An ode to mid-90s Neo Soul and Acid Jazz, and the UK pop charts of the time. Full of drama, accentuated by soaring strings, jazz flute and horns. Layered vocals. Some have said the track sounds like the Brand New Heavies. Others say it sounds like a James Bond theme. Written by Bravo Bonez and Alba Rose. Featuring Alba Rose on vocals. Produced by Greg Haver and Bravo Bonez. Mixed by Simon Gooding. Additional bass guitar by Mark Hughes. Additional guitar by Simon Gooding. Additional drums and percussion by Greg Haver. Recorded at Roundhead Studios (New Zealand) and PureSound Studios (New Zealand). Mastered by Ryan Smith at Sterling Sound (Nashville, USA).
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hello Bravo Bonez. What first got you into music?
I have been a creator of music from a very young age. I remember composing symphonies in my head at the age of four. I thought they were great but probably weren’t. But that has been my angle on music all along…I prefer creating it to playing it. I was subjected to years of classical violin lessons and hated it, always wanting to create my own sound. I have sporadically had a go at it several times over my life, this recent spell starting back in 2012, and accelerating in 2018/2019.
What do you think your role is in this world?
To be nothing more than a kind, caring and decent person. I have varied over time as to how well I have succeeded at that. Otherwise I have no grandiose plans, although calling myself Bravo Bonez may seem at odds with that.
Your latest track is 'TREASON (feat. Alba Rose)'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
I really wanted to create an acid jazz-influenced track, and brought in a range of retro influences right from the start. You can hear trip hop, jazz and even 60s “Philly” themes in the track. But also wanted it to have that production sheen that showed up in so many tracks of the mid-late 90s. I started with a trip hop loop and went from there. The trip hop loop is still submerged very deep in the production. I also developed the main hook then Alba Rose developed the lyrics and verse melodies from there. As for anything unusual happening, I’m afraid not. It was all rather well ordered and we finished things pretty much on schedule. Alba Rose, as well as being very talented, is very quick and efficient in the studio. Look out for her latest single “Mountains”. It has just started charting in New Zealand.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
You will see “Music, Hope, Love” all over my website and socials. And I strongly believe that even though it sounds superficial, if we all lived our lives passing those things on, the world would be a better place.
How do you spend your time?
I have a recording studio and label, PureSound, as well as a small wholesale financial advisory business. I have quite unstructured working days, which I enjoy.
What are you most proud of?
It’s not music but it is kind of related to it. That I anticipated the upwards path of Bitcoin back in 2015 and managed to get a substantial number of people onboard. As a result quite a number of musicians saw their personal financial situation enhanced dramatically in subsequent years.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
I know he’s sadly not around anymore, but David Bowie would be cool.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
I am an avid reader and watcher of YouTube tutorials and have developed my production skills substantially. I kick myself sometimes thinking what I am doing with my studio compared to where I was five years ago. I also take bass lessons from the guy who played bass on “TREASON”, Mark Hughes. He’s cool.
Do you think that technology is improving lives?
Absolutely, but as with all aspects of human development, there are side effects that have to be dealt with. I strongly believe that one of the reasons that we have not yet had a nuclear war, despite the tensions between the West and Russia, is that leaders are more visible than they used to be. A bit like the panopticon, technology has modified behaviour. Privacy is a cost though.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to do more of the same. Build the studio up, release some more music under both my Bravo Bonez identity and my LearningToDive identity (trip hoppy). And also try and anticipate some of those big financial and geopolitical swings.