After more than a year of silence, Swedish-born, London-based artist and producer BIBC (Born In Between Colours) reemerges with 'soft launch', a vibrant collaboration with long-time friend Gallileo that signals the start of a bold new chapter. Known for his genre-bending sound and commanding live presence, BIBC blends atmospheric melodies, dancehall-inspired grooves, and introspective lyricism into a track that feels both playful and profound.
The single’s title nods to the modern idea of “soft-launching” a new relationship, but behind the lighthearted concept lies a deeper truth: this is BIBC’s own soft launch into a renewed artistic vision. After refining his sound and redefining his creative direction over the past year, the release is the first taste of his highly anticipated debut album, due later this year.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with BIBC and Gallileo to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring their sound most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Gallileo: The MPC. I never actually owned one, and for a long time, I couldn’t use it properly, but just watching what guys like J Dilla and 9th Wonder did with it blew my mind. That’s what really pulled me into making beats.
BIBC: Same here. I think I only started making beats because of the MPC 2000XL.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
BIBC: I grew up on everything from Koffi Olomide, Youssou N’Dour, Phil Collins, and 2Pac. I was always surrounded by different genres.
Gallileo: I had phases. In primary school, it was hip hop and jungle, then house and garage. Reggae was always around, and surprisingly, so was soca—that’s a big part of my upbringing too.
What was the first album you remember owning?
BIBC: Stankonia by Outkast. Classic.
Gallileo: Mine was Missy Elliott’s Supa Dupa Fly. I actually bought it in Canada with the little money I had. When I brought it home, my sister just took it, thinking it was for her.
What is the one song you wish you could have written yourself?
Gallileo: Honestly, too many. That’s why I sample so much. I get to spin my own style on the music I love. But if I had to name names, I’d say Alton Ellis’s “I’m Still in Love” or Errol Dunkley’s “Movie Star.”
BIBC: I feel the same way. There are way too many. But if I had to pick one, I’ve always wished I had made “Flashing Lights” by Kanye. That must be one of the best songs to perform live.
Do you have any habits or rituals when writing new music?
BIBC: I don’t think I really have rituals. For me, it’s more about where I’m at emotionally, and also if I’m creating for myself or for someone else. I try not to overthink it. if it flows, it flows. You can’t really force music.
Gallileo: Yeah, same. I just pull from whatever I’ve experienced. Sometimes I’ll write without any music at all, just lines or ideas that mean something to me. Then later, I might build around them. It’s about the feel more than anything.
Who are your favourite artists you’re listening to right now?
Gallileo: Nia Smith, BIBC (laughs), and I’ve been deep-diving into Lovers Rock lately, especially Sugar Minott.
BIBC: I go through phases. Honestly, most of the time I’m just listening to what we’re working on at the moment. Recently, I’ve been locked into the new wave of UK artists. There’s a lot happening here right now that’s exciting.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Gallileo: Asake.
BIBC: That’s a hard one… I feel like Omah Lay’s crowd would connect with me though.
What’s the most rewarding part about being a musician?
BIBC: For me, it’s therapy. Music is the only thing that ever worked for me like that. And knowing I’ll be doing this for life, even if I’d never make a penny.
Gallileo: Exactly. Having a space to release what’s inside. Not everyone has that.
And the most frustrating part?
Gallileo: Money talks.
BIBC: Facts. Especially as an independent artist.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a musician?
BIBC: Find your own sound before you tune in to all the noise from outside.
Gallileo: Don’t quit, within reason.
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BIBC & Gallileo's new single 'soft launch' is out now. Check it out in the player below.