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Guitar in hand, Billianne took to the stage at Massey Hall, singing a serenade to an audience of around 2,500 with a song after an introduction by Canadian great Jann Arden.
The 19-year-old performed a rendition of Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best,” performed on Schitt’s Creek, the same song that propelled her to TikTok.
“I’ve never experienced this before,” she said of that “incredible” night in May, which was only her second big live show as a solo artist. “I can’t even describe it. It was just wild.
The road to the iconic Toronto concert hall began with his viral TikTok video, which racked up nearly two million views on the social platform – and grew his followers to over 500,000. His singing videos received more than six million likes.
The numbers amaze her.
“It’s really hard to grasp,” the Milton resident said. But it helps solidify his decision to continue on this musical path.
A few months ago, she was signed to a Los Angeles-based music label, and is now collaborating with songwriters and producers on creating demo songs, potentially for an EP. So far, they’ve released “Simply the Best” and “Que Sera Sera” on music streaming services, with two more songs to be released soon.
She also dabbled in writing.
“Lots of ballads” with a fingering guitar style in simple production and vocal instrument is how she describes the direction she is heading.
Growing up in a family of musicians, her love for music started at an early age. Billianne said she uses music as a way to move and connect with people, “because I’ve always been a quiet kid”.
At six, she remembers recording her very first song for her mother, with her brother playing the piano. Then there were recitals, talent shows and community concerts.
Reflecting on where her journey has taken her so far, including Arden’s invitation to perform on her show, she wondered, “If I were to tell my younger self where I am now, I don’t know if she would. believe me.”
You can catch Billianne next at the Homegrown Hideaway Summer Concert Series in Port Dover, Ontario. August 24.
Simply the best in the style of Noah Reid :))))
