Bimbo Boy is proud of his pink personality

Last week, the local entertainment magazine Nöjesmix wrote this article about me with an interview:

The editorial staff received a letter from Bimbo Boy. A sparkling artist in pink, from Sandviken, who thought that some attention would be nice and who was hoping to perform in this year's Stockholm Pride Festival.

Why do you call yourself Bimbo Boy?
It's because I've always looked up to female artists with a sexy image, for example Kylie Minogue and Samantha Fox. They've often been called bimbos by the media and that got me really pissed off. They haven't been taken seriously because of their image and I think that is wrong. So I decided to call myself Bimbo Boy, just to start some kind of discussion. Besides, not many guys would call themselves a bimbo since the word seems to only apply women. Bimbo Boy is a kind of provocative name for an artist and people notice it, which I like.

What's the goal with you being an artist?
The most important thing of course is the music, but I also see the music as a way to mediate things. I believe, as an artist, you have greater possibilities to reach people and make your voice heard.

Why do you use music and not other forms of art?
I both write and draw a lot and I'm very interested in movies. But music is what I like the best, I think. I grew up with music, and I'm surrounded by it every day. Besides, music is something we all receive, whether we like it or nor.

Will you be playing during the Pride Festival this year?
Well, yes, we'll see what the summer will bring. I've been in touch with Lars Åke Wilhelmsson – Babsan, that is – who offered me to perform at the Patricia gay club this summer.

What are you doing currently?
At the moment I'm working on the release of my debut single, so there's quite a lot to do. The most fun part, besides singing of course, is to market yourself, I think. I've gotten really good at that the last few years.

What do you do when you're not your alter ego – when you're just Dennis?
During the weekdays I study at a folk high school and the rest of the time I hang out with my friends, do some shopping or enjoy movies and music.

What are the goals for the next three years?
The goal is to be able to work with my music full time, and eventually be able to support myself doing what I like. In general, I want to have a healthy life, do a lot of fun stuff and maybe even find myself a boyfriend.

What do you think about the music in Sandviken?
Actually, I don't know much about local bands. I listen to plastic pop and disco and I don't think that genre is really represented around here. But if anyone knows any band within that genre, just let me know.

What would you like to say to the local inhabitants?
Never forget to be yourselves, and if you're ever sad, buy something pink. It always works for me.

Nöjesmix
http://www.nojesmix.com

What is courage?

When you hear the word "courage" many of you might think of superheroes and freedom fighters like Gandhi and Martin Luther King. When I hear "courage" I think of all those everyday heroes among us. I believe these unknown heroes are just as important as all the known ones.

So, who is an everyday hero? To me it's a person who is himself and who dares to stand up for his opinions. A person who dares to go against the stream and not fall for peer pressure. I think it's very important one dares to be oneself. I often see people who keep quiet about their opinions because they're afraid what everyone else might think. It's sad to see so many people take a lot of crap from others, and to just keep it within themselves. I wouldn't be able to stand it if I wasn't able to express my opinion.

Is it fair to pretend to be someone you're not and agree with everything, only so you won't be seen as an outsider? I would rather be an outsider than to pretend to be someone else. I believe the most important thing is to be yourself, and if we don't take that chance, then we've lost part of our identity.

I once knew a person who thought I was selfish and self-centered because I don't get involved in world problems. He also believed every human should actively work for peace on earth, and see to it that justice is made. This guy also believed everyone should be politically active, and as I wasn't very read up on politics and world wars, he patronized me. He almost seemed to think I was stupid.

I agree there is a need for commitment, but I also think there are many ways to show that you care. Not everyone can be engaged in the same things. I become very depressed when I hear about war and similar things, and politics really aren't my thing. As already there are many who are a lot more read up on those things, I think it's better I leave it to them. Instead I try to concentrate on changing the world on a smaller scale. I try to improve my surrounding and work against bullying and prejudice.

I don't think I'm a worse person because I'm not politically active, but I believe there are plenty of ways to improve the world. For me, it's about concentrating on my own surroundings. For me, courage doesn't need to be about fighting for world peace. It can be about daring to say your opinion and stand up for what you believe in.

I would like to give a standing ovation to all those everyday heroes out there, and those of you who dare to be yourself. Hang in there!

© Dennis Svedberg Hellström
http://www.bimboboy.com

Scholarship

Today I got a culture scholarship. After reading about my project and listening to my music the Lars Bucan fund decided to give me 3000 Swedish crowns. I feel very honoured and the money will go to my music production.

By the way, the online magazine Newsmix.se has written an article about me and my music.

Bimbo Boy
http://www.bimboboy.com

Recorded new songs

On December 18th and 19th I recorded the three new songs "Je Suis Une Superstar", "Make You Come" and "I Keep My Pants On" at Shortlist Studios in Stockholm together with Måns Ek and Istvan Stenberg. I had so much fun and I am very pleased with the result!

Bimbo Boy
http://www.bimboboy.com

New songs coming up

Things are starting to happen! My official website is getting a new layout and I'm rehearsing the new songs I will record in a few weeks. I'm really looking forward to go into a studio again because it's been a wile. Hang in there friends!

Bimbo Boy
http://www.bimboboy.com

Eurovision Song Contest

Today a friend of mine told me that her friends had written a song that will compete in the Swedish Eurovision Song Contest. She asked me if I would consider performing the song in the contest. I was very flattered but turned it down. I don't think I'm ready for that kind of competition yet. But I am still very flattered!

Bimbo Boy
http://www.bimboboy.com

Christina Aguilera

I've been to Christina Aguilera's concert at Globen in Stockholm together with my sister and my friend Susanna. I met a few friends there and also got the opportunity to shake hands with Sara from A-Teens. The concert was wonderful and Christina was glamorous as always!

Bimbo Boy
http://www.bimboboy.com