A Conversation with Begonia
A Conversation with
Begonia
“Begonia has one of Canada’s most extraordinary voices, and thankfully she uses it to obliterate misery from this world one live performance at a time.” – NOISEY
“One of Canada’s most extraordinary voices.” – The Line of Best Fit
“With a rich sound and unshakeable confidence, Canadian-born Begonia is a force to be reckoned with.” – Wonderland
“Begonia conjures charming vintage soul and lays on the richly layered choruses. But she’s also enormously distinct in her crystalline delivery, which pairs perfectly with songs about starting down doubt and anxiety.” – NPR Music
“Primed for global success.” – Daily Star
Begonia, real name Alexa Dirks, has twice topped the Canadian airplay charts, been nominated for Alternative Album of the Year at the JUNO Awards, and been longlisted for the Polaris Music Prize – all in the course of just one album (‘Fear’) and EP (‘Lady In Mind’).
We caught up with Begonia for a natter and to find out more about her new album ‘Powder Blue’.
NSG: Good afternoon and how are you? What have you been doing today and how’s that going?
Begonia: Hi! It’s around 5pm here in Winnipeg and I’ve had some meetings at home and then mostly procrastinated doing important work I have for most of the day ‘THAT’S THE HONEST TRUTH’ and it’s going well haha.
NSG: Your Canadian right? Where about did you grow up and how did your music journey begin?
Begonia: I grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and I still live here actually. My love for music began as early as I can remember. I’ve always been singing and making up songs. I started really singing in front of people in school and at the church, I grew up in and then kind of went from there…
NSG: You have just released your new album titled ‘Powder Blue’, wanna tell us a bit about the album?
Begonia: This album started writing for this album before I even knew I was writing for this album if that makes sense. The songs came together as early as 2018 in between tours just for the sake of writing and then the bulk of it was completed during pandemic lockdowns in late 2020/2021. It took me a while to feel like I could actually be centred enough to get back into the studio. Writing for this was really calm in a lot of chaos for me and that’s what I hope translates. That’s what I feel like in the name…a calm and also a bit of electricity. I talk a lot about my past with religion and sexuality and the joy and pain that comes with all that but then I also just have some pop songs that talk about the love of friendship…so there are really so many different feelings here and that’s kind of just how I am naturally haha.
(Begonia)
NSG: I can’t stop listening to your new song “Married By Elvis”. I absolutely love it, I get a lot of 1960/70s vibes coming through in the instrumental. Could you tell me a bit more about this song and why the name?
Begonia: Thank you!! This song was one that came together in a session with my main songwriting/producing collaborators ‘Deadmen‘ (Matt Schellenberg and Matt peters). We were in their studio space throwing around different ideas and then they played me that opening guitar riff and then the words just spilled out of me. That doesn’t always happen so I tried not to neuter my thoughts or second guess things too much…I don’t often write tender love songs like this for whatever reason! I’m not married nor am I really an Elvis fan but this song is for sure about love and the absurdity and tenderness of it and the wild things it makes you think and do. Once we wrote it we for sure heard that 60s/70s Henry Mancini vibe so we really indulged in that.
NSG: I get a kinda Erykah Badu & Dusty Springfield from you vocally. How would you describe your style of music and who have been your influences?
Begonia: Oh my gossssh Erykah Badu is one of my idols. I love love love her music and am so inspired by her talent, pose, humour…everything. She has for sure been an influence on me in those ways. I grew up listening to a lot of Fiona Apple, Joni Mitchell, Gillian Welch, D’angelo, Nina Simone etc etc… I’m always drawn to authentic, unique and passionate voices no matter the genre.
NSG: What do you think is the key to happiness?
Begonia: Ohhhh wowwwww okay well I think finding a level of comfort within yourself is most definitely part of it. I think surrounding yourself with people you love and trust and respect is also huge. Taking the time to take in the beauty and being open to curiosity and adventure. Ummmm laughing at shit?! Haha I honestly think it’s different for everybody but the universal truth in my mind is that there is no ONE key that just makes everything perfect…haha if you figure it out though… let me know! One thing that makes me happy right now is sitting out in the sun on my porch swing. Reminds me that spring is coming and the snow will be melted soon and season changes always hold a certain mystery and magic to me!
(Begonia)
NSG: If you could have lived in any other era other than now, when would it have been and why?
Begonia: Musically and fashion speaking…probably the 70s? ALTHOUGH I would also be very curious just for a moment to go back to like 6–4 BC when apparently Jesus was born because I am very interested in knowing how that actually all went down.
NSG: Give me 3 bands/artists we may not have heard of but should be listening to.
Begonia: Super Duty Tough Work, Witch Prophet, Your Angel
NSG: What is your goal as an artist?
Begonia: To keep making music and art until I die. To grow my career to the point where I can show up in any city and know that people will be at my show…that would feel really really amazing. But basically, I just want to continue to grow in every way possible and continue to be inspired and hopefully inspire others. Lastly…I would love to achieve a better work/life balance lollllllll
NSG: What is the rest of 2023 looking like for you, new music, tours? And what are you most looking forward to?
Begonia: Riding off the release of ‘Powder Blue’. I have so many things art-wise (photoshoots, videos etc) to share. We have a lot more touring this year and I just want to go EVERYWHEREEEEEEEE!
NSG: Do you have a message for your fans?
Begonia: Thank you for being such sweeties and always believing in me! The fact that people are out there listening to my music and showing up to shows and dm-ing me encouragement…blows my mind honestly. I DO NOT take y’all for granted and I want to kiss and hug and smush you alllll xoxox
To follow Begonia on social media click on the links below
