q&a: bonjah
After only five years, Bonjah have a rather impressive CV under their collective belt. The Kiwi ex-pats have played over 500 shows and even in this tumultuous musical climate, they’ve still managed to sell 20,000 CD units (before they were signed to Shock Records), and now they’re sitting pretty within the music scene, about to launch a second album and national tour.
With their energetic performances, and a sound fusing both rock and roots, Bonjah have been solidly moving onwards and upwards, and bassist, Dave Morgan, had a chat to lip!
Describe your sound in five words or less.
Organic, Enjoyable.
Was there a particular moment or artist that made you want to pursue music?
In 1993, Keely Conrick (the cutest girl in school) started playing sax so I started tuba. In 1995, I saw the video clip for ‘Pure Massacre’ by Silverchair, I couldn’t stop jumping around the lounge and on the couches. Nirvana had a lot to do with it too.
How do you find the music scene differs in Australia compared to New Zealand?
Although the music scene thrives in NZ and there are some amazing artists there, Australia just has a bigger industry with more people & places to play. Both are amazing.
Where do you ideally want to be in five years time? Where do you realistically think you will be in five years time?
In 5 years I would like to be touring Europe/UK playing sold out theatre shows and eating great food. Realistically, I’ll probably be in Maribyrnong skating down to highpoint to buy some $1 gyoza from Obento.
Who do you most admire?
My mother, she lives in a house bus and travels around NZ with the love of her life. Gypsy happiness.
A song I wish I wrote/played
Anything by Leonard Cohen. Majestical songwriter.
I couldn’t live without…
My dog, and $1 gyoza from Obento at highpoint
The best advice I ever received was…
Stay open to diversity in all areas of life and keep in touch when you can
When I was little I wanted to…
Be a scientist and find the cure for cancer
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Peeing in the shower.
Is there a question you’ve always wanted to be asked?
Do you believe in aliens/god/ghosts?
Bonjah’s second album, Go Go Chaos, will be out on July 15 through Shock Records. They’ll be on the road promoting the release in August and September, starting with a gig at the Indi Bar in Scarborough, WA, on August 17. Click here for all the tour info!
