Vocalist and violinist Violeta Vicci and pianist Bruno Bavota have released their new single “Golden Raindrops,” offering a first preview of their debut album as a duo, Be Human.
Vicci, known for work alongside Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood, joined Bavota after an initial meeting at a London recording studio last year. The session began without a defined plan. However, a brief delay led to time spent talking in a nearby park, which helped establish a creative rapport. Once recording began, the pair completed ten tracks over several days, forming a full album.
Be Human reflects that first encounter. Most material was recorded in single takes, with minimal post-production, in order to retain a live performance feel.
Bavota said the project initially focused on a small set of recordings. “We planned to record a couple of tracks,” he noted. “Instead, we completed ten. The process evolved naturally once we began working together.”
Vicci described the album as a spontaneous exchange between two artists. She emphasized a direct approach, with simple harmonic structures and limited revision. According to Vicci, each track functions as a dialogue that reflects emotional contrasts and everyday experiences.
In support of the release, the duo will perform a series of UK dates. These include an album launch show at Servant Jazz Quarters on 3 June.
“Our aim initially was to record a couple of tracks to begin our collaboration and release as standalone singles,” says Bruno of the recording sessions. “Luckily, our studio time was delayed on the first day and Violeta and I had time for a nice talk in the park while eating a focaccia. That talk really helped to build our bond. When we eventually got into the studio, instead of two songs we recorded ten. Something magical happened!”
Violeta adds, “Be Human is a beautifully spontaneous record, where inspiration and the energy of a new encounter came together in a very special and unexpected way. Harmonic simplicity, first takes, no overthinking or overproducing lead to a most magical result. We were both surprised how well we understood each other’s musical language so seamlessly. Each track is a dialogue, mapping life’s ups and downs, compromises, raw emotions, a beauty born from contrast. This is more than a collaboration, it tells a universal story – life’s journey we all go through, a journey within and beyond. It tells the story of what it means to be human.”
Violinist and vocalist Violeta Vicci is a multi-faceted contemporary classical and electronic artist with Spanish and Swiss roots. Based in London, she draws inspiration from her deep connection to nature, using field recordings, layered strings, atmospheric vocals and immersive visuals.
She has opened for The Orb’s extensive UK tour, Marconi Union, and System7, and collaborated with artists such as Jonsi (Sigur Rós), Clint Mansell, Thom Yorke, Elbow, Fontaines DC, Jonny Greenwood, and Bat For Lashes. Her music has received national and international radio play on BBC Radio 3, BBC Radio 6 Music, RAI3, RNE, KEXP, Dublab, and Radio Hanover.
Violeta has performed at prestigious venues like The Royal Albert Hall, Paris Philharmonie, The Barbican, as well as festivals including British Summer Time, SGP, and Glastonbury.
Bruno Bavota is an Italian composer and multi-instrumentalist with seemingly boundless potential, known for his unique mix of ambient, modern classical, experimental music, and an extraordinary gift for marrying the intellectual and emotional into earnest and profoundly effective songs. Armed with a plethora of outboard effects pedals and processors, Bavota manually manipulates his songs in real time as he performs – often with his bare hands engaged in a seesaw battle of construction against obstruction.
Bavota’s music is characterized by its emotive and introspective nature, typically evoking a sense of deep contemplation and reflection. His compositions are marked by delicate melodies, intricate harmonies, and a keen attention to detail. Drawing inspirations from a wide range of influences, including classical music, post-rock and electronic music, Bavota creates a sound that is both timeless and contemporary.