Bôa, often stylized as bôa, is a notable English alternative rock band that originated in London in 1993. The group’s journey from its early days as a funk ensemble to its transformation into a rock powerhouse is a fascinating tale of musical evolution.
Founded by drummer Ed Herten, keyboardist Paul Turrell, and guitarist/vocalist Steve Rodgers, Bôa’s lineup expanded over the years to include bassist Alex Caird and multi-instrumentalist Ben Henderson. Additionally, the captivating vocals of Jasmine Rodgers joined the mix, adding a unique dimension to their sound.
The band’s discography boasts two significant albums that left an indelible mark on the music scene: “Twilight” (2001) and “Get There” (2005). Notably, their track “Duvet” served as the opening theme song for the anime television series “Serial Experiments Lain.” Bôa initially signed with Polystar in Japan, releasing their debut album, “The Race of a Thousand Camels,” in 1998. However, their musical journey took a new turn when they decided to change labels and inked a deal with Pioneer LDC (now known as NBCUniversal Entertainment Japan) to produce the acclaimed album “Twilight” in 2001.
As of today, Bôa’s lineup includes the talented Jasmine Rodgers as the lead vocalist, Steve Rodgers contributing his vocal prowess and guitar skills, Alex Caird on bass, and Lee Sullivan mastering the drums and piano.
Following their triumph with “Twilight,” Bôa decided to establish their independent label, aptly named “Bôa Recordings.” This move allowed them creative freedom and control over their music production. In 2005, they released “Get There,” a transformative album that marked a new chapter in their musical journey. This album featured more structured lyrics and melodies, embracing a mellower yet edgier indie rock format. It also introduced a greater infusion of acoustic elements compared to their debut.
The Band’s Origin and Evolution
Bôa’s inception in 1993 saw the collaboration of drummer Ed Herten, keyboardist Paul Turrell, and guitarist/vocalist Steve Rodgers. The addition of Alex Caird, who had previously played with Ed in another band called Draggin’ Bones, enriched the band’s lineup as he took on the bass guitar. A pivotal moment occurred when Steve’s younger sister, Jasmine Rodgers, joined the band to sing the chorus of one of their early songs, “Fran.” Her mesmerizing voice soon took center stage, establishing her as the lead singer of the group. Ben Henderson, previously part of the band Doctor Sky alongside Alex, was also brought on board to play the saxophone.
Bôa’s debut live performance took place in January 1994 at the London Forum, where they had the honor of supporting classic rock legend Paul Rodgers, who happened to be Steve and Jasmine’s father (known for his contributions to Free and Bad Company). In the same year, Ed Herten decided to depart from the band to focus on his studies. His replacement, Lee Sullivan, brought a rockier edge to the group’s sound, aligning perfectly with their natural progression away from funk and Ben Henderson’s transition from saxophone to guitar.