BONAD’s Creative Chemistry, Born at Home
Let’s dive into the heart of BONAD: your creative process and the unique dynamic of being a family band. How does that bond shape the way you approach making music together?
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BONAD (Mads): It’s honestly the foundation of everything! Because we have that deep, unwavering love and support for each other as a family, the creative space is incredibly safe and open. We can share even half-formed ideas without any fear of judgment. We know we’ve got each other’s backs, and that freedom allows us to be truly experimental and adventurous with our music. It’s like having a built-in support system and a fantastic creative playground!
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That sounds like a dream creative environment. When you’re starting a new song, where does that initial spark usually come from? Is it a melody, a lyrical idea, a feeling?
BONAD (Rachel): It can really vary, which keeps things exciting! Sometimes it starts with a simple melody that pops into my head—I’ll quickly record it so I don’t forget. Other times, Thomas might have a lyrical idea or a concept he wants to explore. And often, Mads will start building a cool beat or a soundscape that inspires us to write over it. It’s a beautiful mix of individual inspiration that we then bring together and nurture as a team.
Once that initial spark is there, how does the song evolve? Is it a structured process or more free-flowing?
BONAD (Thomas): It’s definitely more on the free-flowing side, but with a shared goal of making the best song possible. We bring that initial idea to the table and just start playing around with it—trying different melodies, chord progressions, rhythms. We’re not afraid to experiment or explore ideas that might not work, because sometimes those unexpected turns lead to the most interesting discoveries. It’s a lot of experimenting and having fun in the studio!
It sounds like you all have distinct roles and strengths within the songwriting and production process. Can you paint a picture of how those individual contributions come together to form the BONAD sound?
BONAD (Mads): Absolutely! Rachel has this incredible gift for melodies and those instantly catchy hooks that stick with you. She brings the emotional core and the vocal magic. Thomas is brilliant with lyrics and storytelling—he adds that depth and meaning that really resonates. And I love diving into the production side—building the sonic world of the song, adding electronic elements, textures, atmosphere. It’s like we’re each adding our unique colors to the canvas, and together, we paint the full picture.
That collaborative spirit sounds wonderful. Are there ever moments where you have creative disagreements? And if so, how do you navigate those as a family band?
BONAD (Rachel): Oh, of course! It wouldn’t be a truly creative process without different ideas. But because we’re family, there’s a fundamental level of respect and understanding. We can be honest with each other, even when we disagree on a musical direction. We talk things through, explain our perspectives, and we’re always willing to compromise or try someone else’s idea. It’s about finding the solution that best serves the song, not about who’s “right.” Our family bond makes those conversations much easier and more productive.
Let’s talk about the production side a bit more, Mads. How do you balance the organic feel of live instruments with the possibilities of electronic sounds? What’s the vision for the BONAD soundscape?
BONAD (Mads): The vision is to create a sound that feels both intimate and expansive. We love the warmth and human touch that live instruments bring—a real guitar riff, a live drum beat. But electronic elements allow us to create textures and atmospheres you just can’t get otherwise. It’s about using both worlds to enhance the emotion of the song. We want our music to feel layered and interesting, with little details listeners can discover with each listen.
Beyond the creative process, how does being a family impact the day-to-day realities of being in a band—touring, rehearsals, managing the business side?
BONAD (Thomas): It definitely makes things feel more natural and less like a “job.” We’re already spending time together as a family, so adding band activities into that just feels like an extension of our lives. Rehearsals can feel more like a fun jam session than a chore. And when we’re on the road, it’s like a family road trip! We support each other through the ups and downs, and we celebrate the successes together. It adds an extra layer of joy to the whole experience.
That sounds incredibly rewarding. Finally, what is the most joyful aspect of making music together as a family? What truly fills your hearts?
BONAD (Rachel): For me, it’s those moments in the studio when a song just clicks. When we’ve been working on something, and suddenly all the pieces come together—it feels magical. Sharing that moment with my family, knowing we created it together, is an incredible feeling.
BONAD (Mads): I love seeing how our individual ideas and influences blend together to create something completely new and unique. It’s like each of us brings a piece of the puzzle, and when we put them all together, it becomes something more beautiful than we could have made alone.
BONAD (Thomas): For me, it’s the shared experience—the journey of creating music together, overcoming challenges, celebrating successes. Doing it all as a family makes it so much more meaningful and joyful. It’s a bond that goes beyond just being in a band.
