International singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Biicla returns with second full-length album Yes Place, a 10-track genre-blended collection which showcases the Russian act’s sonic versatility. 

Inspired by a positive shift in his life and career, Biicla’s second album is in obvious contrast to the themes and feel of his previous album No Place. With features from the likes of Rome in Silver and Kroy, the tracklist is an expansive and diverse one that shines individually yet manages to come together as a cohesive aural experience. Speaking to 1883, Biicla reflects on how each track on Yes Place came to be, and his intent behind each in a snappy yet informative track-by-track.

Intro (Keeping It Easy)

I made the intro just a few days before the album was completed, I just wanted to introduce the listener to the sounds and mood that will be on the album.

I’m Not ft Rome In Silver

We sat with my friend and listened to my demos, I had a cool story, we recorded vocals and put it to music. A few weeks ago, the shooting of the music video ended, so soon you will see what this song is about. 

For You ft Kroy

This is my first project with a foreign vocalist. I was amazed by Kroy’s professionalism. I showed her the instrumental and almost instantly she came up with the text. We recorded her unique vocals and everything sounded so good that I decided to add this work to the album.

Cigarettes

This track is a real experiment for me, I haven’t done anything like this. I just wanted an explosive dance track, but I couldn’t imagine how it would sound. The album was almost ready, but I was missing a track like this. I returned to the project right after one of the parties I played at. I was sitting in the hotel and the chords came to my mind by themselves the very next day I played this track on my next show and saw how it works. Therefore, there is no doubt that this is the track that I needed as part of the album.

Mini Skrt

Mini Skrt was a joke, I made it just to hang out at parties, then I saw the reaction of the listeners and a bunch of questions about this track. I think he definitely gave freshness to this album.

Never Be Mine ft Rome in Silver

In my opinion, an absolute banger, a synthesizer melody, my vocals and these drums.

Keep U Close 

Keep U Close came to life because I wanted to add a festival mood to the album. But at the same time stay in my personal style.

Let Yourself Go 

The version of this track that got on the album is the latest version. I made about 5 versions of this track and it’s still the most controversial single for me, but my friends really like it, so it remained on the album.

I’ll Be There

I dreamed of going to America and everything seemed to be against me, but the lyrics in the song seemed to inspire me and the music appeared by itself.

Encore

It’s been four years since I made this single. I just needed a track that would suit the mood and sound like the last track in the album. Someone from the fans reminded me about it, I added a reference to my track need u to it. I think it perfectly closes the album.

Yes Place is out now.

Intro by Seneo Mwamba