an interview with Leeds' tender indie-rockers BODIXA and front-minx Anna
1. YOU ARE BODIXA. BUT WHAT DOES BODIXA MEAN, AND HOW THE HELL DO YOU PRONOUNCE IT ANYWAY?!...
Bodixa is the name for Boudicca, a legendary British leader who fought against the Roman invaders. She was a bit of a nutter actually; we don't look to her as a role model or anything! She was a powerful figure with a powerful name so we took the name and spell it differently!
You pronounce it "Bo di ka" but it's yours for the taking; I like hearing odd pronunciations!
2. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND?
Brooding, meloncholy on the verge of optimism, harmonies and melody. Sometimes simple and pure but sometimes harder and winsome...
3. YOU ARE LEEDS BASED. IS THAT A GOOD OR A BAD THING REGARDS ITS LOCAL MUSIC SCENE AND GENERAL OPPORTUNITIES TO GET NOTICED?
Leeds isn't Manchester by any stretch; it's improving on the live scene but there are basically only 3 good venues to play. It's not a city attracting music lovers... it's attracting clubbers and young professionals who like wine bars. But not to diss it completely, it's good in the way if you are a band or musician here you do get more support from those who are into it (promoters, venues etc). It's not like being in London where there's too much but no scene!! People aren't moving here like they moved to Manchester cos of The Smiths, Stone Roses etc.
4. HOW WELL HAVE YOUR 'GIVE ME RAIN' AND 'SAPPHIRE' SINGLES BEEN RECEIVED?
"Give me rain" was a good intro to us and it was received pretty well for a taster. "Sapphire" is getting great response - I think since the album we know what our sound is and we're happy with it, being more ourselves I suppose. Every band has opinions thrown at them as to which direction they should go in but it has to come from you. Sapphire has had some great reviews, got on the Radio 1 site and being played regionally...we'd love more though!!
5. HOW DID YOU GUYS GET TOGETHER AS A BAND IN THE BEGINNING AND WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT THE ENTITY THAT BE 'BODIXA' (and please be honest!...)
As cheesy as it is, myself and Em grew up together, had the same obsessions. We loved Michael Stipe, loved his lyrical genius...and decided to give songwriting a try..we played songs down the phone to each other...wrote lyrics in Maths lessons (oh thats why I'm crap...hmmm). The boys came later, through School and a youth group! We were young though and in some ways we had to go through a lot of people "advising us" before we could break off and realise we have to be ourselves. It caused a lot of confusion and restlessness. Best thing about being Bodixa is being able to pick your nose! I suppose we see a lot of sides to each other...enjoying music ..does that answer it?
6. HAVE YOU HAD INTEREST FROM ANY MAJOR RECORD COMPANIES?
Yeh i think we've had a share of "interest" - whatever it means. We have had a few experiences and made our album with a label, so yeh... I'm a lot more cynical and guarded now though cos people spout off at you... there's so much that's fake that it's hard to find the good ones I guess.
7. STUDIO OR STAGE? ANY PREFERENCE?
Stage every time (for me anyway!)...love it when it's two way - it makes sense then.
8. WHERE CAN WE GET HOLD OF YOUR MUSIC?
We have a shop on our website www.bodixa.co.uk so you can get it there and our new single is only �2.00....bargain. Or 'Opal music,' or come and see us!
9. AND FINALLY, WOULD ANY OF YOU EVER SELL YOUR SOUL?...(mmm!)
To the Devil, no... but maybe to Tie Bites (oriental flavour).
Mmm...
www.bodixa.co.uk