MEET THE MUSICIAN
Mide Bickersteth
Astrogenica
Music and Identity: How would you describe your sound or style?
I'd describe my sound as cinematic, emotional, and genre-fluid. As Astrogenica, I don't like putting myself in a single musical box because I'm inspired by so many different styles, from alternative pop and electronic music to orchestral scores and video game soundtracks. Before I even owned a MIDI keyboard, I already had melodies and musical concepts constantly playing in my head, which is what inspired my project I Had a Concept Before I Had a MIDI.
Growing up in Central London and training in both drama and music has had a huge influence on the way I create. I started writing songs in 2022 after joining a music school, and since then I've developed my own approach as a singer, songwriter, producer, and synthetic guitar instrumentalist. Every song I write aims to tell a story or create a world that listeners can step into.
Studying at the Academy of Contemporary Music has also shaped my sound, particularly through my experience composing music for games. I love building atmosphere, emotion, and narrative through sound, so my music often feels immersive and visual. Whether I'm creating something intimate or more experimental, authenticity is always at the centre of what I do. My goal is to make music that resonates emotionally and encourages people to imagine, reflect, and feel.
Storytelling: What do you want people to feel when they listen to your music?
More than anything, I want people to feel understood. Whether someone is going through a difficult period, celebrating a new chapter, or simply taking a moment to escape from everyday life, I hope my music gives them a space where they can connect with their emotions without judgement.
As a songwriter and producer, I'm interested in creating immersive experiences rather than just songs. I want listeners to feel like they're stepping into a different world, almost like the soundtrack to a story or a game. My background in drama and my experience composing music for games have definitely influenced that approach, as I'm always thinking about atmosphere, emotion, and narrative.
I also want my music to inspire creativity. I Had a Concept Before I Had a MIDI reflects the idea that imagination comes before the tools. You don't need expensive equipment or the perfect setup to have something meaningful to say—you just need a vision and the determination to bring it to life. If someone finishes listening to my music feeling comforted, inspired, or motivated to create something of their own, then I've achieved what I set out to do.
Processes and Perspective: What’s the most unexpected thing music has taught you?
The most unexpected thing music has taught me is patience. When I first started songwriting, I thought every idea had to be perfect straight away, but I've learned that creativity doesn't work like that. Some of my best ideas have come from allowing myself the time to experiment, make mistakes, and trust the process.
Career and Impact: If someone listens to your music 10 years from now, what do you hope they hear or feel?
I hope they hear honesty and imagination. Trends will always come and go, but I want my music to feel timeless because it's rooted in genuine emotion and storytelling. If someone discovers my music a decade from now, I'd love for it to make them feel the same way it did when I first created it—curious, comforted, inspired, or simply understood.
Personal Reflection: What’s one truth about your creative journey that has stayed with you?
I've learned that creativity isn't about having all the right tools or knowing all the answers. It's about showing up with an idea and being willing to nurture it. That's a lesson that's shaped both my music and my mindset, and it's something that inspired I Had a Concept Before I Had a MIDI. The concept always comes first—the equipment simply helps bring it to life.
As a Black British woman creating music, I also carry my own experiences, influences, and perspective into everything I make. Rather than seeing that as something that sets me apart, I've learned to see it as one of my greatest strengths. Staying authentic to who I am has become the foundation of my creative journey, and it's a principle I know I'll carry with me wherever my music takes me.