Interviews: Bozoo

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Grunge/Stoner Metal band Bozoo from Italy. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you plan it or come out just like that?

The name “Bozoo” wasn't the result of strategic planning, but rather emerged naturally during our creative process. "Bozoo" was originally the title of one of our first compositions, in 2016. Over time, that song evolved into a track called "Lying Brides," but the original name "Bozoo" remained significant to us, so much so that it became the band's official name. This suggests that our creative process is quite organic and spontaneous, allowing ideas to grow and transform in unexpected ways. The band's name, therefore, has a strong connection to our musical origins and represents a piece of our history.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

It all started when we discovered drop C tuning. We were fascinated by how it allowed us to play. It’s a tune that instantly captivated us because it fits perfectly with the musical genre we’re immersed in. Playing in drop C opened up new creative possibilities for us, allowing us to explore heavier and deeper sounds that have helped define our musical identity.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

The rhythm section has known each other since after middle school: it has been a cornerstone of the band's dynamic, providing a strong foundation for their creative collaboration. The singer and guitarist joined the band later as a replacement which allowed the band to pass from 4 to 3 members.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Francesco, guitarist and singer - Smashing Pumpkins

Marco, bassist - Beatles

Alessandro, drummer - Black Sabbath

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Our inspiration for writing songs comes from the moments we experience in life. We find that the best songs often emerge when we capture the essence of a particular moment—whether it's a feeling, a thought, or an event. It's about capturing that instant and translate it into music, allowing us to tell a story.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last concert took place in Prato (our hometown in Italy) at a venue called Waipaus. It was a unique experience because the event was more than just a concert; it was part of a broader evening dedicated to exhibitions and cultural activities. Performing in such a collective space felt like we were contributing to a larger cultural dialogue, making the performance even more meaningful.

7. Where would you like to act?

We’re excited about the idea of taking our music beyond Italy and embarking on a tour. The prospect of performing in different countries and experiencing diverse musical cultures is very appealing to us. It would not only allow us to share our sound with a wider audience but also to connect with fans from various backgrounds, enriching our own musical journey and expanding our horizons.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Collaborating with Fatso Jetson would be an exciting opportunity for us. We admire their work and feel that our musical styles have a lot in common. Opening for them at their concerts would be a great chance to connect with them and discuss songwriting to enrich our own music.

9. Whom not?

PREFER NOT TO ANSWER

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

In the beginning, stage fright is something almost everyone goes through. My advice is to recognize that fear can negatively impact your performance, so it's important to channel that fear into positive energy. If you genuinely enjoy playing, let that love for music be your focus and allow the fear to dissipate. This shift in mindset can help you perform better and enjoy the experience more.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

We draw inspiration from a variety of artists for different reasons: 

Black Sabbath, because they are pioneers of the genre and laid the foundation for many sub-genres of heavy music. 

Queens of the Stone Age, for their ability to craft catchy, memorable songs that remain fresh and engaging over time. 

Fatso Jetson, for their imaginative approach to arrangements, brings a unique creativity to their music. 

Sleep, for their massive, impactful sound that defines the stoner genre. 

Jimi Hendrix for his blues 

The Beatles’ psychedelic period, for their exploration of unique and experimental sounds.

Alice in Chains, for their powerful expression of emotional and psychological struggles through their music

12. What do you think of our site?

Breathing The Core is a well-structured and highly specialized website, ideal for fans of metal sub-genres. It offers a diverse range of content, including album reviews, band interviews, and in-depth looks at individual tracks. The navigation is intuitive, and the site successfully balances information with entertainment, maintaining a strong focus on the latest developments in the underground metal scene. It’s an excellent resource for those seeking new musical discoveries and high-quality content.

13. How do you approach songwriting?

Our approach to songwriting involves exploring innovative arrangement solutions that come from in-depth study. We focus on unconventional arrangements and the blending of blues scales, diminished scales, and harmonic minor scales, often within the same piece. This method allows us to create complex and unique musical landscapes, pushing the boundaries of traditional song structures