Introducing: BUØY

From an impromptu Glastonbury debut in a magical rotating piano bar to the deeply personal reflections of caregiving during the pandemic,  has crafted a journey as compelling as their music. Now, with the January 31st release of their debut EP, they’re set to transform those experiences into a deeply immersive body of work that explores resilience, transformation, and belonging.

Blending classical, ambient, and dance influences, the EP is more than just music—it’s a testament to identity and healing, drawing on their experiences as a queer, trans (non-binary), and neurodivergent artist. With a special launch event planned at The Stables in Covent Garden, featuring live performances, DJ sets, and multisensory elements like scented candles inspired by the songs, BUØY is making waves with their mission to use music as a tool for connection and acceptance.

We sat down to talk about their unconventional start, the life-changing power of music, and what listeners can expect from this transformative debut.

1. Your sound merges metalcore, synth-wave, and hardcore grit—a bold combination. What inspired this fusion, and how do you balance these contrasting elements to create your signature style?  

That Glastonbury moment was pure chaos and magic—but that’s Glastonbury, right? I hadn’t even planned on performing (I didn’t even have a ticket!), but somehow, I ended up dressed as a warlock at 6 a.m., playing piano for a packed room of strangers on a rotating stage. Total plot twist. Serendipity fo sho!

That moment completely changed my relationship with music. It wasn’t just something I could do anymore—it became something I had to do. That tiny shack was so quiet you could hear every breath, and the connection I felt with the audience was electric. It was terrifying and exhilarating all at once, but it gave me this deep sense of belonging, like, “Yes, this is what I’m supposed to be doing.” But that song I played, “Stockholm,” is actually all about breaking free from the mental shackles we impose on ourselves. Performing it in that moment felt like living its message in real-time—a kind of full-circle awakening. It was my first real act of stepping into my identity as an artist, and from there, everything just kinda fell into place.

2. Mental health and dystopian themes are central to your music. How do these topics influence your songwriting, and what message do you hope your audience takes from your work?

Caring for my grandmother during her final months was one of the hardest but most transformative experiences of my life. She had advanced dementia, and I moved in to help during Covid. It was intense, but looking back, it was such a gift.

I’ve worked in care for nearly a decade, but this experience made it all feel worthwhile. Honestly, I think everyone should work in care at some point—it’s life-changing, grounding, and puts everything into perspective. It taught me how much impact you can have when people truly need you. Everything else starts to feel trivial.

Music became this incredible bridge between us. Even when her words failed her, she could still connect with the melodies. Watching that unfold in real-time was profoundly moving—it showed me that music doesn’t just entertain; it heals.

The EP reflects that energy. It’s full of themes like love, loss, and transformation. “All I Know,” for example, is about grief—the kind of love that lingers after someone’s gone, with nowhere to land. Writing these songs was my way of processing everything, and I hope they’ll help others do the same.

3. You’ve rebranded from Collected to Knocked for Six. How has this transformation allowed you to evolve creatively, and what sets this new chapter apart from your past projects?

Working with Jay (Palms Trax) was surreal. He’s someone I’ve admired for years, so when he approached me after my Glastonbury performance and said, “You made me sob,” I genuinely thought he was joking. But no, he was serious and he had actual tears in his eyes. But the fact it resonated with him, even in my rather delerious and bedraggled state was testament to the power of music! Next thing I know,  he sent me a mic in the post and a couple of weeks later, I was recording with him in Berlin.

Jay has this incredible ability to strip away the unnecessary and hone in on the emotional core of a track. The sessions were intense but so rewarding. I learned so much about myself, my voice, and my limits - realising I had to make big changes in my lifestyle to fully commit to music. Never touched a cigarette ever again! X) But srsly, his belief in me was a real game-changer.

I guess his influence is woven into the EP, not just in the production but in how I approach music now. He taught me to trust my instincts and trust that sometimes the first take is often the best one., and not to overdo it! Working with him also made me understand vulnerability as a strength in music, which has completely transformed my sound.

4. Your live shows are known for their energy and intensity. After performing at events like Bloodstock 2022, how do you plan to elevate your performances with the upcoming tour in 2025?

As a queer, trans, and neurodivergent artist, my identity is inseparable from my work—it shapes everything I create. It’s how I see the world and how I process my experiences, so it naturally finds its way into my music.

Being neurodivergent means I feel things intensely. I experience extremes: extreme joy, extreme pain, extreme “oh my God, did I leave the oven on?” But that intensity is also what allows me to create music that’s raw and deeply emotional. It’s about turning chaos or pain into something meaningful, beautiful and bigger than you.

I hope this EP resonates with people who are neurospicy like me, but also with anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t quite fit. I want people to know it’s okay to be messy, emotional, or unsure where you fit into society's rigid boxes. If we're honest, we are now finally realising that these systems do not really serve us. But it’s all part of the process. Transformation isn’t linear, and that’s what makes it beautiful.

5. With four new singles and accompanying music videos on the horizon, what can fans expect from this next wave of releases? Are there specific themes or concepts you’re exploring in this new music?

I didn’t want the launch event to be just another gig - I wanted it to be a full-on sensory experience. It’s all about inviting people into the world of the EP and creating a space where they can really feel the music.

The scented candles are a big part of that. Each one is inspired by a song on the EP and designed to evoke the emotions and atmosphere of the track. For example, the “Stockholm” candle has notes of bergamot and cedarwood - fresh and grounding, like the feeling of liberation the song captures.  But we’re also bringing in visuals, projections, and artwork to tie everything together. It’s all curated to immerse people in the themes aesthetic of the EP. I'll also be performing a super special set. But, the goal is for everyone to leave feeling like they’ve been part of something truly meaningful and unique - something they’ll carry with them long after it’s over. 

January 30th at The Stables Covent Garden <3