Art I Loved Lately: Brunette Champion

Brunette Champion is the project of Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Bianca Ocampo. I first came across her music through her 2022 EP, The Luxury of Living Slow, a tender collection of songs that stayed on repeat for much of the year. I’ve enjoyed hearing her sound evolve from the intimate, acoustic guitar-forward tracks of that EP to her latest single, “Essex Street,” which includes some truly beautiful arrangements. Fans of Julia Jacklin, Mazzy Star, and Karen O… tap in! She is currently working on her first LP, with her next single releasing later this year.

Here’s the art she’s loved lately:

The Invite

I committed to a monthly movie theater membership as part of a larger push for activity-based hangs with friends (as opposed to just grabbing dinner or drinks) and recently watched The Invite with my bestie. Seeing a movie, working on things we’ve been putting off, or doing a fitness class together has been more fulfilling for my lifestyle lately.

Stainless steel goblet from a restaurant supply store

Every time I go into one of these it feels like a hack. You’re saying I can buy dessert dishes from the restaurant and therefore feel like I’m at a restaurant? Sign me up. I bought this stainless steel goblet for like $5 and I use it for fruits, dessert, and even as a glass for my extra dirty martini—bonus points ‘cause it keeps it icy cold.

“Favorite Daughter” by Lorde

Sometime last year I just stopped caring about singing out loud in public, and this song is partially responsible.

Jason Segel

I just watched I Love You, Man (his character is amazing outfit inspo) and recently finished Shrinking, which is basically him in his Gilmore Girls era.

2019 music

Such as: “DHL” and “In My Room” by Frank Ocean and “Summertime in Paris” by Jaden Smith. These reminds me of a glorious time pre-COVID before we knew everything was about to change.

My new bedtime routine

Historically I’ve identified as someone who thrives on spontaneity and novelty, but I’ve realized that I was constantly seeking dopamine because I was always stressed about something. I decided to make a shift in my habits and I’m learning to love routine, consistency, and finding healthy ways to destress like taking my sweet time to cook a wholesome meal, or Gua Sha and unwinding before bed with a calming frequencies playlist that makes me feel like I’m in a high-end spa. Unfortunately it is true what they say: when you exercise, sleep well, and try to nourish your body, you genuinely feel way better. I guess I’m maturing.

Follow Brunette Champion on Instagram @brunettechampion