China Bowls - Holy (Single) + 10 Questions
Since moving to London from Bristol, alt-pop and future soul songwriter China Bowls has been crafting a new sound. Teased already with her shimmering ode to insomnia on 'Night Owl', she now announces her upcoming EP with the head bopping future soul cut 'Holy'.
Her debut EP and early singles were released on Bristol's acclaimed Saffron Records, and found support from the likes of Clash, Wordplay Magazine, Worldwide FM, BBC Introducing and Triple J. China's also known for her vocal collaborations with Bristolian jazz group Snazzback, with whom she has toured extensively, including slots at Love Supreme Festival, Boomtown and the Jazz Café. Her music is a unique take on contemporary soul sounds, fusing influences ranging from Lianne La Havas through to Kate Tempest.
Produced by Upcycled Sounds (feeo, Pecq), forthcoming EP 'First Light' is an intimate record driven by storytelling. China combines her signature soulful vocals with dreamy synths and crunchy drums in beautifully crafted arrangements centred around topics of insomnia, gaslighting and the policing of female sexuality. Her conversational tone welcomes listeners to engage with her narratives, providing for a thought-provoking experience.
The second single from the project, 'Holy', explores the oppressive ideas of purity projected onto women from a young age, and how heavy these can feel growing up. Although the song doesn’t have an explicit resolution, its message encourages freedom of expression, highlighting the contradictory judgements often made of women’s sexuality. Understated, with a captivating vocal performance somewhere between singing and speech, the song is driven along by crisp backbeats, jazz-inflected guitar and head bopping bass.
"The songs feel very personal because they were originally written just me and a guitar in a room. I was thinking about what I want to say as a musician more holistically and pulling the things I care about into my writing more consciously than I have done before. I think this was after having so much time alone to reflect."
China Bowls sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I've always sung 24/7 pretty much since I figured out how to. So a love of music has always been there I think. Growing up I was really into theatre and being in school plays and I think that evolved into loving going to gigs as a different kind of theatre.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
I love Kae Tempest's storytelling and the worlds they build in their music, as well as the way they talk about connection and writing. I don't think you would necessarily listen to my music and hear it really explicitly, but they are probably the artist I have turned to the most consistently for inspiration.
Lianne La Havas has also been a massive influence, her vocal tone is unreal and I love her guitar playing and chord choices.
I'd love to work with Inflo one day, everything he produces is pure magic and I have listened to the Cleo Sol and Little Simz albums he produced a ridiculous number of times.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
I am releasing an EP in January which I can't wait to share. Beyond that I have a big backlog of written songs that need recording, probably a couple of EP's and an album's worth - so getting those recorded and out into the world is the plan.
4. How would you describe your sound?
My favourite ways my sound has been described are; floaty soul, nu-choral, dream soul. I like words and storytelling - and stacking up lots of harmonies over interesting chords.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
I feel really proud of these songs that I am about to release, and for getting them finished - which honestly takes so long. I feel clearer on the things I want to say with my music than I ever have, and so I also have to be proud of that.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
We all know it's hard to build a life in music, so if you're doing it - you're doing so well, don't forget that!
Talk to people. Share your feelings with your friends and other musicians around you, chances are so many people are going through similar things. Remember that the music is the most important thing, and the whole reason for doing it.
Absorb art and music from others because we NEED it, and it all feeds back into what you're doing.
Your life is the thing that's happening now, not when you achieve the next goal, or get the next gig etc. so try to enjoy it - things will happen when they are meant to, and you're always learning along the way no matter what happens.
(This is all advice I have been given by others along the way that I also need to remember myself)!
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Holysseus Fly is magnificent, her new music is really beautiful and raw and I love how she is building her live shows to really be 'a show'.
Also Grove is one of the most exciting live acts I've seen in a long time.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Eliza's 'A Sky Without Stars' album has been on rotation for a while, and Julia Jacklin's Pre Pleasure. I've also been loving Pip Millet's latest album.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I enjoy reading when I get around to it. I have also been sewing and making clothes recently - I like that when it's done it's done and you can hold something in your hands, in a relatively short amount of time, it's very satisfying.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
A really good jumper, preferably with long sleeves.
Tea and biscuits.
Chorus, it just sounds so good.