W: Natalia Tonner I: Sebastiane Garraway
At first glance, Bambie Thug looks like some other worldly being. Perhaps fear of the unknown is what strikes such intimidation upon seeing their persona onstage. This was not the sort of person I’d expect to be merely grabbing a cup of coffee with at 10am. In the space of just an hour I soon found out that the world of Bambie Thug is one that only raises more questions with the more answers you receive. From wearing blood as an accessory and casting spells, to designing edible costumes, Bambie taps into some of the more unconventional ways of performing. They try not to limit themselves to a single genre, however they are self-described as ‘hyper punk’ and ‘Powerpuff Girls on acid’. They use everything in their arsenal to create the most jaw-dropping music videos and the most exciting sounds. A real contender to be the crème de la crème of the queer music scene from what I've witnessed.
The songs and lyrics are all so high energy, which is so incredibly infectious. The way Bambie contorts themselves and punch you in the face with their vision transports you into another dimension. You’ll catch yourself walking down the street with the stride of someone who has the world in the palm of their hands and could crush it at any moment. If, through the adrenaline-fuelled music, you get a chance to stop and listen to the lyrics, you’ll find the lyrics only heightens these emotions. Particularly with their latest release, Tsunami (11:11), with lines such as ‘I’m a Tsunami, I’m a tidal wave / I destroy everything in my path / No one’s safe.’
The name Bambie Thug itself derives from a bewildering story. Following coming out as non-binary, Thug found themselves in front of a mirror in Berlin with seven German men. Their dead name had a lot of personal trauma attached to it. So, in that moment, one by one the seven German men each cut off a piece of Bambie’s hair. Almost akin to a ritual. To which Bambie had then decided: I am Bambie. The ‘Thug’ part of the name simply came about following seeing their friend’s t-shirt in their hometown Cork, that had an image of the Disney character Bambi looking like a thug. Regardless, the name fits the persona of this person perfectly.
Bambie’s persona on and off stage does not have a clear distinction. It is more the case that what they bring to the stage is a heightened version of themselves. From the multitude of strange and unusual experiences comes a multitude of personas. The music video for Tsunami, with some of the looks pictured in ASBO, is a perfect showcase of just a taste of what Bambie can do to transform themselves with a fraction of a budget and time. Bambie hailed the Ukranian film company Vakul Film they worked with for the shoot, with a special mention to Violetta who took charge of editing. The final product is unforgettable. With a hauntingly long black nails and a bath full of awful black liquid, you can’t help but look away from this character in Tsunami.
They don’t restrict themselves to the dark side with appearance. Bambie revealed to me their alternative persona of ‘Candy Bambz’. A hyper femme outfit that can be seen in their music video for ‘KAWASAKI (I Love It)’. The bright pink colour scheme, laced with candy is just as mesmerising as Tsunami. It nods towards Nicki Minaj’s Pink Friday, whom Bambie has said is one of the top 3 artists they’d most like to tour with,
given the chance. Others include BigKlit, a rapper that channels vicious and empowering energy, which clearly influences Bambie’s work.
With costumes in mind, I couldn’t help but notice the small vial hanging round their neck on a chain. I enquire, only to simply be informed that it is of their blood. It was originally worn by their ex but after a breakup they made him return it and performed an unbinding spell on the necklace. Now they simply wear it as a form of protection. Arguably the highest form of self-care?
As for what’s in the future for Bambie, it’s clear they’re hungry and they’ll stop at nothing to get what they want. They’ve got their eyes on doing sell-out stadium tours later down the line. And if Bambie can make a masterpiece with just £300, then I’m sure you can’t even begin to imagine what would be in store for their fanbase later down the line.
