Billie Black is a singer and songwriter from London, specifically West London. She starts singing at an early age, influenced by reggae, soul and disco records played at family parties. Her mother is Sierra Leone’s national disco dancing champion.

Early musical development

At 13, she begins to take music seriously and joins the National Youth Jazz Orchestra, where she develops an interest in jazz. This later leads her to study jazz at the Guildhall. At 14, she attends the Brit School, where she is exposed to a broad range of music.

Style and influences

Towards the end of her time at the Brit School, she begins listening to artists including James Blake, Jessie Ware, Sampha and Kwabs. Their mix of strong vocals and electronic production influences the music she makes. Her work combines jazz roots with bass and dance elements, and her performances include minimalist electronic ballads, R&B and more upbeat tracks.

Collaborative work

She writes her own music, forms a band and works with producers Imposters and John Calvert on her sound.