Let’s cut to the chase, bshp (pronounced ‘bishop’) is a name that, based on this evidence, you’re going to be hearing a lot for more of.

The alias of Kent-born Gabriella Bishop, also known under her previous stage name of Gabriella Vixen, she was catapulted into the limelight earlier this year when her cover of Des’ree’s Kissing You came to the attention of the producers of hit TV show Love Island, who featured the track on the programme leading to 16,000 Shazams overnight and two million streams, as well as attention from Des’ree herself.

It also led to a spot joining Sigala on his UK tour earlier this year, before the Coronavirus pandemic brought live music to a standstill. By then, though, those that had been lucky enough to hear bshp’s soulful and powerful vocals mixed with flavours of pop, R&B and hip hop knew the vocalist, writer and arranger had the potential to be something really special.

Her latest single Never Mind is the next step in her upward journey. It’s a slick, contemporary pop track infused with R&B in the style of Ariana Grande and every bit as good. It sees bshp sing about a new attraction with the lyrics “Maybe you can have your cake and eat it / Come a little closer you can see it / Got me in your view / We can rendezvous / Honestly be honest / Practise what you promise / You know you can have this / Any way you want it”/.

Bshp started writing songs when she was in her late teens and, in the current world where so many acts get their breakthrough thanks to YouTube or some other online platform, she first attracted attention the old fashioned way: by performing at open mic nights around London. She began recording as Gabriella Vixen, but when she signed to Island Records, who have released Never Mind, she wanted a fresh start, and so chose the bshp name. It’s early days for sure, but it’s a name that is certainly on the up, and we’re excited to watch her story develop.

Listen to the official audio for Never Mind here.

Author: Joe Sharratt

Joe Sharratt is a writer and journalist based in the UK covering music, literature, sport, and travel.