Music / Get To Know
Get to Know: boci
A stalwart of the Bristol alt-folk scene, multi-instrumentalist and violin looper boci is gearing up to release her second full length record scenes from uniXia, a concept album set in a vast imaginary land that exists between colliding atoms in the centre of the sun.
boci uses this expansive terrain to explore her own emotional landscape, with themes of loss, longing, healing, and hope running throughout the album. Here she shares more on what to expect from the album as well as her influences, why Bristol inspires her and how she directs her boundless creativity.
Where did boci come from?
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I grew up in Bradford in West Yorkshire and moved to Bristol when I was 18.
I’ve played violin since I was four years old and taught myself how to play a few guitar chords when I was 12. That’s when my songwriting properly started. I was inspired by artists like Laura Marling, Lianne La Havas, Bombay Bicycle Club and Ben Howard.
I started off by busking and doing open mics and pub gigs. Gradually I found more of a community through that.
What’s your connection with Bristol?
I always thought Bristol was an inspiring and open-minded place.
I was taught violin classically and didn’t play or know much about folk music before I came to Bristol. There’s so many amazing folk musicians here that have really inspired me and changed the way I think about the violin.
I find a lot of freedom and connection in playing folk music. Bristol has also played a vital role in my love for improvisation, which has been integral to my musical journey and confidence.
boci played a solo set in support of Sheffield folk artist Jim Ghedi in March this year, her first live performance “for a while” she said – photo: Ursula Billington
What does your creative process look like?
I would say I am first and foremost a solo creator, but collaborating and playing music with other people is a big part of my life too.
I usually write when I’m feeling something that I’m finding it hard to make sense of. Writing helps me process and let go of things. Sometimes I get inspired by a gig I’ve been to or an album I’ve listened to and kind of write in response to those experiences.
In my new album, the songs all relate to a scene in this world uniXia (pronounced unishia) that I have been building and exploring for the last two years. My mind is very visual so it’s been a really fun way to form the songs. Many magical, mystical beings and vast, mountainous landscapes…
And what are your songs about?
Love, nature, connection and grief… Each of my songs usually has at least one of these themes woven into it.
Nature is always there to hold us, no matter how big or heavy or “unacceptable” our feelings may be. I feel closer to those I’ve lost when I’m alone in the wilderness. So my songs definitely carry this feeling of deep interconnectedness with nature/everything.
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Tell us about the new album…
scenes from uniXia is a musical representation of my first transformational journey through the world of uniXia. Each song represents a different moment in the journey. We meet different characters throughout, who are portrayed sonically with different instruments and synths.
I worked with Rob Pemberton (the Staves) throughout the album’s creation and he brought so much wisdom and magic to the process.
The soundworld can’t really be pinned to a particular genre, but it leans heavily into folk instrumentation, psychedelic rock and pop sensibilities. It’s pretty maximalist in its approach and through many cases of generosity and good luck, it all came together somehow.
There’s lots of violin layers, harp, guitar, melodeon, stacked vocal harmonies, vintage synths and a mix of organic and electronic production techniques. Oh and two tracks feature a string octet featuring myself and eight wonderful Bristol string players, recorded by Tom Campbell in St Ambrose Church!
boci plays at St George’s as part of Bristol Folk Festival on May 3 and is on tour across the UK in May. scenes from uniXia is released on May 30.
Main image: Alice Farrington
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