Daniel Bonte and the Bona Fide play the Hanger Stage at the OC Fair July 12
Daniel Bonte and the Bona Fide is a local OC country band from Costa Mesa, made up of six members who have the heart and rhythm for country and remain loyal to its roots. Get your best boots ready for the group to take over the Hanger stage at the OC Fairgrounds 11:30 a.m. this Sat, July 12.
The Bona Fide are emerging from the local country music scene, working hard to bring original Country back to California. Their newest project, California Country Nights proves to be successful taking place at Big’s Bar and Grill in Fullerton every Friday night.
Daniel Bonte and The Bona Fide have just what it takes to satisfy your country needs. With Daniel’s raspy smooth voice, Steven’s subtle baritone guitar, Billy’s guitar hooks, and Chris’s slide guitar riffs placed just right in the mix, Jeff’s drumming and Mark’s bass playing falls right into place keeping this country bands sound loose yet fulfilling.
OC Concert Guide got to talk to Daniel Bonte to see what he’s doing to help bring country back into Orange County.
OCCG: You are having a residency at BIGS in Fullerton, who are some bands that will be playing with you?
DB: We’re essentially having a long term, good ol’ fashioned barn raisin’ to build a stronger platform for California Country music. In order to do that we’ve teamed up with Ry Bradley, Alice Wallace, Bo Renaud Band, Lazy Brad Lewis, The Freight Shakers, and a bunch of other local rednecks to put on a killer concert series. BIGS is going to be the cozy home for original, quality country music.
OCCG: What is your opinion on mainstream country music?
DB: The title of my EP comes to mind when I listen to mainstream country, Enough! I think it’s lost its true identity. I’m disappointed in the songwriters mostly for wondering too far down the path of pop music, and not staying true to the foundation of country music, which is telling stories and tradition. I understand the artists have to make money, but there are only so many scenarios you can shove down people’s throats about dirt roads, Dixie cups, tan legs, and trucks. Bottom line, I expect more than what we’re getting.
OCCG: What are some local country bands we should be looking out for?
DB: We’re making great friends with lots hell raisers like The Outriders, Just Dave Band, Annie McQueen, and all the bands featured in our California Country nights. Just like the reggae, indie, punk and metal genres all have their scene, we have our own community, which we want to amplify and support.
OCCG: What inspired you to start play country music?
DB: The stories I grew up listening to which played loudly on Saturday nights at The American Legion in Fishers, IN. I learned how to dance to a country song. I had my first kiss to a country song. The first song I cranked up in my $900 87’ Lincoln Town car cruising around was a damn country song. It’s real, tangible music that taught me about life, inspired me to have pride in where I come from, and shaped who I am today. You don’t have to grow up in the heartland to relate to country music, you just have to slow down and listen.
OCCG: Being a local OC musician, what has been your favorite venue to play at?
DB: We had a kickass time at House of Blues, and we’re looking forward to the Honda Center.
OCCG: How would you say your style of Country music is different?
DB: Well, it’s Bona Fide! There is a battle in country music between Traditional vs. New Country, and we fit right in between. We’re proud to have our own sound, and that’s inspired by our love for country, blues, rock, soul, and music that makes you feel something. Each member of the Bona Fide has his or her own influences, and it’s made the writing process a blast. We love when someone tells us after hearing/watching us perform, “I don’t normally listen to country music but really like you guys!” We’ve got something for everyone who’s willing to listen.
OCCG: Where was your EP/latest song recorded?
DB: We recorded at Station House Studios in Echo Park with the talented Mark Rains, and his dog “Darkness.”
OCCG: How does the band write their music?
DB: With the help of Jack Daniels, crazy women and the heartfelt ideas we come up with. Our songs will usually stem from a hook, riff, phrase or melody one of us has been unable to get out of our head. Chris (guitar) always comes up with tasty riff’s to work with, and Billy (guitar) has a firm grasp on catchy hooks. Mark (bass) helps organize thoughts and prevent fisticuffs, whereas Daniel (vocals) will test everyone’s patience and rewrite until its right. It always helps having a talented drummer and backing vocalist to share thoughts and give feedback too! We start off with a vision for the song, and then let go of the wheel till we get where we want to be.
OCCG: What is the ultimate goal of the band? Are you planning on attending SXSW next year or any Nashville plans?
DB: To keep writing quality music that inspires people to connect with us, open for some national acts, and play a hell of a lot more shows. We’re definitely going to submit for SXSW 2015, and we plan on making our way to Nashville in August to turn some heads. We’ve got a big summer ahead of us including studio time and a music video. We’ll be headlining a country cruise in October through the Panama Canal, and we’re only moving up from there.
OCCG: What can we expect from the Band at a show?
DB: A declaration of recklessness, and an invitation to let loose and get Bona Fide. The only thing you CAN expect is to get slightly intoxicated, and whether that is on whiskey or our tunes, we’ll be right there with you.
Keep posted on all of Daniel Bonte and the Bona Fide up coming shows and California country nights visit http://www.danielbonte.com.