‘New EP’ is where a band or artist answers some questions about their latest release. Up next is Bravo Bonez, whose debut EP has just been released to positive reviews.
When/where was the new EP recorded?
At my recording studio, PureSound Studios in central Wellington, in August 2020.
Who produced/engineered the EP? How did the tracks come together in the studio, or at home?
It is self produced and engineered. The EP was a result of a DJ course which I had been doing in Wellington, and a class performance was planned, so I created a body of my own work to do this. I wanted it to reflect the type of performance I wanted to do going forward. I don’t want to play at clubs, I would like to play at small venues, like cafes, bars and restaurants, maybe outside in a relaxed setting, keeping the BPM around 60-80. The EP is deliberately pegged at 80bpm to give the music a more laidback feel than what most expect from a DJ set.
Did the shorter format of an EP give you the option to experiment in any way with your sound or with different forms of song writing?
Not really, it was basically out of convenience. I was meant to do a 15 min set, so that pretty much dictated the format.
Was there any specific gear you used to capture that?
I’m a big fan of Ableton Live and Logic Pro X, so the EP is a mixture of loops and my own arrangements, initially put together on Ableton Live then mixed and mastered on Logic Pro X. I’m also a big fan of Native Instruments product range and use Komplete Kontrol and virtual instruments such as Spitfire Audio.
Is there a particular track or theme that the EP was formed around?
Yes, I’ve been undergoing a period of intense pressure as a result of personal attacks on myself, and this EP was a positive expression of release. Taking quite a dark period and turning it into something quite positive.
Where do you see the EP’s place in growing an audience online? Do you see it as a progression towards an album or a separate entity?
Despite the sombre background to the EP, I was really only creating music that people liked listening to, probably in the background, hopefully to make them feel a little more happy and uplifted. So if someone was listening to this while they were having a cocktail or two, I’d be very happy. I have no great expectations of this EP’s commercial performance. All I did was create what I would like to listen to myself, and hopefully a few other people may like it as well.
Which digital platforms is it available on?
On all major distribution platforms globally. [Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon]
Are you doing any gigs or promotion for its release?
Not really. But watch this space in 6 months or so. I do have a vision for live gigs which will incorporate a combination of DJ mixing, improvisation and instrumental performances including violin, guitar and vocals.
What other projects/ music have you been working on?
Alba Rose and I have competed a project called ARLS, recorded at Roundhead in Auckland, and finished off at Ocean Sound Recordings in Norway. We are planning to release the “MELD” EP in mid 2021. We have already released one single, in August last year called LUCKY. I also have an identity for my post-punk/pop genre music called Learning To Dive and have completed an EP (also in Norway) which will be released from January 2021. Its called ‘Norwegian Pop’. It is very different to the current EP. I have another project also. Called Haikyo which will cover the ambient instrumental music which I’m currently working on.
If you have any advice, for those going through a hard place in their life, what would you say?
Explore your support networks to find out those who would support you when you really need it. Talk to them as often as which is practical for both you and them. And remember they have invested emotional capital in you by listening, and you need to value that fully in your ongoing interactions with that person.
If you have an advice for those who are older wanting to try something new or purse a passion?
Don’t limit yourself in terms of age. Forget age and just behave as you feel. If you feel 25 and your 55, then just do it. Don’t worry about what people think. Despite the darkness and problems I have had, I’m also having some of the best times I’ve ever had in my life, through pursuing what I love, and not letting my age stop me from changing paths and trying new things.