Sometimes the most unexpected detours lead to the most meaningful destinations. For Gold Coast visual artist Bianca Hinton, now stepping into the spotlight as ALBII, that detour came in the form of a life-altering cancer diagnosis. Now, she’s ready to share her voice with the world through her debut single “Hold On (Psycho),” dropping February 7, 2025, in Australia (February 6 in the USA).
The road to this moment hasn’t been easy. While many artists struggle with standard industry hurdles, ALBII faced a battle that put everything else in perspective – an aggressive breast cancer diagnosis that demanded 18 grueling months of chemotherapy, radiation, a mastectomy, and immunotherapy. Yet somehow, in the midst of this storm, she found her true calling. “Life is so fragile and unpredictable,” she says, her words carrying the weight of someone who’s seen both sides of that truth. “This experience solidified my relationship with music and pushed me into following my passion – because if not today, then when?”
ALBII’s musical identity defies easy categorization. She describes her sound with a hint of mischief as “dreamy pop having an affair with the grim reaper” – an oddly fitting description once you understand her artistic vision. Her work weaves together threads from 2000s pop, 60s rock, and what she calls “something reminiscent of a Tim Burton film,” creating a diversity of sound that pays homage to influences like Gwen Stefani and The Gorillaz while nodding to the moody atmospherics of Lana Del Rey and Billie Eilish.
Before picking up the microphone, ALBII had already made her mark behind the camera. Under her given name, Bianca Hinton, she claimed the Gold Coast Music Award for Visual Artist of the Year, proving her eye for capturing musical moments through a different lens. This background as a videographer and photographer hasn’t been left behind – instead, it’s become another color in her artistic palette, informing how she approaches music creation and presentation.
In what feels like a perfect full-circle moment, ALBII now produces her own music alongside her uncle Jamie, the same person who introduced her to their family’s pianola when she was just six years old. Her songwriting ranges from raw, personal narratives drawn from her medical journey to more lighthearted fare, with “Hold On (Psycho)” promising to showcase her playful side.
Looking ahead to what she’s dubbed a “massive” 2025, ALBII maintains an engaging presence across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and Threads, though Instagram serves as her primary platform for connecting with fans and sharing her artistic journey.
“I want my listeners to feel alive when they put on one of my songs,” ALBII reflects, her eyes lighting up at the thought. “Whether they laugh, cry, or dance – I just want them to feel connected in some way.” This desire for genuine connection runs deep, particularly in how she uses her platform to raise awareness about breast cancer while maintaining her artistic identity.
In an industry often criticized for its superficiality, ALBII’s message about the coexistence of strength and vulnerability rings especially true. Her story reminds us that sometimes the most authentic art comes from those moments when life forces us to pivot, to face our fears, and to emerge singing our own unique melody.
