An Interview with Bonner Black on 'Hopeless RomANTICS'

Written by: Keyali Mikaela

In an exclusive interview with Next Wave, we delve into the captivating world of singer-songwriter Bonner Black and her new album 'Hopeless RomANTICS'. With her signature blend of raw emotion and imaginative storytelling, Bonner takes us on a journey through the highs and lows of love, exploring themes of romance, idealism, and self-discovery.

From the infectious beats of "Breaking A Sweat" to the intimate melodies of "Either Way," Bonner shares insights into the inspiration behind her music and the creative process that shaped each track. Reflecting on her experiences as a musician and performer, she opens up about standout moments from her live performances and the growing support for her artistry.

As she releases her highly anticipated album, Bonner offers advice to aspiring musicians and shares her aspirations for the future of her music career. Join us as we unravel the heartfelt journey behind 'Hopeless RomANTICS' and discover the depth and authenticity of Bonner Black's musical expression.

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Next Wave: Congratulations on the upcoming release of 'Hopeless RomANTICS'! Can you share some insights into the inspiration behind the album and what listeners can expect?

Bonner Black: Thank you! You can expect to take double the time to clean your house because you’ll be dancing in between laundry loads. You can expect to bang your fist on the steering wheel while feeling like the main character driving down the highway. You can expect a whole lot of magic and emotion.

Next Wave: The album seems to have a diverse range of tracks. Could you highlight one or two songs that hold special significance for you, and what makes them stand out?

Bonner Black: The first track, “Breaking A Sweat”, and the last track, “Either Way” are the perfect point A and B of the journey. “Breaking A Sweat” is a tiny crumb of a romantic spark, and if you dive into the lyrics, you realize it’s a very immature and green look at love. It’s fun, cheeky, with a richly produced groovin track. “Either Way” is about the rawness of complete unconditional love from a mature heart that has seen it all. It’s the only track on the album that isn’t just about romantic love, and we recorded it with just one acoustic guitar and a little piano.

Next Wave: You mentioned that you didn't initially set out to create an album. What was the turning point that made you decide to turn your collection of songs into a cohesive project?

Bonner Black: After we recorded the third track, “Take Me On”, as a single, Jake brought it up. We had already written a few more and were on a little bit of a streak with our writing sessions. Once I got it in my head, I was obsessed with the idea. I was telling everybody I had an album coming out before we even picked the songs. I announced the release date before we finished recording and even had to push it back several times (okay maybe sometimes I jump the gun, but better to do that than never do anything). I wanted to do it so badly. “I have an album coming out” felt so good to say.

Next Wave: 'Hopeless RomANTICS' reflects your imaginative idealistic self. Can you share a bit about the themes or stories that you explore throughout the album?

Bonner Black: I was homeschooled on a farm in the middle of nowhere and not allowed to date or even really be around boys… so growing up I was obsessed with fairytales, and I had an EXTREMELY romanticized idea around love. I didn’t even have my first kiss until I moved out of the house. This album touches a lot on how I build up stories and people in my mind. The underlying theme of the entire project is romanticism and idealism even in the sad songs. I will always be a very hopeless romANTIC to my core.

Next Wave: With over 500 shows under your belt, including opening for acts like The Bellamy Brothers and Charlie Daniels, what have been some standout moments from your live performances?

Bonner Black: My album release show at the Bowery Vault was amazing. I wanted to do a quiet, laid-back show, but we ended up absolutely packing it out, and all my favorite people were screaming the words back to me. I toured the Midwest a bunch last year, and meeting people who had found me on TikTok or some random Spotify playlist was a little mind-blowing. Every live show feels so special to me, even if it’s just for 5 people. Writing the songs and then performing them is my absolute favorite. Everything in between is just a means to feed those two goals.

Next Wave: The success of your recent singles and their placements on playlists like "Fresh Finds Pop" and "Next Gen Singer-Songwriter" is impressive. How do you feel about the growing support and recognition for your music?

Bonner Black: I’ve been in Nashville for 11 years, so getting things like that feels so validating after a lot of blood sweat and tears. Any sort of push or support you can get as an artist is extremely meaningful, and I’m so appreciative to Shawn and Elly at Tonetree for pitching these songs. I feel SEEN.

Next Wave: Your debut EP, 'Out Of Dreams,' explored stories of lost love. How does the thematic focus of 'Hopeless RomANTICS' differ, and what personal growth or experiences does this new album encapsulate for you?

Bonner Black: Both projects come from the same young girl in my heart who sits on top of a large daisy with a smaller daisy in her hand, picks off the petals, and braids her long Rapunzel-like hair. That will just always be me. “Out of Dreams” is based more on the feeling of longing, and “Hopeless RomANTICS” features the feeling of curiosity. I also come off as a bit more defiant and set in my ways in Hopeless RomANTICS. In “Out of Dreams” I’m devastated by my heartache” and in “Hopeless RomANTICS” I’m angry at it.

Next Wave: Can you share a bit about the creative process behind the solo-written tracks, "Take Me On" and "Either Way"? What inspired you to pen these songs on your own?

Bonner Black: I wish I had an elaborate answer, but it’s the same as my solo-written track, “Light Me Up” on my previous EP. They just fell out of my brain on accident. I wrote, “Take Me On” at 7 am on the bathroom floor at a house I was staying at in LA. I couldn’t stop it; I was brushing my teeth, and lyrics just started coming, so I grabbed my guitar. Top to bottom, it just came out. I don’t even remember writing, “Either Way.” Sometimes I’m carefully crafting a song like a potter at their wheel, but sometimes I just puke them up… for lack of a better term.

Next Wave: Looking back on your career so far, what advice would you give to aspiring musicians, especially those who are navigating the challenges of being independent artists?

Bonner Black: Don’t take advice from anyone who isn’t actually doing it. Find people who are living their dream (doesn’t have to be music, just anyone who has an ounce of passion about something) and ask them what they're doing. Let the benchwarmers sit on the bench and gossip while you get out there and play the game. Anyone who hates on you probably doesn’t have the balls to do anything with their lives, so let them be miserable while you go do the shit they wish they could. Sorry, is that harsh? I don’t care.

Next Wave: Looking ahead, do you have any specific goals or aspirations for your music career in the coming year?

Bonner Black: I’m going to make another album.