Bonner Black – Hopeless RomANTICS

By starrymag | March 26, 2024

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) How about “Singer- Songwriter, Indie-Candy-Pop?” I’d say it’s Nashville style-3 Chords and The Truth- songwriting dunked in glitter.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) The first episode of “Hannah Montana” aired when I was twelve years old and that changed the trajectory of my stars. I knew then that I MUST somehow become a rockstar. Growing up I listened to Eagles, The Doobie Brothers, The Beach Boys, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Aretha Franklin, The Mamas and The Papas, No Doubt, Norah Jones, Taylor Swift, Lana Del Rey and Lil Wayne. I love every kind of music under the sun.

 

Q) Your debut album Hopeless RomANTICS is out now. What are some themes you explore on it?

 

A) Romanticism, idealism, and ambition. The theme of my life has been going wholeheartedly after the things I love, and I put a lot of work into staying optimistic. This shows up in my love life and family life as well and is a huge part of the writing on this record.

 

Q) What kind of response have you been receiving to the album from your fans? How do they relate to it?

 

A) I hear “it’s like you read my diary” a lot. I’ve learned that when I just focus on my writing honestly from my heart using my own unique words, it connects without trying. Pander is so painfully recognizable these days.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) At risk of being cliche, it really just comes to me. I sort of zone into this place in my head and let the lyrics come in and filter. I write in a stream of consciousness and then I go back and chisel…Then, go back and chisel again…Then, go back and chisel again. Don’t get me wrong, some time the stream is standing still, but it all happens in that mental zone and the crafting comes after.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) Very heavy! I learned so much from working alongside Jake Ohlbaum. He’s incredible at EVERYTHING and I’m so grateful that he always lets my ideas be heard. I got to come up with a lot of lead lines and moments on this album. I’ll probably co-produce the next project thanks to his confidence in me.

 

Q) For this new album, was there a song in particular that challenged you the most creatively?

 

A) “Breaking A Sweat” was the first song we started recording on the album and it was a really tough nut to crack because we knew it would set the tone for the whole project. We retracted the drums several times, re-cut vocals, scratched and re-added parts for about two months before we landed on it. Once we had that one down, the rest just snowballed.

 

Q) Certainly, all songs on Hopeless RomANTICS are your “baby.” Do you have a particular track though that holds a special significance for you?

 

A) “Take Me On” is my personal favorite track. I wrote it by myself, and it came from a deeply subconscious place. I learned a lot about myself from writing that. At the time I was at a real growth point in my life.

 

Q) With the album out now, will there be some touring so fans can hear these new songs live?

 

A) Oh absolutely. I loved touring the Midwest last summer and I’ve got a show in Cincinnati in April. People should definitely sign up for my email list because I’m working on things behind the scenes and will be announcing shows throughout the year.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to Hopeless RomANTICS as a whole?

 

A) The world should feel a bit more sparkly than it was before you listened.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) The Listening Room Cafe is my home base venue in Nashville. I have been playing there since I was sixteen years old and I always joke, “When I die, bury me at The Listening Room!” I waited tables there for eight years as well! I’ve also loved playing Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, GA right outside of Atlanta. I remember reading about John Mayer playing there when I was just getting started and it was a huge goal venue of mine. I’ve now played it thrice!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Miley Cyrus. Doing a “murder on the dance floor” vibe song with her would ROCK.

 

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) I just went to a show and discovered a female fronted rock band called Flight Attendant. My face actually melted off of my face. The girl stood up on her keyboard and had this effect on her vocals that made the club sound like it was an arena. Currently on my playlist: Pine Grove, Tchaikovsky, Doja Cat, Elliot Smith and MUNA.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Social media is just a daily part of people’s lives. You can choose to be the bad part of it, or you can choose to be the good part. I’m very adamant about only putting out content that makes people laugh or presents them with a song they might connect with. I don’t insight anger, I don’t highlight hate comments, and I don’t try to come off as something that I’m. Don’t get me wrong, I am cringe, so there’s a lot of that, but embarrassing myself is the last thing I am worried about at this point in my life.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

I always want to hear feedback from you! If you ever want me to try to book a show in your city, have venue suggestions, or EVEN CONTENT SUGGESTIONS! Please DM m. I love to hear from you. (continued)

Thank you thank you thank you. Y’all mean the entire freaking world to me. Every time I check my Spotify Artist app and it says, “There’s 3 people listening right now,” I pray a little silent prayer in my head for those people. Whenever anyone comes to a show or says something kind to me online, it gives me the warm fuzzies all over. I’m just so thankful to get to do this and it’s only because people show up for me.