Editor's Note: This story first appeared in its original format in the new issue of Variance. Click here for the full version.

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After years in Manchester six-piece Kid British, Adio Marchant (aka Bipolar Sunshine) finally branched out on his own last year and continues to define his own identity as a solo artist.

Following two EPs and months spent on the road supporting Bastille, HAIM and Rudimental on tour, Marchant made his solo debut at SXSW in March. He admits it was somewhat overwhelming at first, but “it’s also very moving,” he explains. “I can’t express how incredible it is to perform [my] own songs and hear people sing them back to me.”

With buzz building over the past few months thanks to his Drowning Butterflies EP and the irresistible title track, now comes the challenge of turning that buzz into a career. But Marchant feels he’s ready.

“It’s intimidating,” he says. “And not that we have it easier in England, but I believe I thrive in a challenge like this because, sure, people may not understand how I talk—the lingo, but sometimes the songs can do all the talking and communicate in a way you can’t on your own. And I think where sometimes I feel inferior, the songs speak for me.”

Marchant, who’s with Polydor Records in the U.K. and Capitol Records in the States, doesn’t have to look far for inspiration as he seeks to expand internationally. Fellow Polydor labelmate Ellie Goulding is proof there’s plenty of room for British musicians in American and beyond.

“The label understands the formula,” he explains. “They understand the way that things can work, and when you go into the [music] business with someone, you want to know their track record. It’s nice to see someone like Ellie Goulding doing so many great things. She’s an inspiration for me and a great example that if you come with the right attitude and great songs, you can do great things. And no matter how prepared you are, you still need that little bit of luck. But that’s what makes this industry so fascinating.”

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Listen below to Bipolar Sunshine's cover of Lorde's "Team."