In Conversation With Bonelang
Photo provided by Bonelang
Longtime friends Matt Bones and Samy.Language have one of the most diverse music catalog’s we’ve come across in recent years. Together, the two make up Bonelang, a duo that has continuously delivered a fresh take on blending genre as each of their songs offers creative production, fascinating wordplay and meandering compositions that are sure to keep listeners interested and eager to hear more.
Ahead of their live-streamed STAGED performance at Lincoln Hall on Thursday, September 24th, we caught up with Bonelang to discuss their recent album SAINTMAKER, their social justice efforts from earlier this year, what they miss most about live performances, and more. Read our Q&A with Bonelang below, and keep up with the Chicago-based duo via Bandcamp, Spotify and Apple Music.
You both have made a lot of music together over the years. What would you say is the best thing about knowing someone’s creativity so intimately? Any disadvantages?
We’ve been making music together since we were about 12 years old. There’s no disadvantages. We’ve developed an airtight process with a clear division of labor. We can work quickly. We can work slowly. We can work in detail. We can paint in broad strokes. Some songs take a day. Some take years. We have a very rare tight-knit friendship. It’s a blessing.
You released Saintmaker in April of this year. Were you concerned about the project’s reception amidst so much craziness going on in the world? Did you approach the release differently than you have for past projects?
Well, we already had everything set in motion. We had just announced all of our 2020 dates and we had set the campaign in place with our label. When COVID hit we didn’t know what to do (just like the rest of the world), but it didn’t seem to make sense to just hold onto the project and let it get stale on the shelf. We’re constantly creating, so our philosophy is a little more catch-and-release.
In terms of approach, we came at it from a different angle. We’ve made 9 videos for this 12 song album. So the plan was/is to drop the album up front, and then work the back end of the release with the videos to keep the conversation alive. It’s been going well but it requires some patience; a slow reveal.
You also released an EP via Bandcamp this year in an effort to raise funds for social justice. Do you feel it is important for creatives to use their platforms to take a stance on social and political issues?
We were able to raise a couple grand and donate it to the National Alliance Against Racism and Political Repression (an organization that Matt has done volunteer work for in the past). We wanted to play our part while also not being too virtue signally and making the conversation about us. So our philosophy was/is to raise money, put it somewhere meaningful, then shut the fuck up and listen to those that need to be heard.
What do you miss most about performing your music live in front of your fans and have you been able to scratch that itch in other ways?
We’ve been able to develop a really rabid core fanbase and it makes our shows meaningful, particularly our Chicago headliners. Our fans are very kind, sensitive people and we love connecting with them in the flesh. We had our biggest year ahead of us and to have it ripped away stung quite a bit. We haven’t been able to scratch the itch. We’ve done a few IG lives and some Twitch streams but I’m personally not into it. We’re not huge social media guys. We don’t like the constant clawing for attention. We’re patient, private people. This Audiotree Lincoln Hall stream will be really cathartic for us.
You guys have an upcoming live-streamed performance on Thursday, September 24th. What do you look forward to most about participating in Audiotree’s STAGED series?
We love Audiotree. I’m most excited to get to play the SAINTMAKER stuff through Lincoln Hall’s system. We haven’t had the chance to play this album in public yet. We’ve got a really special set planned.
How can fans best support Bonelang?
Tell everyone they know about us.
What’s next for Bonelang for the rest of 2020?
We’ve got a bunch of videos for SAINTMAKER that we’ll be dropping. We’re doing some festival streams later in the year and then moving into 2021 everyone can expect a ton of music. We haven’t wasted a minute of the quarantine. Been creating at a rapid pace.
