Exploring evolution, influence, and impact.

Why Bonnie has been carving out a unique space in the indie music world with their heartfelt lyrics and distinctive sound. Led by songwriter Blair Howerton, the band has a rich history rooted in the sounds of nostalgic Americana, now intertwined with the vibrant energy of New York City. In this Q&A, Blair opens up about the band's journey, the creative shift marked by their latest single "Dotted Line," and the personal and societal influences that shape their music. From their beginnings in Houston to their current life in New York, Why Bonnie's music tells a story of growth and change.

For those unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?

My name’s Blair, I’m from Houston, I’m a gemini (I know), and I’m the songwriter for Why Bonnie. I started writing and recording music very timidly in my bedroom during college, and moved to Austin shortly after that. Formed the band there and moved to New York in 2019. My music has always been a reflection of where I’m at in life, so it’s cool to see how it’s evolved over the years. My bandmates, Chance Williams and Josh Malett, are also really formative forces behind the music, and it’s been such a privilege to play and grow with them as artists.

"Dotted Line" marks a departure in sound for Why Bonnie. What inspired this evolution in your musical style?

Like I said, my music always ends up being a reflection of where I’m at, either literally or figuratively, so it’s only natural that the sound will change a bit. I think living in New York has influenced my sound, as well as me as a person. I don’t sound like 22 year old me anymore, and I don’t think I want to.

The song explores themes of capitalism and societal pressures. How did personal experiences shape the lyrics and mood of "Dotted Line"?

The current economical and political landscape is brutal and soul sucking, and I think a lot of people would relate to my frustration with it. And as a white person, I’m not even bearing the brunt of it.

Could you share more about the creative process behind the video for "Dotted Line"? What message or story were you aiming to convey through its visuals?

I wanted to poke fun at “The Man” by putting them in a really vulnerable situation like a slumber party just to show how asinine it all really is. That kind of corporate imagery is meant to instil a sense of fear or power, but in reality it’s just a facade to cover up how afraid they are of their own mortality. Musically I wanted to keep it kind of upbeat - like a modern day “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton.

Your debut album, '90 in November,' was noted for its nostalgic Americana vibes. How does 'Dotted Line' fit into the broader narrative or evolution of Why Bonnie as a band?

‘90 in November’ was really a retrospective of my past / childhood while the new album is influenced by my current life situations and hopes for the future. The musical evolution or slight genre shift is just a byproduct of that narrative.

How has signing with Fire Talk Records influenced your approach to songwriting and producing music, particularly with the release of "Dotted Line"?

We actually had already written and recorded the album before signing to Fire Talk so there’s really no influence there. That being said, I’ve always loved their roster and I want to uphold that level of musicianship.

Blair, as the songwriter, your lyrics are often described as vivid and economical. How do you capture complex emotions and themes in your songs with such concise language?

First off, thank you! It’s always really validating as a songwriter to hear that your words are effective. When I’m writing, I like to let myself feel an emotion and then see what images, colors, and memories come to mind. That way it’s always authentic and I think listeners really empathise with that.

"Dotted Line" has been compared to the work of artists like Waxahatchee and Wednesday. How do these comparisons resonate with you, and who are your main influences in shaping Why Bonnie's sound?

Sonically, I think my resemblance to Waxahatchee and Wednesday is mostly just because we’re all young women from the south. Don’t get me wrong - I love their music - but I see differences in our approaches to songwriting. I’ve noted bands like Feist, The Weather Station, Silversun Pickups as some musical influences. I’m also a die hard Angel Olsen fan but I tend to write poppier songs than her.

The video for "Dotted Line" has a tongue-in-cheek approach to the concept of making Faustian bargains. What inspired this creative direction, and how does it reflect your views on societal pressures?

I think most people can agree that the direction we’re going in right now doesn’t work. Capitalism works great for the top 1% but everyone else is struggling - some vastly more than others. I’ve found myself succumbing to societal pressures in the hopes that it would further my career, and it never feels right. It’s hard to play the game when the game is always playing you.

How do you balance the dreamy, melancholic elements of your music with more direct, biting commentary on issues like capitalism, as seen in "Dotted Line"?

I started writing “Dotted Line” from the chorus. The line “I should’ve known better. Turns out it was a lie” came first, and kind of lit the way for the rest of the song. The melody came pretty naturally so there wasn’t a whole lot of intentional balance behind the music and the lyrics. I just liked the hook.

As a New York-based band, how has the city's energy and culture influenced your music and artistic vision?

For me, New York is best described with one word: fast. There’s a learning curve to the pace and lifestyle. In Austin, everything feels pretty chill and easy going. Definitely not the case in New York. I think living here has encouraged me to push myself, try new things, and to use that new found energy to make more decisive musical choices.

What do you love right now?

Charli XCX and coconut water.

What do you hate right now?

Benjamin Netanyahu.

Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s still important to you?

Broken Social Scene’s self titled album was big for me when I was in high school. It’s cool to still feel so inspired by the music because it makes me feel connected to my younger self. Reminds me to love all the past versions of myself too.

What can fans expect from Why Bonnie in terms of future releases or projects? Are there any new themes or directions you're excited to explore in your upcoming music?

This new album is definitely more bombastic than previous releases. I wanted to be a little bigger, a little bolder, and not be afraid to genre bend. That being said, I’m still a sucker for a catchy feel good song. Don’t think that’ll ever change.

Start Listening To: Why Bonnie