If you haven’t heard the name Ebony Bones being banded about, then you’ve either been living under a rock or haven’t actually got ears.
An Internet favourite, Ms Bones is a hardworking independent British artist whose attention to detail and daring, uncompromising image matches her colourful, genre-smashing sounds. A cultural sponge, absorbing the multi-faceted world of modern day London, Ebony has graced the pages of Dazed and Confused and even wowed the socks off of Timbaland. But all this is coincidental for her; what follows below is a conversation about the deeper cultural context of her music and what really makes this mad scientist tick!
First thing that strikes me is your original and pretty imaginative lyrics…where did the inspiration for ‘don’t fart on my heart’ come from? Is it actually a love song of sorts?
It’s true that as a girl, others often feel they can shout jump and you’ll reply ‘how high?’ Sometimes you have to calmly explain to them, no – this is the way we’re going to do things
Yes, it’s an alternative love song. Originally written as a joke.
Ok then. You’ve been hailed for blurring cultures and identities by blending generic traits of music with say, tribal rhythms. Are peeps like you, and maybe Santo Gold and MIA, representing a new cultural voice?
I think people are generally quite scared to step out of the circumferences of what they’ve been expected to be in life, and by nature choose to stereotype and pigeonhole others. Particularly when it comes to music. When an ethnic artist isn’t a whaling diva seen singing pop rnb, pigeonholes and lazy generalizations are again made. But culture clash is nothing new in music. It’s what made artists like The Clash and Prince so magical. With all its diversity I think I just always wanted to communicate what London sounded like. At least for me.
In your own opinion, what does your music and image stand for in the context of feminism? Are women making a larger impact in a male dominated industry, or do you face the same challenges as always?
It’s true that as a girl, others often feel they can shout jump and you’ll reply ‘how high?’ Sometimes you have to calmly explain to them, no – this is the way we’re going to do things. But for me it’s never been about being female. Music was a way to escape those shackles of society, feel liberated instead of crossing my legs and wearing a smile. There have always been women who redefined music and femininity: Annie Lennox, Nina Hargaan, Grace Jones, Ari -Up (The Slits) and Bjork. Oh and Alice Cooper, she’s great.
Where do you purchase your DIY styles from, and are you into thrift? I’ve heard that you make your own clothes….
I’m not really into fashion, most of what I wear I make and costs less than a Happy Meal. Although I’ve also been known to nick a few things from outside The Salvation Army late at night!
What does this represent in relation to your music? Is identity a major part of your creativity?
I guess from producing and making my own tracks, to making my own clothes, I kinda took that old punk ethic of do it yourself. Why wait for others? Be your own hero.
Going back to the music, is there an album on the cards as yet?
Yes, the UK is the most surveyed country in the world, but the song’s really about the apathy we have towards this and other changes slowly being introduced into our lives.
I’m really excited about the upcoming album; I recently got back from recording a few tracks stateside and had a good amount of fun there.
What’s your favourite instrument?
Ebony Bones (only slightly narcissistic!). In the old days a minstrel band was not a band without a banjo player and a bones player. Although they go back centuries, they were first introduced to the public in a circus act in the early 1840’s. They’re very loud and give the brightest sound because of their density and can be heard a hundred yards away or more.
I hear you’re playing with the likes of The Flaming Lips @ Camp Bestival soon; what’s been the highlight so far for you, and who else have you shared stages with?
It was fun touring in France with The Slits. I don’t generally get excited about meeting people but its hard not being excited around Ari-Up, she’s very excitable.
Your single ‘We Know All About You’: does it sum up the tensions created by the nanny state, with its institutionalized racism – especially post 7/7? Apparently we Brits reside in the most surveyed country in the world!
Yes, well when it comes to society and politics, I think fact is stranger than fiction these days. Yes, the UK is the most surveyed country in the world, but the song’s really about the apathy we have towards this and other changes slowly being introduced into our lives.
Finally, the Americans are apparently digging the new wave of eclectic, feminist acts bursting out in this country. But do you think they get it? Are you going to be touring there soon?
Americans are definitely ready for change; I mean look what’s going on in their politics. Unfortunately I’ve had to turn down a lot of stateside shows there; its not cheap moving my eight band members around a continent, but who knows, I may turn up for a random show sometime soon.
