I’ll most likely release a single or two on the way.
Your music video for “if you let it” was a fun and authentic glance into your creative vision. If you were on top of the world and had every resource necessary, what would your dream video look like?
Oh man. I’d get so dramatic with it! I’d love to have a dance team, beautiful cinematography, a whole production crew on some beautiful mountain at sunset… I don’t even think I’d want to be in it. I’d like to create almost a short film for each song, capturing a glimpse of another world. If I had the means, I’d get really over the top with it.
Weston Smith is a frequent collaborator of yours. How integral are they to your career?
Weston has been a wonderful collaborator and supporter of me over the last year. They’ve created a safe space for me to explore musically and that’s all you can ask for in a collaborator and friend. I absolutely love working with them to create a song I normally wouldn’t create on my own. We both have our own solo projects that we continue to work on, but they do feel like a constant in my creative process. Although we see ourselves as individual artists, they’re extremely important to me in my career, as community is what it’s all about!
Has performing your work live affected how you now make new material?
Absolutely. As a solo artist, or performing with Weston, I want to make sure my live set is just as exciting as watching a full band. Maybe it can’t be exactly the same type of energy, but I can do my best to keep it moving. I try not to put too much pressure on myself to play live rather than sprinkle in a synth part here and there. I identify as a singer more than anything else, so showcasing my vocal performance skills is my top priority. In the new songs I’m working on that is something I’ve been more conscious of.
In an age where mysteriousness is a very strong factor in artists’ success, you’ve fearlessly taken a left turn and chosen to lay your cards out on the table. What led you to take this approach?
I don’t know how to be anything other than blunt when it comes to how I’m feeling. With 5 planets in pisces (shoutout to my astrology nerds), it’s almost impossible to hide my emotions. Expressing myself through music and art is the only way I can work through my thoughts. I could try to be cool and mysterious, but I’d be dishonest with myself. The older I get, the more I want to be unapologetically myself, even if that means I’m showing anyone and everyone my open wounds.
Do you have a bucket list of dream collaborations? Whether that be with artists dead or alive, producers, brands, etc. If so, we’d love to see it.
My dream collaborators that first come to mind are Regina Spektor, Radiohead, and Sylvan Esso. These artists really got me through my high school years and still encourage me as an artist. Collaborating, or even meeting them would make me melt. I’d also love to harmonize with Andrew Bird one day, as folk music was the first style of music I ever really wrote. You wouldn’t think that after listening to my current sound, but I appreciate all types of music.
What’s been your hardest challenge to overcome during your time in the music industry?
I definitely struggle with balancing day jobs and trying to pursue a career as an artist. I’m currently a barista and bartender on top of writing, producing, promoting, and performing my own music. I always wonder if I could just focus on music, what life could look like for me. I know I’m talented and driven, but I fear I’ll miss opportunities because I have to pay my bills on time just like everyone else. Even though artists are needed and wanted, they’re severely underpaid for the amount of work they put into their craft.
Check out the official video for “if you let it” below:
