Edinburgh-based rising star Bonnie Kemplay releases her debut EP ‘running out of things to say, running out of things to do‘ via Dirty Hit (The 1975, Beabadoobee, Wolf Alice).
Delicate and vivid, Bonnie’s debut EP is an introspective 6-track collection chronicled over a three year period during the young artist’s most formative years. Her diary-esque approach to songwriting and intimate use of guitar production is what makes her music so universally relatable; stark in places but always with emotional depth, each track serves as a personal record of her life experiences. Combined with her eccentric ear for alt-pop melodies and hummable yet vulnerable lyrics, it’s an impressive debut showcase from one of indie’s brightest young stars.
Speaking on the EP, Bonnie explains: “Running out of things to say, running out of things to do is a collection of songs I wrote between 17-20. The music is a mix of guitar centred acoustic songs and dynamic band arrangements. I wrote about my relationships with people and with myself through stories and journalistic introspection.”
The new single follows on from a run of acclaimed singles on her newly signed record deal with Dirty Hit – her gorgeously cinematic debut single ‘19’, acoustic follow up ‘Was it obvious?’, last month’s ‘Static’ and her most recent release ‘Checkers’. All four tracks have cemented her as a vital new voice in the bedroom pop movement. 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 and today’s focus track ‘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 in Edinburgh 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 is already turning heads for her captivating live performance, opening for Bleachers at their O2 Shepherds Bush Empire shows, as well as supporting Adele for her BST Hyde Park shows earlier this summer.
Straight out of the gate, Bonnie has proved herself to be one of the most exciting artists to watch this year and will be playing two headline shows in celebration of the EP next week including a performance at Sneaky Pete’s in Edinburgh on 28 November, and YES (Basement) in Manchester on 29 November. Bonnie will also continue her live ascendency with an opening slot for The 1975’s arena tour across the UK and Ireland in January 2023. Full tour dates below with tickets for Bonnie’s headline shows here.
