Bonjah formed in 2006 as four guys armed with nothing but guitars, backpacks, and one-way tickets from New Zealand to Melbourne.

Struggling to find a gig the band set up and played on the streets, selling albums and living off weet-bix and canned peaches. It didn’t take too long for people to cotton-on and before they knew it the band had shows booked, toured extensively and built a loyal following earning a reputation as being a hard working and explosive live act.

Eight years on and Bonjah have sold over 25,000 records independently, sold out shows around the world, played many major festivals & enjoyed multiple award nominations.

The band are now just about to tour their third studio album Beautiful Wild which is out April 18thth via Inertia. We asked lead singer Glenn Mossop to give us a track by track run down of the new record.

Bullet In The Barrel

“This is my favourite moment on the record. All instruments are telling a very strong story especially the guitars they are beautiful haunting and bold. the drums and bass are solid throughout and create the perfect platform for a story to be told. Every time I listen to it I’m transported to the 30s at least I think it’s of that time period. I don’t know why…?”

Honey

“It’s the ferocious one but has a soft side. Ups and downs wrongs and rights this one takes me there every time. The topic is very internal although the sound is so outward. I’m still working this one out myself.”

Big City Lights

“This was one of the last songs written on the record. I love the groove of the song and it’s simplicity. It’s a bit of a mood changer from the first two tracks, when that first bass line pops in. The whole time I was writing this one I was suspended above this massive city (not literally although I’m sure its possible) and I just had this bizarre outlook through out the song which I still get when It’s performed.”

Otherside

“This track for me was a bit of a dark horse although we played it a lot live and it got a great response I had trouble liking it through out the recording process.
I re-done vocals a bunch of times it just didn’t fit with me but in the end it came up great on the album and is now one of my favourites. Recorded and live. I love the simplicity of the versus with the drums and bass.”

Evolution

“First single, never get tired of this one. We met a brave girl at a gig down in Rye and she explained to us that she had gone through a very dark time in her life and that she pretty much had 2 options to choose from. She went traveling for awhile got lost found herself and along the way discovered our music that she said helped get her through what she needed to. The lyrics are inspired by her journey. The songs got a very special energy for all of us I think.”

Beautiful Wild

“This song has changed form so many times which is kinda ironic as its about an ever changing cascading love affair, its probably the most honest on the record apart from Honey. The Lovely Ella Hooper features on the song which gives it the other set of eyes and heart, which also comes at a very necessary moment on the record. It’s definitely a Journey for me and I love going on it. I feel it makes me stronger every time we play it. Kinda like Popeyes spinach…”

The Keeper

“The idea for this was kicking around at least 2 years ago! We actually played it live a few times (not as it is now) but then dropped it. The guitar work on this song now is brilliant, I know Regs and Jan spent a big chunk of recording time on this track to get those unique sounds which give so much character to the track.”

Wake Me Up

“The BONJAH ‘on speed’ track, just to clarify we don’t do drugs, especially speed. Wake me up is basically what the title says, “Wake the fuck up mate, open your eyes and get out of your head!” I love that it is so raw.”

Inner Voice

“My partner and I had been apart for quite awhile when I wrote the this track. Basically its a cry to tell me what ever it is you want or what ever it is you’re thinking. We’ve all got an inner voice, we should use it sometimes.”

Good Lovin

“Get lose! and get down to it.”

Blue Tone Black Heart

“Dream as if you’ll live forever, Live as though you will die today.” – James Dean

“Big drums, big bass, big guitars, big vocals, this one was Inspired by a quote of the late ‘James Dean’ Every man wanted to be him, Every woman wanted to be with him, its about letting moments roll and us rolling with em’ no need to hold back. Ask yourself how you’d want to be remembered.”

‘Beautiful Wild’ Album Launch

Friday May 9 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Tickets: corner.ticketscout.com.au

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