„Doin our Thang” with Reggie B is out there ready to be bought. Can you say something more about the album? What sound can we expect?
Wow. I love Reggie B. This man has an amazing voice and is an amazing composer. I met him online and then took a trip down to Topeka, Kansas where he is from, and was living, and I played him some beats. He flipped out. I encouraged him keep writing amazing songs just how he wanted to do and not sidetracked by others. He is an amazing talent that I hope people will take time to listen to. “Doin Our Thang” is a very good, strong album full of hip hop funk soul tastiness. Im a strong believer in Reggie and that album. It has been in the making for about 4 years. I’m glad it is finally available for people to purchase and live their lives too. I’m just doing all i can to create fresh music for people who want an alternative to teh typical American pop music which is more focused on listener’s money than they are their souls. I want to touch people’s spirits with the music I make. Beyond all else.
At the same time you were working on your album “INcense & Wine”. Is it going to be a LP or EP? You’re doing both, production and vocals? Can we expect any guest appearances?
Yes, that album was created in 2 stages. 1st, a few years ago after I released “Smell Smoke?”, my first solo project as a singer, I made some beats that were very different from my traditional hip hop sampling type of beat. I knew these were special but at the time I started recording so many other projects and songs for other labels and artists that it took me awhile to get back to a mental place where I felt I could approach those beats and add voices to them to make them feel complete. I finally did late in 2009. As a result, I was so happy to have it comepleted that I wanted to release it soon. I decided on February and February 10th will be the release date. That is another album the people around me like Joc Max (producer/MC/DJ) kept telling me to get out to the world. I’m very excited that will be out as a follow-up to “Smell Smoke?”. I did most of the beats and all vocals. One beat by TE1 (Closer Love) and one beat by Reggie B.
2009 just ended. Any favourite records or tracks? Was 2009 a good year for music?
Yes, 2009 was a great year for music. However in my world, it was far better for independent music than major label music. The corporations that feed the world lies will slowly have to get with reality or they will collapse. I’m very happy the Saddiq record I did with DJ Day was so well received. Beyond that I love everything Bilal does, which in 2009 included his work on the Robert Glasper album, I also love the Shafiq album. I’m excited to see where rap goes. Rapping is getting boring to listen to, unless it’s done in a unique way. I look forward to hearing what people do to make it exciting again. I don’t consider myself a rapper, but I do some vocal things on “INcense and Wine” that I feel are fresh.
What about 2010? What are your plans and do you think it’s gonna be a better year for all of good music fans?
I think things will continue to improve. The harder it gets for recording artists to make money, the better the music will get. When money is a goal, quality goes to the side. I record music first for my own soul, then I aim to share it with as many people as I can who may enjoy it, so that it may help their lives. That is my goal and motivation and what I’ll continue to expand upon in 2010. I’ll be releasing a project I produced and did most beats for with a group called Ces Cru, who are amazing rappers with flows i love listening to and I think people will enjoy. The album will be grimey and dusty but clever and fresh. I’ll also release the last project from the musical group that got me into recording, SoundsGood. SoundsGood “Goodbye” will contain songs that we recorded a few years ago that never made it on a proper album. Unreleased material featuring Joe Good on vocals and me on the beats. I’ll also release me and Joc Max’s album “Lindquist & Greer.” Also in 2010 will be a full album/comp called “Lumberjack Soul”, as well as a full album of new material with producer Brenk from Vienna called “S3″. Both on Melting Pot Music. Lots to still do. I stay moving. It’s fun.
CrateMag. has been following Miles Bonny’s music since day one. You sing a lot about love and women. Does singing about it makes you more aware about what exactly love is?
I dont actually aim to sing about love. When I record, I sit down and listen to the music and just say whatever comes out. It does seem that often my songs end up speaking about love, but really to me it’s about human communication. I’m fascinated by communication on all levels and love is simply the most exciting and fulfilling aspect of human interaction. We are all souls/spiritson the earth, contained in a body that is separate from the soul, and while we are alive we are all trying to do what it takes to stay alive, while also working to fulfill our need to connect with others. That is the real subject of my music. To answer your question, i guess singing does make me more aware of what love is, because as I think now about it, being a friend of someone is simply a less engaged form of love. Everyone I see at shows I love on some level. Everyone on twitter or facebook or milesbonny.com I love some level, it’s just a matter of how deep that love goes based on our histories and interactions. Singing and recording makes me more relaxed, so in those moments I do feel more connected to others because my mind is calmed. Overall, I care about spirits and the experience they have while alive. I aim to support that experience with authentic forms of communication and expression.
It’s all really interesting what you’re saying. Do you have any last words for CrateMag readers?
Just a thank you to CrateMag and all the readers. If you have not heard any of my music, give a few songs a try. I know what I am doing, therefore I know what I’m not doing. I avoid the typical and aim to hit a fresh feeling that is new and pleasurable. I’m also an active DJ and as long as I love the music I’ll play it. Same goes for recording. Please know that i love slow and fast songs. I may be known for slow “jazzy” songs but in reality I love tempos and styles of music and now that I’ve created so many slow songs, more uptempo songs will become more of a priority, just so I dont get bored. Shouts to all my INnatesounds, Kansas City, Europe, Japan, Teaneck, and MPM fam!! Holla holla holla at me >> www.MilesBonny.com
DJ DAY + Miles Bonny
Podcast
Miles Bonny
