Spotlight: boci

boci is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. She had an impressive 2022 with the release of her debut album we are eachother, this will set us free and the album launch party at The Jam Jar.

boci was named ‘spotlight artist’ twice last year by BBC Introducing and BBC Upload made her track Eruption Bristol’s Big New Sound in October.

We catch up with the singer, as part of a new monthly series spotlighting Bristol artists, to see what she has planned for this year!

Where in Bristol are you based?

The faraway land of Fishponds!

How would you describe your music?

It’s a real blend of a lot of genres and influences, but probably sits under the big umbrella of alternative folk. I do a lot of violin looping, using layers and different rhythmic lines to build grooves and string-scapes. My songs are often guitar based with lots of strings, harp, some synthy stuff too.

I try to be as vulnerable and honest as I can in my songwriting, because it’s a kind of therapy for me. Themes that come up often are the natural world, grief, connection, relationships and dreams.

What influences your music?

Short answer – everything!

Longer answer, the music I see being made around me. I started going to way more gigs after Covid restrictions eased. Seeing the ways different people around me are expressing themselves is so inspiring. The improvisation scene here in Bristol is next level.

I’m definitely influenced a lot by Northern European folk – I love the rhythms and how uplifting it can be. To be honest though, I don’t really have a particular artist or genre that influences me…it constantly changing. I’m longtime in love with the music of Bon Iver, Björk and Laura Marling though. They’re like my holy trinity. And Nature is my temple of inspiration.

What’s your favourite memory of your career so far?

It’s got to be my album launch at The Jam Jar in August last year. I played with eight musical friends on stage, we sold out beyond capacity, and the vibes were just amazing.

It was incredibly overwhelming and moving to have so many people there to share the experience with.

What’s the response been to the music/art you’ve put out there so far?

It’s been really encouraging! I’ve had some lovely reviews of my debut album from different blogs and magazines. Songlines magazine called it “transcendental” which was pretty cool.

BBC introducing named me ‘spotlight artist’ twice last year and Adam Crowther from BBC Upload made my song Eruption Bristol’s Big New Sound in October. Lots of people have messaged me or said to me in person after a show that they were affected in some way by my music. That means so much.

How have you found breaking into the music industry for grassroots artists?

It’s definitely a hustle. I think Bristol is great for grassroots artists though. There’s lots of opportunities out there and so many people who are willing to encourage and help you.

Where’s your favourite place to perform and attend a gig in Bristol?

Favourite place to perform and be in the audience has got to be The Jam Jar. It’s an independent venue and they have so many good acts on. The stage is so unique and beautiful, the sound is always really good and the team there are all lush.

The same goes for The Gallimaufry and The Wardrobe Theatre.

Who’s your dream artist to work with?

Oooh. I’d love to work with Ishmael Ensemble, I went to their gig at Trinity in November and it was very inspiring. They’re sick – their music is so expansive and uplifting and they have worked with some of my favourite Bristol artists.

Who have you got your eye on at the moment? Are there any artists you think deserve more appreciation/acknowledgement?

There’s so much amazing music being created here in Bristol. If you haven’t heard  t l k  go check them out – incredible Bristol based vocalist, producer, improviser, synth alchemist. The first time I heard their voice, I think my heart stopped beating for a second – it’s like having a mirror put up to the deepest parts of your soul.

STANLÆY’s new album the_everything_inbetween is stunning, Thomas Calladine, Tiny Chapter, Chicken Picnic, Amy May Ellis, Baldhu.

Amazing spoken word artists/poets like Solomon O.B, Imogen Downes, Sophia Harari…I could go on!

What’s next for you?

I’ve got some fun boci soups cooking!! This spring, me and my amazing band are going on tour. We’re playing Strangebrew on 26th April for our Bristol show which is very exciting. Before that, we have some shows at the Gallimaufry (28th February will be our Galli debut!) and I’ll be doing solo gigs here and there.

There may also be a lil remix of my song Getting High coming out soon… I haven’t been writing loads recently but I’m trying to be okay with that and not pile on the pressure because that never helps.

I’m just going to let myself experiment and try new things and see what happens!

Main photo: Alice Farrington 

Video: Brass Hand Films  

Read next:

• Review: boci, The Jam Jar – ‘The ability to turn pain into art is a truly special skill’
• Get To Know: Collector Cave
• All the venues hosting open deck and open mic nights

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