Immediately drawing you in with an ear-catching loop filled with instruments and sound effects, “Reasons” by Chloe Bodur shows little signs as to the genre of song it is trying to be. Of course, once the electronic drums join the mix, things start to become clearer. A mix of R&B, pop and hip-hop, the song’s instrumental expertly carries Bodur’s vocal performance throughout the entire track.
With a melody which weaves in and out of the beat, it’s impossible to stay still as the song plays out. As for the lyrical content of the song, the theme revolves around someone whom Bodur cares about. With lyrics such as, “The reasons that I care for you / The reasons birds are singing too / Are the reason why the flowers are in bloom / The reason is you,” Bodur displays a strong grasp on her skills as a writer. Not overly complicated yet also not overly simplistic, the lyrics are relatable and display the emotion which Bodur was trying to get across in an easily digestible way.
When anybody attempts to mix genres and step outside of the cookie cutter box which most radio-hits comfortably sit in, it can always be a toss-up. However, with this song, we can see it done right. The longer you listen, the more interesting sounds get introduced, and the more it pays off. Without an uninteresting second in it, “Reasons” by Chloe Bodur is definitely worth checking out.
What are your earliest memories of music?
I used to mime/lip sync to Jocelyn Brown’s ‘Somebody Else’s Guy’ when I was about 4 years old and always really went for it to make my Mum laugh.
Who are you listening to the most right now?
Recently a lot of Dreamcast and Ojerime.
How has quarantining been affecting your songwriting? Has it been difficult to stay motivated?
This quarantine I was mainly focusing on finishing the EP rather than writing new material, but now that the EP is done I can start working on my next project. It has been difficult to stay motivated at times but that’s normal under these circumstances I think. I’m just relieved to be feeling healthy and happy after the last few months.
What inspires your blending of genres? Is it intentional, or just a result of your musical upbringing?
It’s definitely a result of enjoying and listening to such a variety of music but also I intentionally don’t limit myself to one particular genre when I’m writing. I never want to do the same thing twice, I always want my sound to be evolving and to surpass people’s expectations of me.
What are your goals in regards to your music?
To keep growing as a writer and performer and to continue making music that makes me and other people happy. Any big shows, big numbers, collaborations or awards would just be a lovely bonus!
