Exposed Vocals interviews Bonolo Thomas from South Africa

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

 

Bonolo: I grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. Music has always been a thing for me, regardless of the context. I was a typical primary/high school scholar. I never formally studied music nor did I ever learn an instrument. I was in the choir and touring choir however, which had been my closest connection to music. I decided to become an artist when I relocated to Cape Town to study because the music scene there is just amazing. Cape Town is endless source of musical inspiration.

 

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

 

Bonolo: Well I just decided to keep my name simple and to the point. I can be very cheesy and corny, so I avoided all of that and simply stuck to my actual name.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

 

Bonolo: Online music is an amazing phenomenon in my opinion. Artists are given so much creative freedom because the music game has literally transformed into an honest, open, generous space. I am always open to sharing my music for free, provided you ask me. I just think making my music downloadable (on soundcloud especially) is not safe. Anyone can literally swipe a beat and rap/sing/do whatever on it. This is why I prefer to be asked, as it allows for me to at least monitor the actual whereabouts of my art.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

Bonolo: DO YOU HOMIE. Literally just stick to your guns and flourish. This game starts with a “real recognize real” dynamic between the artist and the listener. What I mean is that you will reach the people you want to reach if just do you properly. Be real with yourself.

 

Also, in the beginning of your gigging career (if that even makes sense) be open to playing for free. Put people on for free, make sure you kill it so that they want more of you. Then you can charge for gigs only after some sort of reputation has been built. Cockiness and arrogance ain’t shit in this game.

 

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

 

Bonolo: A lot of the time. I panic. Sometimes swear (in a cute funny giggly way). I need to stop though. I somehow manage to improvise my way out of my errors, so it’s never really that deep to be honest.

 

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

 

Bonolo:  No I don’t tour but watch this space.

 

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

 

Bonolo: I have a music blog that’s duty is to locals from South Africa killing the game, as well as all other musicians I generally love. Its called auralallure.tumblr.com

You can also find me on soundcloud; Bonolo Thomas / Bo’s Hub

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

 

Bonolo: Lol, childish things like Lollipop (By Mika). I also have Tinder by Kesha on my laptop. I’m very ashamed.

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

 

Bonolo: I would honestly invest in equipment. I would start off with insane speakers, as well as a microphone. I would also get soundproof walls to accompany these things. Then I would move on to a bass guitar midi controller (if that even exists). I would also insure all of these goods (as in insurance). After having gotten the above, the remaining amount would be invested into a bank account that is strictly music related.

If I got a year off I would actually go live with my gran in the rural areas because there are no distractions there whatsoever. Then I would return at the end of the year with about six albums ready for release. I’m not even kidding. The year would be dedicated to the groundwork phase of my beat making/production career.

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

 

Bonolo: I recently got myself a midi controller. Right now I work with Ableton as well as my midi controller. It has changed the game for me.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

 

Bonolo: I rely on myself mostly. I tweet it, instagram it, post it on Facebook etc. My friends also support me with this. I don’t have a formal promotion strategy though.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

 

Artist: Honestly; I would perform in the UK at a festival alongside James Blake, Andre 3k, Tyler the Creator, Bonobo and Stimming, Mac Miller, Earl Sweatshirt, SBTRKT, Ta-ku and Sango. (Weird combo, I know).

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

 

Bonolo: I just released two sweet jams on my soundcloud page. I have been silent for a while so I did it to break the silence. I’m releasing an entire album at the end of March so watch this space.

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

 

Bonolo: I would apply music and its effect to psychological methodology. Similarly, I would embark on an ethnographic venture around the world chasing the unique diverse sounds of the globe, whilst exploring the deeper sentiments of these sounds. So, I would baisically intergrate music with psychology and anthropology.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

 

Bonolo: It was actually Bow Wow’s Wanted album because of the song “Let Me Hold You”. I was a happy chappy man.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

 

Bonolo: All work, no play. That is my new years resolution.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

 

Bonolo: Levels. Music is a package. So expect levels. Aesthetics, textures, artistry, conceptual brilliance and soulful waves really. Watch this space homies.