Minneapolis’ Haley Bonar is touring to promote her new EP Golder, and will be gracing the downstairs stage at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue on Saturday, June 25th with Daniel Martin Moore and Holcombe Waller as part of the Waiting For Lightning To Strike tour.
The Vinyl District digitally caught up with her and got in a few cyber-questions edgewise. Download her wisdom to your dataframe and come check her out in the real world because we have a pair of tickets to give away! Details after the Q&A.
Haley Bonar | “Set Things Aright” (Daniel Martin Moore cover)
What can you tell us about the scene in Minnesota, and what would you tell an aspiring musician looking to start out there?
Hell yes! I’d say to an aspiring musician looking to start out here that it’s easy—you just start playing shows. Fans and other musicians are loyal, and if you’re good, they stick with you.
I saw someone (the internet) described your genre as “slowcore,” which is apparently a sub-sub-subset of post-grunge backlash, according to Wikipedia. However, the suffix “-core” to me connotes a sort of electronica, which your music is notably lacking. Why is that?
I don’t know who came up with that term, but it’s kinda stupid and doesn’t really apply to anything!
Have you had any notable collaborations you treasure? Are there any bands/artists out there that you could see yourself working with in the future?
I love the musicians I already work with—I’ve had the pleasure of working with many different Minneapolis musicians, and my current band is probably my favorite so far.
What is your idea of success? I have a hard time picturing you in your element at a sold-out arena, but what do I know? How far does your mental plan reach into the future?
Success is working your ass off and constantly facing yourself forward creatively and emotionally. I believe changing within yourself but keeping true to your instincts is being successful as an artist. I don’t think playing arenas has much to do with it—a lot of great artists who sell out arenas followed their instincts musically, and people believe in it.
Daniel Martin Moore | “Mayday” (Haley Bonar cover)
To enter to win the pair of tickets to see Haley Bonar and friends, tell us your favorite arena artist. To start us off: LCD Soundsystem (RIP). The winner will be chosen on Tuesday (6/21) at noon.
