be kind to bees is a remarkable 48-year-old self-taught musician whose journey into the world of music began during a particularly challenging phase of life marked by persistent insomnia. It was during these sleepless nights that they stumbled upon the slowcore and sadcore genres—a discovery that proved to be profoundly transformative. The artist has expressed how slowcore resonated deeply, offering a form of healing and solace that they desperately needed.
Drawing inspiration from emotive artists such as “i stared at you for hours“, “subtle life enthusiast” or “hurts worse“, be kind to bees began to channel their experiences into music, capturing the raw emotions that come with sleeplessness. Their sound is heavily influenced by celebrated bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, Sparklehorse, and Kurt Vile, all of which contribute to a rich tapestry of melancholic, introspective melodies.
Characterized primarily as slowcore lo-fi pop, the music embodies an unrefined charm—embracing imperfections and celebrating the little mistakes that come with non-perfect lo-fi recordings. The artist resides in the breathtaking heart of the Alps in Austria, where the stunning natural landscapes continue to inspire their creative process. Excitingly, they are already planning to expand their musical horizons by working on more lo-fi slowcore ambient tracks in the future.
Their self-titled debut EP showcases the artistry that has emerged from those restless nights, and it has genuinely captivated me with its raw honesty and emotional depth. Listening to it transported me back to the early days of Z Tapes, where I released a plethora of lo-fi bedroom pop that carries a similar emotional weight to this EP. In particular, I was reminded of the essence of Laptop Funeral, which depicted a beautifully fragile world that echoes throughout these four tracks.
This EP is not just an auditory experience; it evokes vivid memories of my own encounters with the Austrian Alps—an enchanting region where I’ve spent many winter holidays skiing and taking in the majestic natural beauty. Each of the four tracks is a poignant expression of vulnerability, offering a blend of melancholy and serenity. If you have an appreciation for the slowcore genre, which has been gaining traction in recent months, this EP is a must-listen.
As I close my eyes to the soothing melodies, I can almost feel the fresh alpine breeze against my skin, allowing my mind to drift away with the music. I am incredibly grateful be kind to bees has transformed their personal hardships into such powerful artistic expressions. Having faced insomnia myself in the past, I relate to the emotional weight of these songs even more deeply. Each track feels like a precious gem, and I wholeheartedly recommend giving them a listen.
I am truly excited to see what this talented artist will create next. Their age serves as a beautiful reminder that it is never too late to pursue one’s passion for music and share it with the world.
Written by Filip Zemcik
