Introducing Australia’s Rising R&B Sensation… Boy Soda

BOY SODA is an R&B-Hip Hop artist that needs to be on your radar. Based in Australia, the emerging talent has recently skyrocketed into popularity due to his diverse and hybrid sound. His rise in the industry began in 2019 when Converse selected him as the opener for Dominic Fike at their Converse X Camp Flog Gnaw event. After his performance, the young talent became inspired to create innovative music that would be cherished by both the mainstream market and tastemakers alike. Upon his return to Australia, the singer-songwriter hit the ground running and created an array of singles that were released all throughout 2020. From the well-received double A-side ‘SEE SOMEONE/TAKE YOUR TIME’ to the spring-infused ballad ‘Daisy Chain’, BOY SODA introduced himself as a fresh new voice within the R&B and Hip Hop genres. Fast forward to 2021 and the 22-year-old singer is continuing his upward trajectory with his latest single ‘Welcome To The Glow Up’. Backed by an electronic R&B sound, the track showcases the young talent at his most confident and is filled with lyrics about his ever-changing journey and self-love. We were able to chat with him about everything from his latest single, his upcoming projects and more. Read the full interview below.

Hey Boy Soda! How have you been? Was November a good month for you?

November taught me a lot about myself, it’s been busy in the best way honestly.

You just dropped your video for ‘Welcome To The Glow Up’ and it’s such a vibe– can you give us an insight into the creative process and how the video came to life?

I always work with Bailey Watts with my videos, and we wanted to communicate an inner dialogue that was super introspective. The best way to do that was for me to talk to myself! By creating an electric world, bursting with energy and confidence, and comparing it to one that was quite sparse and lonely, we were able to explore this idea of celebrating one’s self. Because at its core, that’s what the song is about – about smelling the roses, reflecting on progress and acknowledging the responsibility that we have over our own happiness.

You are part of new movement of burgeoning Australian-bred hip hop and R&B. Give us a little insight into the upcoming scene?

It’s bubbling out here. I hear amazing music every day from the people around me, and I know for a fact that everyone’s heads will turn for this genre and for the way that Australian artists are approaching it.

Let’s take it back to the beginning. What artists or albums inspired you?

Miguel – Kaleidoscope Dream

Kanye West – 808’s and Heartbreak 

Kid Cudi – Man on the Moon II

Bryson Tiller – R A P S O U L

You were chosen by Converse to travel to the United States, to open for Dominic Fike, what was that experience like?

I got to the venue early to bump in, and the security guard wouldn’t let us in and we explained we were here for soundcheck and he says ‘oh you’re Dominic Fike?’ which was hilarious because we quietly walked in and he was doing his soundcheck, just him and a guitar ( I think he was playing Socks?) and we sat and listened as he finished, uninterrupted by the sounds of a crowd, or drinks being made – and you can just tell that he’s pulling from a certain place emotionally, it was so special. And then being able to perform before him was obviously something I’ll remember forever. Hopefully I get to meet him again, he had a beautiful energy.

We need to show a spotlight on your incredible songwriting and production skills.  What’s your strategy when you approach creating a track – what comes first, the production or vocal melody etc?

I usually receive melodies first, so I like to create the bones of a song first and then freestyle random mumble melodies. Either that or I’ll write with it looped and punch all the vocals as I write the sections. I know a lot of people start with drums but I lowkey HAVE to start with chords, because I’ll write the drums based on the topline. In saying that, I also enjoy the process of putting in elements like drums and leads first, and then letting them dictate the vocal movements. 

You recently signed a major record deal; how does that make you feel?

I’m super protective of my inner child and his imagination because that drives everything I do. And I know when I was young, that the life I’m living now, was one I’d gone to bed dreaming about –literally. I had a dream when I was little that I made it into Australian Idol and ‘made it’, and then I woke up thinking it was still real and MANY tears were shed. Having the privilege to add powerhouses like Warner and Sony to the BOY SODA world is something I’ve always hoped for, and I know that my inner child is super excited to let his imagination fucking fly.

What can we expect next from Boy Soda? An album or EP release soon?

I just submitted the final mix stems for a project. It’s a study of self, and I’m super protective of it – but I can’t wait to let it go, and for those songs and conversations to be everyone else’s too. 

With 2021 slowly coming to a close, what are you looking forward to the most in the coming months?

Live shows, in-person sessions, and some good family time! I’m also excited to sit down at the restaurants I’ve been funding through uber-eats for the last 6 months haha.

Make sure to check out BOY SODA’s latest single ‘WELCOME TO THE GLOW UP’ below.