B of Briz - Solace (EP) + 10 Questions
B of Briz returns with Solace – a summer soundtrack for turbulent times.
Fresh from the release of her debut album An Encyclopedia of Patriarchy (incomplete), masked Bristol rapper and producer B of Briz is back with her new EP Solace, landing September 9th 2025.
Winner of Future Sound of Bristol and one of Amazing Radio’s Tips for 2025, B offers a set of songs that seek comfort and connection in unsettled times. Sun-soaked yet dystopian, raw yet hopeful, Solace is both a sanctuary and a statement.
Across its tracks, B explores big human questions: ‘Profoundly Sick Society’ where B wrestles with collapse and recovery. ‘A Spark in Your Heart’ is an alt-hip hop love song about tenderness and walking alongside each other. ‘Pale Horse’ faces mortality head-on, offering ways of processing grief and crisis. ‘The Founding of the Town’ takes a chilled, philosophical detour, nodding to Plato’s Republic. ‘Reality Forward’ shines euphoric and hopeful, while ‘Taken Under Solace’ offers quiet consolation – a reminder that we are part of nature and our burdens are temporary.
B’s sound is proudly imperfect – a deliberate, living riposte to the lifelessness of AI and auto-tuned “perfection”. Inspired by artists such as Little Simz, Kae Tempest, John Glacier, Akala and The Streets, she stitches together beats, loops and original compositions into something unmistakably Bristol.
Her work has already been championed by BBC 6 Music’s Tom Robinson, Steve Lamacq and Nemone, with debut single What Would Buffy Do? named one of Robinson’s top tracks of 2022.
The striking cover art for Solace is by UK artist Jess Snyder (@twigsandantlers), who created a crest of motifs drawn from the EP’s songs.
With philosophy, feminism and bass-heavy Bristol in her DNA, B of Briz continues to carve out a defiantly human space in UK alternative hip hop – and this summer, she’s inviting us all to share in Solace.
B of Briz sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
Well, going right back, I grew up in a musical household, with parents who both loved music and encouraged me and my sisters to, as well. Later on, my love for bass music grew going out as a teenager in the 90s, in Bristol and the West Country…. Although I got to know a load of brilliant musicians when I moved to Bristol for my PhD, it never occurred to me I could make music too. It wasn’t until the pandemic that I started writing lyrics and making music in my spare time, and it’s spiralled into a big project now – I love it.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Vibe-wise, in my stuff there’s definitely a smidge of The Streets and a touch of Kae Tempest, with a little bit of M.I.A. and some Aim. I love Phillip Glass, he'd be a dream collab! I first came across his music when I watched Candyman as a kid, and fell in love with it entirely.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
My EP 'Solace' wasn't overtly political, it's been more of a personal project (although the personal is also political, obvs!), so I'm my next record will be a more political project, for sure. We're in a fascistic pickle, and we need to address it.... in all the ways we can – philosophically, politically, personally, artistically, culturally, narratively. I want to contribute to that if I can say something useful, for sure.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Alt hip hop that melds elements of hip hop, trip hop, trap, dnb. Organic beats, sparse melodies, classical elements, heavy bass, slow-flow rap. Bass-driven Sincerity Rap?
There a new wave of UK Jazz rap at the moment, and my work definitely touches on some of the same approaches, although my shit is definitely less jazzy!
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
There's two, and its hard to pick! I released my debut single 'What Would Buffy do?' In 2022, and Tom Robinson picked it up to play on his BBC 6 Music Introducing Mixtape show. It was a dream come true kind of moment, except I’d never begun to dream it… so surprising, and completely delightful. If you’d have told me on my 40th birthday, two years before, that’s I’d make a bunch of music and it would be played on national radio…. I’d have laughed you outta town!
After releasing my debut EP 'Forty-two' in 2022, I went on to win the 'Future Sound of Bristol' competition in 2023. Again, a completely surprising and delightful turn of events!
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Huh. I’m still such a newbie myself! Artistically, I’d say, lean in to your weirdness, and your sensibility. That’s what you’re offering, no matter how good you are (or not) at any particular aspect of it. Business-wise, I’d say, get guidance and use the resources out there for indie musicians – you don’t have to go it alone. And on a really mundane level, get to know the different kinds of spammers and scammers – the first person who ever messaged me about my music when I released it was a scammer, and I’d say the ratio is now about 33% people genuinely interested in my music and sending a lovely message, 33% people trying to sell me a product/service of dubious quality in a spammy way, and 33% straight-up scammers. The other 1% are wild cards!
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
I love Nat Oaks- one of the West Country's most exciting emerging artists. So cool, such a vibe. And I love Sophie Hunter - she makes amazingly original avant-pop /rap and I love her for it. Roisin Quinn is definitely one to watch (her song Good Girl is a banger!) Stacy N.K.R is one of the smoothest, I love what she’s up to.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Cold Water Music, by AIM, and 'Like a Ribbon' by John Glacier.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I love watching stand up, and i'm a big TV fan (Hence my well- documented Buffy obsession!) I love me a good story! And Chinese food. And listening to music. And a good podcast. I’m a bit Johnny-5, need more input.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Warm fruity teas, bananas, complete ego death. Y’know, the usual.