Producer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist Bravo Bonez, under his LearningToDive identity, is releasing the first single "Drums of War", off an upcoming EP. LearningToDive (LTD) as an identity focuses on Bravo’s more serious thoughts and perspectives on society and the planet. Distinct from his usual upbeat, retro, or lo-fi-focused tones, LTD as an identity explores alternative themes with darker, more complex layers. Bravo has always had a rather cynical attitude towards war and the way populations are manipulated to achieve the aims of small groups of very powerful people. The Ukraine War has really affected him, and although he strongly believes in the right of the Ukrainian people to defend their homeland and their society, he also sees some of the same features of many other wars on both sides of the conflict.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey LearningToDive, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
I can't remember specifically attracted me to music, but I was very young. Maybe it was my parents taking me to symphony orchestra concerts at the age of 4. I used to lie in bed and compose symphonies in my head. I thought they were great. Probably weren't!
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
I am very interested in financial markets and geopolitics. I am also a keen skier. I like staying active and walk pretty much everywhere.
Your latest song is 'Drums of War'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
"Drums of War" is driven by my ongoing reaction to the tragedy of the Ukraine War. I have followed it's development since 2014 and am very cynical about the motives of both Russia and the USA. I strongly believe that Ukraine should be given all the resources possible to defend their land, their people and their society, corrupt though much of it is. Hopefully that can improve once they win. I know they are trying to fight it.
Can you reveal the recipe for a musical hit?
Whatever it is, I don't think I am following it. If you hear, can you let me know please?
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
I own a recording studio and use the imperatives of client service to force myself to upskill across a range of areas. I have made significant progress, especially in terms of engineering, mixing and arranging.
What inspires you as an artist? Could it be the sea, the weather or something else?
Anything to be honest. Most of my music is about nothing specific in particular but is a re-meshing of different thoughts and experiences I have had in my life. It can be political (e.g. Drums of War) or about failed relationships (I'll Smile from the Norwegian Pop album).
How do you spend your free time? What makes you feel relaxed?
I love watching YouTube tutorials, especially on music, recording, and also film production.
Do you have a mentor or coach?
I had a therapist for awhile. I found that useful. But no mentor or coach.
Do you think it's easy to become established in the music world, or is it difficult?
I think it is very easy to become a musician, but to become established one needs to create, learn, produce from a multi-disciplinary perspective (e.g. music & film), network and develop business skills. I have noticed the ones that do well do all of those things.
What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next five to 10 years?
I have modest aspirations. I would like to release much more music, and maybe do more in the film area. I am also looking to further build up my recording studio.