Music Review and Interview with Bodalia – Single: Oceans ft. Harriet Jane
Bodalia’s new track Oceans is what he describes as a tropical remix of the original Hilsong United track. The re-vamped version sounds great, really subtle but intense and interesting production, extremely unique; Bodalia’s style is not like much else around at the moment.
The instrumental choices and the effects fit really well with the whole ocean theme, there’s a strong sense of world and travel, an exotic feel to it all, the pan-pipe kind of sounds, the white water wash effect of the reverb, the distant warmth of the vocal; and yet, despite the unorthodox sounds, the whole thing comes across as a very cool, chilled, summer evening kind of vibe.
Bodalia is clearly a producer who takes the road less travelled, and it’s refreshing to hear, plus the vocal tone and the melody are all strong enough and captivating enough to make it a big song all around; there’s nothing left to want from it, apart from another song, and another after that, which is great.
The music varies throughout the track, it stays interesting, there are a few really skilful breaks at which point the instrumental tones draw you into your own imagination. The louder you turn the track the stronger the effect. There is not really any huge moment of wow, no massive or notably alternative break in the sound, but I suppose that is the formula for this kind of music – it’s meant to be relaxing, softly inspiring, quite hypnotic for the most part. It really does capture that element of hypnotism, particularly when the vocal is intentionally separated from everything else, towards the end, the distance increases and the reverb overwhelms – it’s intense, very imaginative and creative.
I did consider that it might have been nice to hear a little structural shift, an unexpected raucous among the unusual instruments used, but it’s a tiny factor that could possibly ruin the whole flow of the track. And it’s a great track, really, an absolute pleasure to listen to, works well turned up louder than the world – the best kind of volume – surrounds you through your head phones so you can genuinely drift off to a quite ocean-like dream land; perfectly matched to the whole theme of the song, a really clever effect.
By Rebecca Cullen
Travelling musician and writer from Manchester, UK.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:
Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Bodalia: I was contacted on Twitter by the Exposed Vocals team. They asked if I’d be interested in having a chat – and of course, I said yes! I have followed the work of Exposed Vocals for several months and I jumped at the opportunity to be featured by them.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Bodalia: I was born in Coventry, in the United Kingdom, and that’s where I grew up. I have lived there all my life, went to school in Warwick and I’m now studying medicine at the University of Birmingham. From a young age I’ve been into music – I played the tenor saxophone, clarinet and piano in bands at school. During my teenage years I became exposed to dance music, and this drew me towards the production side!
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Bodalia: Unfortunately the name isn’t as original as it may seem! ‘Bodalia’ is actually my surname (my full name is Kishan Bodalia), but it’s unique and hopefully sticks in peoples’ minds!
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Bodalia: I am a big fan of online music sharing. The platform is enormous which means that there is a huge potential for exposure. At this stage, I am giving my music away for free to make it as easy as possible for people to hear my music – I like to think that this will attract new fans!
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?
Bodalia: Sure – I still have a long way to go but I’ll share what I have learnt so far. In the past month I have appreciated the importance of networking with like-minded people, especially on social media. Making new friends allows you to discuss ideas, hear new music and support each other.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Bodalia: All the time! Whenever I DJ, misjudgments on timing can have drastic consequences – I am usually able to cover these up though, and sometimes end up with a better or alternative outcomes. However, if it doesn’t go to plan I try to stay cool. It’s important to realize that even though it may not be intended by you, to the listener it sounds very normal.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Bodalia: I am yet to plan a tour! However, I have played at some well-known locations across the country and Europe. A highlight has been a DJ set I played at Sankeys in Manchester – the atmosphere was unbelievable. Overall, it was an incredible experience. I enjoyed a few DJ sets in Greece this year, the most fun being on a boat party.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Bodalia: For writing lyrics, I seek skills from close friends who are much more talented at this than me. I admit this is not a strong point of mine! For the production process, I gather inspiration from existing songs that I like. A friend of mine, Dan Williams, has given me some great ideas and co-production in my track ‘Oceans’.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Bodalia: Find me on Facebook to keep up-to-date with my latest news! I share my music on Soundcloud. Check out my latest track ‘Oceans ft Harriet Jane’. www.soundcloud.com/bodalia/oceans
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Bodalia: You will find all kinds of music and I am not embarrassed by any of them!
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Bodalia: I’d donate some to charity and use some to promote my music. I’d probably have to invest some too so that I don’t run out! I’d use the year to produce as many tracks as possible and gain experience.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Bodalia: I use Ableton Live to produce music. I am looking into buying some new monitors with my 21st birthday money!
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Bodalia: As I mentioned earlier, I believe that networking with producers and DJs online has given me most exposure. I still have a lot to learn as I’m very new to the scene.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Bodalia: 3lau – a DJ and producer from Las Vegas. His sets have extremely high energy and I respect his work. I have followed him since he was a new face on YouTube and now he is a major player in the electronic dance music scene.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Bodalia: I’ve got a few exams around the corner, so once they’re out of the way, I’ll be releasing some new stuff. I’m very excited to work with new producers and artists, many who have contacted me since I released ‘Oceans’. Looking forward to working with Afrojosh this summer!
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Bodalia: Most things would be the same – I’d still be studying for my medical degree. I’d have to keep myself busy with something though!
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Bodalia: I bought an album because I liked the album cover but I can’t remember what it was though! My earliest memories are of listening to jazz music which my Dad loved to play.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Bodalia: Usually one of my commitments will suffer for a few days when I’m focusing on something different, then I pick it back up. I repeat this process over and over again!
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Bodalia: More music, more collaborations and more gigs!
