While producer and artist Boox Kid might seem like the new guy on the block, he’s actually been at it for more than 15 years. The man behind the beats is Jarred Wall. He started out writing songs with Perth indie outfit ‘Jake and the Cowboys’ and despite a love of band vibes, had a strong desire to branch out solo. The result is Boox Kid, which brings electro pop tunes with a focus on melody, harmony and unique instrumentation.
Boox Kid is set to drop his latest single in November and is the proud recipient of this month’s ALBY MADE Community Arts Grant. We sat down with Jarred to talk new tunes, heritage and wild dreams.
You’re a proud Noongar man – what does your indigenous heritage mean to you and how does it influence your music?
My Indigenous heritage is a big part of who I am. I’m proud of what my culture has to offer and it’s with music where I feel I can be a role model, share and spread awareness and positivity. Whilst I don’t sing in language (at this stage), I like to write about themes and narrative, some of which touch on Indigenous issues, but have a contemporary feel when it comes to the composition of the songs.
When did you start experimenting as a songwriter and a producer?
I started writing songs in 2005 but only really gave it a solid crack in 2010 when I played with friends in our band ‘Jake and the Cowboys’. Whilst I loved the band setting, I always had a desire to write and create on a solo basis. So about two years ago, I downloaded Ableton (digital audio workstation), watched a lot of You Tube videos and taught myself how to produce and create beats. The accessibility of having a thousand sounds at your disposal makes for some interesting tunes.
Your last single “It’s Just a Dream, Wake Up” features samples of your daughters detailing their dreams – where did that idea come from?
It was something I always wanted to do, have my kids be a part of the creative process. I made the dreamy beat first and thought ‘What could I add to this to make the listener immerse themselves in the dreamy sequence, create a bit of a story’. So I chatted to the girls and told them my idea and thankfully they were happy to play along.
Tell me about your upcoming single “Sentimental Dreams”?
I am really excited about this one, it hits radio and streaming platforms on Friday 15 November. I would say it’s an electro pop track that is uplifting in mood with some interesting harmonies. It reflects on relationships, faith and as an individual, finding strength and empowerment to overcome stereotype or expectations. Originally I wrote it about a relationship but over time the song has taken new meaning and I have applied the context to that of some indigenous struggles.
There’s a bit of a dream theme happening with your last two releases – what was the last dream you can remember having?
Ahh man, I wish I could remember my dreams. I am always jealous of people who have these vivid dreams, always so detailed. I think that’s why I write a lot of narrative based songs though because I can never remember my dreams, I have to make up stories.
How will the Alby Made Community Arts Grant help you?
The Alby Made Grant could not come at a better time! With the release of Sentimental Dreams, I plan to put the money towards the film clip vision and perhaps a portion of it toward some studio time. I am so thankful for the grant and can’t wait to show my vision.
Boox Kid’s new single Sentimental Dreams is released on November 15. Check Boox Kid’s spotify for details.