For those who have never heard of Bosola, who is he and what is his music about?
Well it use to be a he and now it’s a we. Not a pronoun change but we evolved into a fully fledged three person band over the last 12 months after performing pre pandemic as a solo artist. We play dynamic alternative rock music with existential lyrics and transcendental music – at least that’s the plan! We make music for people who have grown past the bands of their youth but still have a taste for 3 minute 30 angsty guitar tunes. We are based in Newcastle although we come from all over the place – Tim (vox and guitar) is from Cardiff, Pete is from Derby via Ireland and North Wales, and Emma is from Consett, County Durham.
What has been the most rewarding/ most enjoyable highlight of your career so far?
We loved putting together our first EP and then playing our first full band gig in Little Buildings in Newcastle upon Tyne. It was rammed, sweaty and just glorious. A great night which we were worried might not happen because of the pandemic.
It was also great to be signed and work with Cammy from Deliberator Records who released the physical copies of our debut EP – How Sick I Became Running From Myself.
What have been some major challenges in your music career so far?
COVID-19. It’s caused so much uncertainty in the industry and we’ve had lots of gigs canceled because of it. It’s also a horrible virus which has lasting physical and mental health implications for bands, gig goers and their loved ones.
What are you grateful for right now in this moment?
I am very lucky to be surrounded by two brilliant musicians and fantastic people in Emma and Pete. I’ve loved how positive, industrious and compassionate we have been this year. It feels fun being in Bosola.
Physical copies or streaming sites?
Horses for courses. I am a vinyl nerd and make a point of buying an album I will have streamed over 10 times. However streaming is great for finding new bands and exploring new sounds.
As a music artist I think it is still important to produce with the single, EP and LP formats in mind. I think narrative, themes and emotional coherence are all part of great music and streaming can encourage the listener to pick at their music like a buffet rather than sit down to an a la carte musical menu as designed by the artist.
What is your most played song of 2021?
Our most played release was our second single ‘This Time Buddy It’s All On You’.
My personal most played song this year was ‘Left of the Dial’ by The Replacements. It’s safe to say that The Replacements were the band I got into most over the past year. Brilliant band.
A playlist you can’t get enough of?
You can’t go wrong listening to the Northern Music Collective Playlists. Check them out:
A dream collaboration?
If I could play with one musician, it would have to be John Squier at the moment.
& Lastly, what can fans expect from Bosola for the year ahead?
Lots!
We’ve got 4 singles planned for 2022 and a physical EP called ‘Thomas & Judas’. Very excited about that.
In terms of live dates (Covid permitting) we have a few in the diary:
December 18th – The Arches, Tynemouth
January 7th – NEvolume bar, Stockton Upon Tees
February 5th – 13th Note Cafe, Glasgow
February 12th – Little Buildings, Newcastle Upon Tyne
We have some other dates pencilled in so give us a follow on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram to keep in the loop!
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