Q&A: meet BOY SODA, elevating Australia’s RnB scene
BOY SODA, who was formerly known as SODA, has recently dropped a silky Double A-side featuring the tracks Take Your Time and See Someone. The incredibly expressive double drop is fuelled by emotion and passion.
The 21 year old who hails from the Central Coast draws influences from the golden era of 2000s R&B and hip-hop to develop his own genre of urban-centric pop. His style is unique and full of so much flavour, he throws around vocals so casually. They just just fall out and have such a buttery texture. Boy Soda or Boy Smooth?
The fashionista also opens up to us about the creation of his latest tracks and how they are his most personal releases to date. He shows his vulnerability by exposing his rough past 24 months, having endured such highs and lows emotionally. The two tracks serve as almost therapy for BOY SODA, instead of repressing his emotions and experiences he turns them into beautiful, colourful music that we can’t get enough of.
We had a chat with BOY SODA about his new releases, his similarities to a lychee and how he expresses himself through fashion.
Heres a snippet of our chat:
Who is BOY SODA, where did your name come from?
I originally got 'SODA' from a neon sign in a picture of an old American gas station. My Instagram name ended up being BOY SODA just because the 'SODA' name was taken. A year down the track and BOY SODA seems to have stuck with everyone so it was time to make it official with this release!
Can you tell us a little bit about your background in music, where did your journey begin?
I've always sung but I started to get curious with Logic Pro in year 12 after making songs on garage band. I made songs on the garage band app on my iPod touch and then I've just gradually upgraded to Logic and so on. Being able to produce myself really helps with the discovery process of finding out what I like, how my favourite Artists make their songs and where I want to live sonically.
Tell us about your recent double A-Side release featuring the tracks 'Take Your Time' and 'See Someone’.
These songs are my most personal release, and I wanted them to speak for my emotional journey through the last 24 months. There were lots of ups and downs as we all experience, but being able to sit with your emotions, and confront them is something I've learnt gradually. Being okay with where I am, not rushing and being emotionally honest is what the double release is centred around.
Who do you draw influences from?
I'd definitely point to Frank Ocean, Gambino and Travis Scott for my production and songwriting. Some of my favourite albums are Ctrl by SZA and Flower Boy by Tyler as well for their top-to-bottom album experience. I think all of these artists make work that seems to speak for what the audience can't seem to dictate within themselves, and their songs also age really well.
We love your fashion style, is that something you’re passionate about?
Thank you! I just love to feel good and stand out. I go through phases where I'm into neutral colours, boxy silhouettes or whatever, and I think I'm really influenced by the seasons and the colours they produce as well. I've always thought my merch would end up saying all of this for me so I'm excited for when that all comes to fruition.
What’s your party trick?
I have this really amazing talent where my phone's never charged so my party trick is never being able to get home. It's probably a personality trait at this point.
If you were a fruit or vegetable, which one would be and why?
I think I'd be a lychee. They're so refreshing! Also they're hard on the outside and soft on the inside so if that speaks for my highly emotional self then I'm definitely a lychee haha.
If you could only take 3 things to a deserted island, what would they be and why?
I'd take The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, I'd bring my dog Tabby back and a never ending bowl of Mac & Cheese (you can't stop me). I feel like people usually answer this with something music related but I was feeling a bit dangerous today. Or maybe just hungry idk.
What’s your life motto?
You made the best decision you could at the time, with the information that you had. Focus on what's next lil thiccy.
Not sure if always having a dead phone is the best party trick but we’ll take it! Go give this home slice a listen over on Spotify, he has such a great sound and his newest drops are fab. Also keep an eye out for the drop of his merch, sounds like they’ll become a staple in your choice of outfit.
Check out BOY SODA’s debut track below or head to our Work/Study/Chill From Home ✌️ playlist to hear more great songs just like this one.
By Samuel Seedsman.