Friends since kindergarten, talented five-piece b0ka create catchy, experimental and playful pop and club music. Starting in 2010, the childhood friends have gone on to resurrect their avant-garde pop genre into something more, drawing on their eclectic inspirations such as The Avalanches, Prince and Alex Cameron. Fast forward to 2023 and b0ka present pop-ready songs with roots extending deep into house, disco, R&B and electronica.
Their newest album ‘Forever, My Friend’ and focus single of the same name – released via Beatservice records on 12th May 2023 – showcase the group’s original and dynamic sound. The title track incorporates a striking falsetto vocal rising over a pulsing club rhythm. With elements such as the flute, disco strings and sparkling synths, these combine to synchronise with the lead melody, complete with thumping bass, rhythm guitar and trombone.
Containing 13 genre-surfing tracks, b0ka’s newest album ‘Forever, My Friend’ draws on their far-reaching influences and is assembled with all the components that make a pop-ready release one that sticks.
Check out some of our favourite funk & disco tracks from March 2023
In this exclusive feature, B0ka share their top 10 album inspirations. “Here are 10 inspirational songs for b0ka – Forever, My Friend. Difficult to choose just 10 tracks but here are a few of our many inspirations from artists and songs that are close to our hearts,” they said.
Candy – Cameo
In the early days we tried to sing like Larry Blackmon of Cameo but eventually figured out no one could match his talent and originality. The music video for this song is a masterpiece.
Phoenix – Funky Squaredance
United by Phoenix is a classic album for us. Such youthful eclecticism. It helped pave the way for our musical journey. This song goes from country music to breakdance beats and then ends with glam rock.
The Avalanches – If I Was A Folkstar
The Avalanches have been GOAT in our circle of friends for a long time. We waited 16 years for this record and it did not disappoint. The sonic landscapes and artistry of The Avalanches have been highly impactful on us.
Faithless – Crazy English Summer
The understated opening of this song is pure magic. Released in 2001, this sounds very relevant again in 2023. Artists like Charli XCX and Caroline Polacheck are aiming for the same y2k-futurism that Faithless did over 20 years ago. We think Faithless is underrated and should be more appreciated. Rip Maxi Jazz.
Primal Scream – Damaged
Primal Scream has been with us a long, long time. Screamadelica was one of the many soundtracks to our high school years, and Damaged was played at many an afterparty we shared.
Prince – Cloreen Bacon Skin
The perfect closure to a DJ-set? Prince and Morris Day improvising a 15-minute funk hurricane in the spirit of James Brown. Pay attention to how Prince, in his alter ego-mode, instructs Morris’ drumming.
Cher – Believe
We’re big fans of Zoolander, Sex and the City and comically confident people. When we hear Believe, this is what we envision. The song is also an important piece of music history.
Herbie Hancock – Thought It Was You
“When jazz, disco, funk and italo meet, this is what happens. If we’d been born in ‘69 instead of ‘89, we’d probably be playing something like this. Maybe in a different life.”
Addis Black Widow – Goes Around Comes Around
This Swedish duo is a one-hit wonder from the early 2000’s. This song has meant a lot to us and helped us embrace the androgynous and vulnerable.
Karin Krog – The Meaning Of Love
Karin is one of our favorite vocalists from Norway. This song has become a bonfire-classic when we go camping.
You can check out the new album from b0ka below
