As a complimentary continuation from their debut single ‘Activ8’ that was released earlier this year, ‘R E C I P R O C A T I O N’ explores the notions of push and pull relationships or sometimes the lack of. It's a lyrically heavy song, that interweaves with the band's self-labeled sound of psychic-jazz-soul-pop. Ahead of the release of ‘R E C I P R O C A T I O N’, we got a chance to dig a bit deeper with the lead visionary behind the project, Lorien-Summer Moysey.

For the newcomers, who are Bōnewoman?

We are a bunch of creative kooks that have found each other in the sea of people known as Melbourne to create an alloy of genres we like to call psychic-jazz-soul-pop. Lead by the visions of Ms Lorien-Summer, we bring our forces together and create an amalgamation of art, music, and fashion.

Where did the inspiration behind your new single ‘Reciprocation’ evolve from?


‘Reciprocation’ is sparked by energetic vampirism. When you are in a relationship of whatever kind and feel like you are giving a lot of energy and not really receiving the equivalent back. I have found myself in lots situations where I felt like I wasn’t allowed to shine in my own light as I felt like I was dimming others. So the song is truly about the symbiosis of giving and receiving and how one cannot exist without the other. We shouldn’t have to give thought to such a construct as it should exist as its own flowing reciprocal ecosystem. Let this song be for everyone to learn to exist in their own light and know how amazing you all are. Do not dim yourselves to make others feel better, you don’t need no vampires.

Earlier this year you debuted your first single ‘Activ8’ – as a band you have found a very particular amalgamation of sounds. Who/what influences the Bōnewoman sound and creative process?

Most definitely being part of this virtuous city of art, music and fashion. Melbourne harbours some of the most creative people, and it is mind blowing to be able to say they are friends! We all met whilst studying jazz which was an epic pathway that lead us into other dimensions of music to become Bōnewoman. Lorien-Summer, the main songwriter, takes a plethora of inspirations including magick, conspiracy theories, drag queens, nature and animals, molecular science, the universe, extra terrestials, and fashion just to name a few. As a band they are musically influenced by jazz, hip hop, RnB, classical music, metal, folk, pop, house etc. the list sure does go on. And for music, anyone odd, theatrical, or with groove, such as Kate Bush, Moses Sumney, Jeff Buckley, Serpentwithfeet, David Bowie, Eryka Badu, Michael Jackson, Georgia Anne Muldrow Lady gaga, Ertha Kitt, Bjork, Nick Hakim, Senivoda, Neeko, KiKi, Yussef Kamaal, Vulfpeck, Dilla, Hiatus Kaiyote, Jaala, Radiohead, Prince, 30/70, Tenderlonious, Robert Glasper, Esparanza Spaulding, Outkast, King Sunny Ade, Art Blakey, Sarah Vaughn, MF DOOM, the Internet... tbh I’m not sure this list ever ends.

You guys are launching ‘Reciprocation’ at the illustrious Evelyn hotel on June 29. What can people expect when they come to be a part of the live Bōnewoman experience?

We are going to be transforming the space collaborating with multiples artists xxflos, Rhys Newling, and Nicola Lily, to make the space come alive with colour, vision, smell, and texture. We will have Dj Sushi Cat sharing her grooves. And as for the epic musical supports we have curated, the theatre punk-jazz powerhaus Electric Toothbrush, and ORA, the exciting new project of musical genius Matt Kelly, featuring a four-part string section and hot ass band.

What does the second half of 2018 look like for Bōnewoman?

This will be our last show for about 3 months while the band changes pace to look inward and cultivate and tend to their art form. After this hibernation, expect a developed direction and tornado of fabulousness on the Melbourne music scene.