Check out our interview with talented singer-songwriter Bonzie AKA Nina Ferraro who just released her new single “come to me.”
Across her catalog, folk music throbs at the heart of her work, allowing her to explore various strains of alternative music and indie. Now, the singer-songwriter, known professionally as BONZIE, stretches her penmanship across the expanse of time and space, situated firmly in the present, as she makes sense of an ever-changing world. Her third studio record, Reincarnation, lingers between expectation and adventure, her boldest and most magnetic release to-date.
The New York Times includes “alone” as one of the Best Songs of 2020!
Follow bonzie @bonzie
Describe your sound in 3 words?
The most bonzie (it changes a LOT but is always filtered through me and my taste)
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
Growing up in the early 2000’s I LOVED singer songwriters like KT Tunstall, Kimya Dawson, Bjork etc. The fact that they sang and played the songs they wrote themselves was so exciting to me. I felt really compelled to “join the conversation” so to speak. It was also really important to me to see women doing this, I think. It came to me at a time that I really needed to create and express myself.
Do you play any instrument?
I play guitar and piano and write and perform with these instruments, but I also play bass, accordion, keys, autoharp, bouzouki, tank drums etc. and will write on them too if the moment sparks!
Do you ever get nervous?
What if I said, “no, never”… hahaha. I do get nervous and I’m glad I do so I can get info about myself and the situations I’m in. I get nervous for shows but once I’m on stage it’s downhill snowboarding, and it’s just fun at that point.
What’s the story behind your new single “come to me?”
I wrote that song for my recent album “Reincarnation” and decided to translate it into Japanese because it seemed like the cutest song of mine. Haha.
It represents pure comfort, and the feeling of comforting someone/being comforted.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Hearing from people who enjoy the music is always so rewarding. I never make songs with expectations of a certain response. So it’s cool to hear when it moves or affects someone.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Don’t be as nervous, I guess! It’s gonna be great!
What’s next for Bonzie 2023?
I’m self producing 30 songs!! I’ll release 2 singles and videos this summer/fall.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Salads! Specifically sweetgreen, it’s so good.
And your favorite cheat food?
Cakes!
How would you explain your fashion style?
At this point… comfortable and weird!
What is your own definition of happiness?
Not betraying yourself and finding joy because of it.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Jim O’Rourke. His music has meant a lot to me and influenced me a lot!
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
Japan with my yorkie Kiki! and my brother Zach! haha
Best advice ever given?
Adjust as needed. By a friend who’s a manager, Phil Costello.
Where we can follow you?
@bonzie on Instagram and Twitter! Facebook.com/bonziemusic and bonziemusic on TikTok ???? Spotify and Applemusic… you guessed it… BONZIE!
Book: The Original Reiki Handbook by Dr. Mikao Usui
Quote: しょうがない
Movie: Paprika written and directed by Satoshi Kon
Tv Series: Ghost In The Shell SAC First Gig
Favorite Food: Salmon
Travel Destination: Japan
Sports Team: Hanshin Tigers (baseball)
Photo Credit: Bonzie
