BONZIE

Nina Ferraro, professionally known as BONZIE, is an American singer-songwriter and musician who has garnered attention for her unique sound that defies genre conventions. Born in Racine, Wisconsin, BONZIE began writing songs at the young age of 10, teaching herself guitar despite coming from a non-musical family. As a teenager, she kept her songwriting a secret, as her family discouraged her from pursuing music professionally. BONZIE attended high school in Chicago, Illinois, where she began performing with her band in local live venues. It was during this time that she adopted the pseudonym BONZIE, explaining that the name allowed her to express herself without being tied to any specific identity or language.

In 2010, at just 15 years old, BONZIE released her debut EP, The Promise, marking the beginning of her professional music career. Shortly afterward, she gained wider recognition with the release of her debut full-length album, Rift into The Secret Of Things, in 2013. At 17, BONZIE wrote and co-produced the album, which featured the lead single “Data Blockers.” The album’s title was inspired by a passage from Henry David Thoreau’s Walden, reflecting BONZIE’s thoughtful and introspective approach to music. Her sound, which blends elements of folk, rock, and experimental pop, attracted critical praise, with many highlighting her refusal to conform to any one genre.

Following the release of Rift into The Secret Of Things, BONZIE continued to release a series of double singles, including “As The Surface Rose” in 2016. The song, accompanied by a haunting music video, showcased BONZIE’s emotive vocal style and was described by The New York Times as “a statement of commitment.” The same year, she released another double single, “How Do You Find Yourself, Love?,” which was recorded by renowned producer Steve Albini and featured a B-side titled “Back to an Insurmountable Wall.”

In 2017, BONZIE released her second full-length album, Zone on Nine, which was co-produced with Jonathan Wilson and Ali Chant. The album was met with critical acclaim, with VICE praising its “gorgeous sonic palette” and The Chicago Tribune calling it “stunning.” BONZIE’s artistry was lauded for its depth and complexity, as she continued to push the boundaries of her music. She remained independent throughout her career, allowing her to retain creative control over her work.

In 2020, BONZIE released the single “alone,” co-produced with DJ Camper. The song and its accompanying animated video received widespread praise, with NPR’s All Songs Considered calling the track “brilliantly talented” and The New York Times naming it one of the best songs of the year. The single was a preview of her third full-length album, Reincarnation, which was released in 2021. The album further established BONZIE as a force in the independent music scene, with her richly melodic and introspective songs earning her critical acclaim.

In December 2023, BONZIE returned with the single “Spiritual Violence,” followed by “Citrus” in early 2024. In March 2024, she released Live at EastWest, a live EP that included recordings of her recent work. With the promise of a fourth album on the horizon, BONZIE continues to captivate audiences with her genre-defying sound and deeply personal songwriting.