B2KDA Newsletter Interview

B2KDA (Ba-Too-Ka-Da) is the new name for the decade spanning, world, afro, fusion mash up that was Batucada Sound Machine. The band has changed again with an injection of youth and exuberance getting the old boys to look up and notice. If anything, they’ve added even more styles to the repertoire with heavy rock, electro and dub entering the domain of the boys from Tamaki Makaurau. Even so, they remain rooted to the initial concept; roots music from around the world. Alex answered the following questions for muzic.net.nz:

Which one of your songs are you most proud of, and why?

Don’t Keep Silent, the title track on our last album, is one we’re very proud of. We have taken many influences from other culture’s music over the years and have tried to stay true to the original while making it something uniquely ours. In this track I feel we achieved that. The groove is a traditional rhythm from the northeast of Brazil but it really doesn’t sound like any of that music. It has turned into something completely different and that’s what we strive for

Do you have any plans for future collaborations with other musicians? Who would they be?

We would love to do something with our mates in Singapore, Wicked Aura. Budi (the band leader) and Riduan (one of the B2KDA alumni) are great friends and we could get something really epic happening with those guys. Watch this space and google them. They are awesome!!

What NZ musicians or bands would you like to see more of, and why?

There are some amazing local acts in Auckland right now. We have had the pleasure of playing alongside Yoko-Zuna and Siobhan Leilani recently. Also, we share members with the Hipstamatics, Sal Valentine and the Babyshakes, Mooga Fooga and L.A.B. So much great NZ music. Would love to see some of these new acts get out there on the international stage.

What is the one thing you want NZ to know about B2KDA?

It’s OK to listen to us. We’re not that weird :)

What has been your most memorable show to date?

Sziget Festival in Hungary was crazy. We played on the mainstage alongside bands like Dizzee Rascal and the Prodigy. A personal fave was the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. Playing at the same festival that such greats as Miles Davis, Santana, Herbie Hancock, and so many more of our heroes played at was insane. It was Nile Rogers and Grace Jones our year!!

What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?

Try not to get disheartened by the game. It can suck and it wears you down. Remember, that we as musicians create the industry. Always have pride in that fact and don’t let industry people make you think you aren’t valuable

Tell us about B2KDA’s next release.

Our new album Rising is the culmination of 5 years of international touring all around the world. It is inspired by the places we went, bands we got to see and the experiences we had. It hasn’t always been a smooth ride. In fact, there have been as many ups as downs, but, you can always get up and keep moving. That’s what Rising is about. Strength in adversity but also a celebration of life and culture. We hope you like it!