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Posted on Thu, Jun 7, 2012 : 7:38 a.m.

Huron student Bianca Williams stays connected to late mother through music

By Pete Cunningham

Singing in the shower is a common thing. Singing to someone else while they’re in the shower? Not so much.

But that’s exactly what Huron High School junior Bianca Williams used to do for her mother, Tina.

BellaBizelle-pic1.jpg

Huron High School student Bianca Williams (above) has released four singles under the stage name "Bella Bizelle" for independent label FrontStreet Records.

Photo courtesy of FrontStreet Records

“When she was in the shower, I would sit on the toilet and sing songs to her,” Williams said, laughing at the memory.

That’s not the only time Bianca would sing for Tina. When they were in the car, or at home together, music was their connection.

Since Tina Williams' sudden and unexpected death in November at the age of 39, it’s still the way that Bianca talks to her mother.

“Sometimes I feel like it’s my only way I can connect with her and know she hears me,” Williams said. “When I sing to her I feel like that’s the only way she can hear my voice.”

Though Bianca’s connection to her mother through song may be the most valued connection she makes with her music, she hopes it’s not the only one.

Though just 17 years old, Williams—under the stage name Bella Bizelle—has already released four singles with the Fenton-based independent record label FrontStreet Records.

Williams’ first single“Klockin’”came out in October, and her most recent song “Crush” came out in May. In between, FrontStreet has released “Cover Girl” and “Randomness."

Williams hopes there is more to come.

“I want to make it big,” Williams said. “I’m very determined. I know you have to be.” Williams is also a key player on Huron's basketball team—which made it all the way to the Class A state semifinals this season —and is a talented soccer player as well.

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Bianca Williams hoists the Huron girls basketball team's district championship trophy.

During what free time she does have on weekends —when there's no school or basketball training to deal with —Williams is at FrontStreet from nearly sun up to sun down.

"Sometimes 9 in the morning, 10 in the morning until 10 at night," Williams said. "Every weekend we start bright and early (and stay) until it’s dark."

After basketball season, Williams decided not to play soccer because she said she needed time to mourn.

“I needed to take this time off to find myself, get myself going for my motivation,” Williams said.

Williams said the music she’s produced since—her already released singles were all done before her mother’s death—has been influenced heavily by the experience.

“She was like my best friend, my life,” Williams said. “I have more emotion (in the music) because I just feel like nothing worse could possible happen. Like I feel like I’ve been to the bottom.”

Williams isn’t the sole writer of her music. FrontStreet founder and CEO Dave Kelly says her work so far has been more of a collaborative effort.

Kelly first met Williams through her father, Howard, two years ago and said her talent was obvious and diversity has been an asset.

“We started exploring different songs to work with her and we’ve found she’s had the ability to chameleon into it all,” Kelly said. “That’s great because with Bianca and what we find with a lot of youth is they're into a lot of genres. They like to listen to it all.”

Williams’ music interests are as diverse as advertised, ranging from Rhianna to One Direction, Coldplay and even dubstep. She said she doesn’t model her music necessarily after anyone, though.

“I don’t think I’m like anyone; at least I don’t try to be,” Williams said.

Comments

tre

Thu, Jun 7, 2012 : 6:28 p.m.

Bianca I hope you get to read this...I read your first story and it's amazing to see you are still persistent in pursuing your dreams. You look like Mya on the picture in other words you look amazing. I'm sorry for the lost of your beautiful mother and I find it touching that you shared your story. You are a star in the making and very goal oriented. Your mother will always be at your side looking over you, so trust your gut instincts. We going to look forward to hearing you on the radio soon and god bless you.....you are a winner!

zanzerbar

Thu, Jun 7, 2012 : 5:23 p.m.

Love the photo. Look's like she's in her garage,looking to break thru...Best of Luck! ( Your on your way )

MjC

Thu, Jun 7, 2012 : 12:49 p.m.

Your mother is watching over you and must be so proud. Keep on singing, keep on believing, and keep on following your dreams... go rats!!

a2grateful

Thu, Jun 7, 2012 : 12:14 p.m.

Ms Williams, We are very sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. Continue singing to her, and believe that in her perfect place, she has perfect mind, body, and spirit. She hears you. She loves you. She is still with you, for the rest of your life and beyond. Best wishes in your academics, music, sports, and life!

anotherannarborite

Thu, Jun 7, 2012 : 11:58 a.m.

I'm glad you included the picture of her in her regular life.