Along for the Ride With L.A.’s Newest Indie Pop Star BØRNS

Jordan Bailey

To know BØRNS the indie pop musician, one must first know Borns the child entertainer. Growing up in Michigan, Borns would spend his childhood submersed in the arts, particularly within music, drawing and magic. As a ten-year-old, Borns spent his nights perfecting magic tricks, which he would then showcase at a local restaurant for diners who wondered what this kid was selling when he approached their table with a bag full of who knows what. From there, Borns began focusing on visual art, even receiving a college scholarship based on his drawings by the age of 13, and by 14 he began studying at one of Michigan’s most renowned Arts Centers. All of this entertaining and craftsmanship can be easily translated into his current life as a full-fledged musician. “I kind of feel like the same sort of excitement as I did as a ten-year-old,” says BØRNS. “I get to wear a costume and entertain an audience. That feeds my adrenaline.”

One look at BØRNS today, or even a listen to his music, instantly screams “entertainer”; His style seems to be taken straight from a fashion runway, with bold prints, bright colors and patterns for days. Part of the appeal of being a magician for BØRNS was the idea of wearing a costume, an idea he proudly displays on stage as a musician. When asked if there’s a contrast between his style on stage and his everyday wear, BØRNS laughingly admits, “I realize my suitcase is not big enough for tour(ing), so some things had to be recycled into everyday clothes.”

You may notice the peculiar “slashed o” in Borns’ stage name. Contrary to what that may indicate, BØRNS has no relation to Scandinavia, aside from his affinity for Swedish musicians like Lykke Li and Amason. This particular letter does say a lot about who he is as an artist. “If you translate the slashed o,” explains BØRNS, “it (means) children, and I like that because I write without inhibitions and that’s kind of how children create.”

The first bit of success for BØRNS came with the release of his single “10,000 Emerald Pools” from his debut EP “Candy.” The video from which had him dangling upside down in a pool mouthing his enchanting lyrics while a beautiful siren swam around him. The single caught the attention of Interscope Records, which quickly signed him for obvious reasons. It’s all history from there. After the release of “Candy,” BØRNS showcased his talent on “Conan,” “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” and a six-week tour with Mister Wives. BØRNS’ most recent release is a debut full-length album entitled “Dopamine.” “I wanted to put the listeners in a world,” says BØRNS. “Tommy English, who produced the album, and I put it together in a way that’s kind of a trip for your ears. It’s a headphone album for sure! All the layers and textures kind of puts you in some sort of a headspin. It’s some sort of crazy, sensual, lustful, sweet little daydream.” It’s an apt analysis indeed. “Dopamine” seems to pick up where MGMT’s “Oracular Spectacular” left off in 2007. That semi-psychedelic trip of an album – powerful melodies, incredibly catchy – transports you into a world of the artist’s choosing. One of the singles from “Dopamine,” “Electric Love” was an insanely catchy pop track that was launched into space after being featured in a Hulu commercial.

BØRNS is currently on tour supporting “Dopamine,” a stint that will take him all over the States, as well as Australia, the UK and Europe. “It’s pretty crazy being on the road and having to ground yourself in every city. It’s pretty much (like) riding the wave and feeding off the momentum.” The wave that is BØRNS is a powerful one indeed. One that’s powered by a highly creative, level-headed artist. Only time will tell how high this wave will rise.