Bonjay - Stumble/Creepin by onebirdrecords

Released June 6, 2011 (One Bird Records)
Ltd-edn notebook release (200) - order here: http://www.onebirdrecords.bigcartel.com/product/bonjay-stumble-creepin-limited-edition-notebook

The dancehall pop sounds of Toronto-based duo Bonjay set the spine a-tingle with basement rattling tunes set to vocals that stand the hairs on end. Born out of Ottawa's legendary Disorganised parties, what began as a simple crowd pleasing party lark has developed into a serious commitment to songwriting and production, including remixes for labels like Mad Decent, Ninja Tune and Ghetto Arc (XL Recordings).

Drawing their name from Spice Island slang for “good god!”, singer Alanna Stuart and multi-instrumentalist Ian ‘Pho’ Swain have opened for bands such as tUnE-YarDs, Glasser and Twin Shadow, as well as playing alongside club acts Kid Cudi, Diplo and South Rakkas – a mix that fits a unique proposition of dancehall innovation, twisted pop sentiments, and R&B hooks. It’s an unlikely mix, but one that makes sense coming from two strong, contrasting personalities brought together in one of the world’s emerging melting pots.

'Stumble’ is a tune so big that its hook is played by an air horn. Propelled by a rising chant and insistent bass, it’s a song about that first party you went to that really blew your mind. As Ian explains. “Alanna and I met at Disorganised. I started the night up with some friends at about the same time as The Rub, Hollertronix and TRASH were starting up. It seems like a similar party was starting up in pretty much every city, it was just the feel of the time. Playing music from across the board, all the different scenes mixing at one party – it was such a fresh idea. That era is definitely over now but we wanted to eulogise it. Before people forget what it felt like.”

‘Creepin’ is the emotional flipside – as lonely panic sets in when the party’s almost over. As well as carrying a heavy emotional weight, the song takes a minimal edge with a sinister bass pulse and phasing synths – an unlikely marriage of introspective songwriting and the subtle side of dancehall’s hand claps and squelches. It tells the story of a woman fighting to save a relationship not worth saving, unaware that there’s much more out there for her.

Live dates –
Wed 11 May London The Garage w/ Winter Gloves, Radio Radio
Thurs 12 May London YOYO @ Notting Hill Arts Club
Sat 14 May Brighton The Great Escape - Komedia 2pm, Queens Hotel 7.45PM
Sat 4 June London The CAMP (Hipsters Don't Dance) - DJ set
Tue 7 June London Bush Hall (supporting MEN)
Wed 8 June Manchester Islington Mill (supporting MEN)

Contains tracks

• Creepin by onebirdrecords
• Stumble by onebirdrecords