Bonnie Medicine’s Creative Process: Finding Inspiration

From the heart of Scotland, singer-songwriter Bonnie Medicine weaves a rich tapestry of folk-inspired melodies and poetic lyricism. Her journey into music is one of adventure and deep artistic exploration—what started as a love for the guitar at 19 soon turned into a life of hitchhiking across Europe, embracing the vagabond musician lifestyle. In this interview, Bonnie shares insights into her creative process, the influences that have shaped her sound, and the collaborations that have defined her artistry. With a spirit rooted in nature and a passion for storytelling through music, she offers a glimpse into the world of an artist who believes in staying true to her message and letting the music flow organically.

Can you tell us about your journey into making music and what inspired you to pursue this career?

I picked up a guitar at age 19 and by 20 I was hitchhiking all around Europe with it strapped to my back - I was hooked on the vagabond musician lifestyle and as my journey as a singer progressed, so did my belief that I needed nothing more from this life than to play music and travel the world.

What’s your creative process like when starting a new project? Do you have any rituals or habits that help you get into the zone?

One of my favorite ways to begin pulling the threads of inspiration of a new song is to sit down in nature with my guitar, or by the fire, and free flow - intuitively moving through melodys and themes and as they come through organically.

Are there any particular artists, genres, or sounds that have heavily influenced your style?

I have always been a huge lover of folk and alternative folk. Poetry in the form of music captures the heart in a way not much else can, and so musicians like Nick Mulvey, Rising Appalachia, Billie Marten, and Mae Bird have hugely influenced my journey as a song writer with their ability to marry musical mastery and lyricism.

What’s your favorite piece of gear or software that you use in your music making process, and why?

My voice & my guitar are irreplaceable and priceless.

Can you share a memorable studio moment or collaboration that stood out in your career?

The ongoing collaboration with my dear friend, ex partner and now indispensable producer stands out as a beautiful & unique story of perseverance and consistency as we are now on the other side of our 2nd major body of work released together (my debut album and the Belonging EP were both created together). Our working relationship has been a journey of unimaginable pain, joy and everything in between. I’m so glad to have Organic Origins on my team!

What advice would you give to up-and-coming musicians looking to break into the music industry?

Stay true to your message, your intention, your expression - and if the world is meant to hear your music, they will. But never stop creating!

How do you stay inspired and continue to grow creatively in an industry that’s constantly evolving?

As the industry continues to evolve, so do I, and so the creative inspiration is never ending - as the river flows to the sea, i trust in nature’s boundless wellspring of organic creativity (and my own).