For Australian-based artist BOY SODA, music has always been part of his life. Raised in a supportive household with Samoan roots, he grew up surrounded by creativity, family values, and a deep appreciation for the arts. His journey into music began long before he ever stepped into a recording studio.
His father was involved in theater, performing in productions such as Jesus Christ Superstar, while his parents encouraged his musical interests from an early age. Whether it was buying him instruments like a djembe or allowing him to explore his creativity, they created an environment where music could become something more than a hobby.
His upbringing also gave him a lasting appreciation for the kind of man his father chose to become. Having witnessed violence during his own childhood, his father took a different approach to raising his family. He established karate studios with the intention of protecting women and children while helping break cycles of violence.
That example would eventually inspire one of BOY SODA’s most personal records, “A Father’s Heart.” Written as a tribute to his father, the song reflects his admiration for a man who chose to lead with gentleness and compassion despite the difficulties he experienced growing up.
Music was also a constant presence in the household. Sunday mornings were filled with the sounds of Norah Jones, John Mayer, Luther Vandross, and Marvin Gaye. Those early influences helped shape his understanding of music, introducing him to different sounds and emotions that would stay with him as he developed his own artistic identity.
As a teenager, he began discovering artists like Frank Ocean, particularly his album Channel Orange, along with Miguel and Justin Timberlake. Their approach to blending R&B, soul, and contemporary sounds helped him recognize the direction he wanted to take with his own music.
His career developed gradually, with early performances giving him the opportunity to connect with audiences and find his place as an artist. One of those moments came when he performed as a support act for Essie Holt, where he played his song “Daisy Chains.”
But it was the release of “Company” that marked a significant shift in his sound. The record helped him find his creative direction and establish a style that felt more natural to him. From there, his music continued to evolve, leading to the release of “Lil Obsession.”
The song became a major turning point, reaching millions of streams and introducing BOY SODA to a wider audience. It also opened doors to new relationships within the music industry, helping him build connections with other artists and industry figures.
Throughout his journey, records like “Elements,” “Hit the Road!,” “Chase Your Tail,” “Blink Twice,” and “Never The Same” have continued to showcase his growth as an artist. Each release reflects a different part of his musical identity while maintaining the soulful foundation that has been present since the beginning.
For BOY SODA, music is more than a career. It is a connection to his upbringing, his culture, and the people who helped shape him. His father’s example continues to influence the person he is becoming, while his evolving sound allows him to share his experiences with an audience of his own.
Now, with his new album SOULSTAR available on all streaming platforms, BOY SODA continues to build on the foundation he created through years of dedication, exploration, and personal growth.
His story is a reminder that sometimes the strongest artistic voices come from the values and experiences that shape us long before the world begins to listen.
