Bonez has been a formidable exponent of Australian hip hop for over 16 years. In both the capacity of DJ and producer he has been constantly innovating with a unique style. As well as appearing on numerous local compilations, he has received critical acclaim for his work with Hyjak ‘N Torcha, and Omni on the recent album Ninja Art. Bonez’ new album Roll Call is features a collection of local and overseas MC’s spitting over his carefully crafted beats.
What was the line of thought behind the title of your new album, Roll Call?
I wanted to release an album featuring friends and people I respect and have associated with in the past…people I have produced or scratched for, or even have deejayed for and it was a call out to particular artists to return the favour and feature on my own release. I’ve always wanted to release a record featuring artists I have worked with in the past and have admired. I felt it would be great to showcase our local Aussie talent with a different feel to what they would normally do on their own releases and also feature international groups who I also admire.
How did you approach working with a bunch of MC’s as opposed to just the one?
I simply sent beats to MCs and I contacted over the phone and online and built relationships. It was all trial and error but it seemed to work well.
Are there any MC’s you were keen to work with on the album which didn’t eventuate or are keen to work with in the future?
Originally there were artists who I have done quite a bit of work for and I called out to them as well who didn’t come through… which showed me where I really do sit with some artists. Even though it was a disappointment it was a great learning experience to see where I sit with people. From that situation I also learnt that there were other dope MC’s right under my nose and i could work with and I’m glad I did.
Who was the most amusing or interesting to work with? Any stories?
Muph for sure, he came round 4 times, tried different things, we got pissed to the point were we simply had a good time whilst making that joint. I highly recommend using Muph, he is hilarious.
Was there there a specific, set process you employed in constructing the tracks for the LP?
Not really just what ever came out felt right so I used the tracks that really came out great and the tracks that didn’t I simply didn’t use. Some track’s that didn’t work I change things around to the point were I made them work. But then there were tracks that didn’t come through so I just simply erased them.
“…There is no way I will leave my house if I don’t get an offer that’s worth getting up for. I love performing to people there is no greater feeling in the world but DJ’ing in night clubs is almost over for me..”
What do you attribute the ‘uncluttered’ style of your production to?
I don’t have a particular style, I guess because of the fact that I’m a DJ that explains why my style varies, as a DJ I like different music.
Were there any producers who you really fed off or inspired you during the making of Roll Call?
Pete Rock, 9th Wonder, DJ Premier, Dilla I guess to name a few but wasn’t trying to duplicate any style just what felt right at the time just came out I guess.
Roll Call features some major acts from the States in Portland collective Sandpeople and Philadelphia’s Grand Agent, how did these collaborations materialize?
I just contacted them online really and developed the friendships via email. I send beats via mp3 and the rest is history. Actually found it much easier to communicate with the US artist more than the Australian artist’s overall.
Internationally Known featuring Tommy Illfigga seems to be an early favourite. Can you give me an insight into how that track came to be?
I simply gave them beats and they recorded their vocals-I didn’t write the raps, I just made the beat. And after I heard what they were on about in the lyrics, I simply added the chorus cuts and that put the icing on the cake. Both MC’s are definitely something to look out for in the near future.
The diversity of your music is evident on the LP, no more so than on Bum Rap. Was there anything behind this tangent of production?
Not really, I simply love different styles of hip hop being a music lover of so many different styles, there are so many styles I still want to come out with for the next releases, I also hate buying records that sound the same all the way through, plus the MC’s featured on the CD all have different taste’s anyway so it came together very nicely.
I’m Leaving featuring Florelie Escano is a departure from the MC’ing on the remainder of the album. How did that track come together? Had you been eager to work with a vocalist alone on a track?
Definitely, I love great R&B music, huge fan and why not try and add a bit of R&B flavour to my records, I love it.
In an interview from a long time ago you discussed how you were beginning to dabble in producing tracks with keyboards. Has that changed since? Which do you prefer these days, composing or sampling?
Both really.
In the same interview, you mention being somewhat disenchanted with performing shows for next to nothing financially and being messed around by people. How has your perspective change, if at all, since then?
Nothing has changed. There is no way I will leave my house if I don’t get an offer that’s worth getting up for. I love performing to people there is no greater feeling in the world but DJ’ing in night clubs is almost over for me, these days I focus on bigger shows demonstrating what I can do on the performing tip which gives me more satisfaction.
What does the next couple of months hold for you? Is there another Hyjak N Torcha project in the pipeline?
More music to be made, Is there another Hyjak N Torcha project in the pipeline? Not from my end.
Once again coming with the goods. I look forward to the next interview.
Nice One Dude good interview