Bonavega

Taking inspiration from the 80’s and making music that has a glam pop style independent American artist BONAVEGA drops his new single Nurture Boy and it’s a catchy tune that will linger in your head long after you’ve stop listening. Live he is dramatic and unorthodox and he is determined to push creative boundaries making this artist one to look out for! BONAVEGA took some time out to answer some questions for Hi FI Way: The Pop Chronicles.

You’re relatively unknown in Australia so can you tell us “Who is Bonavega?”
That’s a big question. On the surface BONAVEGA is an Avant Glam Rock/Pop musician. Underneath that however, BONAVEGA is an escape from the constructs of society. My live performances act as a sanctuary for those in need of creative self expression and overall personal acceptance.

I’ve seen some of your videos and you have a very unique style and look. I really love it! I see a lot of 80’s influences. Where did you draw your inspiration to create Bonavega?
I’ve always loved the 80’s aesthetic. Many of my musical influences are from the 80’s as well so I think it just naturally turned out that way.

When did you first start to sing and create music? Has this always been your calling?
I’ve been listening to and totally obsessed with music since I was a child. However the truth is that I’ve only really started to intentionally create my own music over the past 6 years. Once I moved to LA I opened up the flood gates of creativity and things started to flow out like an open faucet.

Do you write and produce your own music? Or do you collaborate with other artists/producers?
In the beginning I worked closely with a good friend of mine Michael McGehee. Recently I’ve been writing and producing everything myself. I occasionally will have help mixing or mastering a track.

You have a new single out called Nurture Boy. After hearing it I was instantly transported to the 80s. It’s so catchy. I must admit it has been on repeat! Tell us how this song came about and what it means.
Well this song came out of nowhere as many of my songs do. Its basically about the concept of “Nature” or “Nurture”. The people we are today is based so much on how we were raised for better of for worse… This poem by Phillip Larkin sums it up…

They fuck you up, your mum and dad.
They may not mean to, but they do.
They fill you with the faults they had
And add some extra, just for you.

Your musical sound seems to push boundaries. Is this a conscious effort to not sound like anyone else and establish yourself as a unique artist in today’s world where so many sound the same?
Its not intentional to be “different” I think it just comes down to influences and what you’re trying to express beyond the music that makes your sound. I grew up listening to music like Sammy Davis Jr., Bach, and Whitesnake…so you do the math 😉

In 2017 you released your EP Auto Body Fixation. Will there be an album in the works soon with new music?
I don’t have any plans to release an album unless I get signed. I don’t have the time or resources to make an entire album and plus I like just dropping singles. I think one song at a time is more palatable anyways in today’s fast paced culture.

Your live shows look wild and exciting. It seems you don’t have any inhibitions when it comes to performing. Where does this eccentric yet electrifying energy come from?
That comes from a life of creative suppression. I grew up in a very religious and conservative home. That is a great breeding ground for rock stars and strippers. Which I apparently took on both those traits.

I’m pretty sure Australian audiences would love your live shows. Any plans to tour our country one day so we can see your exciting performances?
Absolutely! I’ve heard great things about Australia. I would love to come some time.

Are you familiar with the Australian music scene? What are your thoughts on Aussie music?
The main band I know is Client Liaison and I’m obsessed. They are a very inspiring band and are right up my alley. I would love to play on the same bill as them. It would be a perfect fit in my opinion.

Who are your musical influences and who do you listen to in your down time?
I mainly listened to jazz in my downtime. Coltrane, Miles Davis, Dean Martin, Wayne Shorter. Jazz holds a special place in my heart and is the one style of music I can really sit back and relax while I listen. I think its because I have yet to conquer jazz guitar and so its still very inspiring and exciting to experience.

If you could describe yourself in one word what would it be?
Confused.

Interview by Anastasia Lambis