Photo: Keon Hedayati
Following on from the release of his sensational debut single 'Heat And Disorder' in the middle of last year, LA-based artist and producer BADSOMA is back to his breezy ways once again on his dreamy new effort 'Honey Locust Trees'.
Channelling a wonderfully spacey and uplifting aesthetic from start to finish, 'Honey Locust Trees' sees him return in stellar form. With a light and ethereal texture matched perfectly with his own progressive direction, we can't wait to hear what he comes out with next.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and influences over the years.
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What was the first band or artist you fell in love with?
It might be a cliché, but the first band I fell in love with and couldn’t stop listening to was The Beatles. When we moved to the States from Iran, I didn’t know much about rock music. I think one of my school mates burned me a CD of classic rock tunes. I remember it had “Hotel California,” and for some reason, that Titanic theme song. But it also had this one song that I kept over and over — “Girl,” one of Lennon’s songs off of Rubber Soul.
That was really the beginning of my interest in rock, and then eventually wanting to write my own songs.
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
Not really, at least not yet. It’s definitely something I want to explore, to be able to create something with another person’s input, and maybe elevate someone else’s idea.
I’m still on this intense personal journey to fine tune my sound, and it’s taken years of self-doubt and total reinvention to finally get to the place where I’m comfortable sharing my music. But I can definitely see more collaborative projects in the future.
What has been your primary inspiration in writing music?
This one is hard to answer. I don’t think I have a single primary source of inspiration when I write. Sometimes it’s another song that I make an intense connection with. Other times I’m just drawn to the sonic texture of what I’m listening to, so I try to emulate it in my own way.
But sometimes it’s inexplicable, and impossible to put into words — something entirely ordinary like the way the window blinds sway and make the sunlight dance on the opposing wall.
What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
Lately, I’ve been obsessed with Japanese Breakfast’s “Diving Woman” off of Soft Sounds From Another Planet. It’s a genius composition in many ways, in its simplicity and its surreal approach. I’ve been playing it over for days, and when I’m not listening to it, it still plays in my head. Maybe I’m going mad, I don’t know. It’s hard to tell, sometimes.
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
So far, the most satisfying moments have been during the writing process. When I was putting the finishing touches on “Honey Locust Trees,” and the final mix was coming together, there were few moments that I’m gonna hold on to for a long time.
But BADSOMA is still in its infancy, so I think the big moments are still yet to come.
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
I’d have to say Big Thief. They’re probably one of the most complete bands out there working today, and their live performances are just impeccable. If I had to pick a band to share the stage with, it would be them.
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
This one is more of an impossible dream — I would do anything to share some studio time with Brian Eno. He’s one of my personal heroes, and someone whose artistic journey is a source of constant inspiration for me. Like I said — a dream, but it's important to dream sometimes.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
I see myself still doing what I do now, writing songs and trying to get out of my own way. But I think by then there’ll be more people out there listening and following BADSOMA.
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BADSOMA's new single 'Honey Locust Trees' is available to stream now. Check it out below.
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