MUMBAI: LA-based singer and multi-instrumentalist Kadhja Bonet shares ‘California Holiday’ – a holiday themed EP in which, across 6 Charlie Brown inspired tracks, we see the talented artist channel her newfound appreciation of the festive season in what she describes as a ‘modern take on the typical magical Christmas story’.
Speaking more on the release Kadhja shares, “I have never been a holiday person. As a kid I spent holidays hiding under beds and in the back of closets. But as an adult, I somehow picked a partner who is a true holiday lover. Opposites attract, or so I hear. I started making a playlist of all my favourite holiday songs and deep cuts to at least feel like I had some control over the celebration, and then I felt it was a shame to not appreciate good songs just because I can’t get behind the commercialism of Christmas. I am Charlie Brown and he is me.”
Throughout the 5 soulful renditions we see Kadhja challenge and explore holiday standards as she ponders her own personal entry into the holiday canon, title track “California Holiday”, and how it “draws on personal feelings beyond the holiday itself.”
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“I won’t be asking Mariah Carey to step aside anytime soon, but it’s nice to make holidays relevant to your own story. California Holiday is my attempt at just that. It’s a song that I wanted to write because it makes no mention of Christmas, or any one holiday. Instead it focuses on a relationship and how the markers of the year can change your perspective on one, whether by revealing stagnation or jumpstarting a change in the quality of care.
I also wanted to make this song because as much as it is about personal relationships, it also signifies my relationship with California, which is a place I’ve tried to leave many times, but I just keep coming back to. California has that kind of a hold on people. For all its beauty and opportunities, the cost of living and lack of social services make it nearly impossible to survive. I think a lot of people will relate to that angle of the song, this vision of California as a golden state and the hypothetical opportunities they are scared to leave.”
Kadhja Bonet – “California Holiday” (Official Audio)
Inspired by afro futurism, existentialism and inter-dimensional travel, Kadhja is soulful without falling into any one genre. Since 2018’s ‘Childqueen’, Kadhja has had a run of impressive collaborations with the likes of Childish Gambino, Free Nationals, SiR and Anderson .Paak to name a few.
Over the years, Kadjha has toured with Mitski, played House of Vans with Anderson .Paak and shared the stage with the likes of Willow Smith, Hiatus Kaiyote, Nick Hakim and many others.
‘California Holiday’ EP Tracklist
1. California Holiday
2. Little Christmas Tree
3. Someday at Christmas
4. Wonderful Christmas Time
5. It’s Christmas Time
6. Keep Christmas With You
