What made you go in to music?
It’s the only occupation option I’ve never doubted.
Are you a signed?
Nope
You have released “POOF,” tell us more about.
It’s the first single off my debut EP, “My First Great Movie.” It follows a femme fatale character before she loses herself to a man/love. She’s vengeful and thinks she’s in complete control of herself and her surroundings, but that ultimately turns out not to be the case.
What was the writing/recording process like?
I listened to a lot of scary movie score when writing the instrumental. Once I got that together, everything else just fell into place. Like with any of the songs on this EP, I tried to get into the mindset of the narrator and let her attitude and mentality inform the lyrics.
Will we see a video for “POOF”?
Yes, there is going to be a musical short that accompanies the entire EP.
Describe the track in two words.
Lilith, tar
You are also set to release a new EP in June, what was the process like + what can we expect from it?
Each track on this EP, “My First Great Movie,” embodies a particular stage in the process of a woman falling in and out of love. As a whole, it plays like a film: it has the structure of a filmic narrative (introduction, rising action, climax, etc), and each track has its own filmic genre. Each song is also a different side to the narrator that is summoned by her changing circumstances. I’ve worked on the music and the visuals for this project simultaneous so it’s been a bit chaotic of a process, spanning over a bit more than 2 years.
Who did you work on the EP with?
“Poof” and “Too Deep” I produced with my friend, Alex Fischel (of the band, Spoon). I also had a little help from my friends in the group Dummy: Jack Sobo and Jon Sewitz. There are still two tracks in production so I can’t speak on them. I’m very meticulous so I co-produced all of the songs, except for the final track, which I produced myself.
Describe each track in two words.
“Poof” – Lilith, tar
“Too Deep” – Impassioned pet
Track 3 – Pity party
Track 4 – Adult tantrum
Track 5 – Satisfied loneliness
Do you have gigs coming up or a tour in planning?
No gigs planned yet. I’m still in the process of putting together a band and such.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
Nope!
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you?
Of course! Although I’m a bit more interested in either writing for someone or collaborating on an entire project. But I’m always looking for musicians or producers to work with.
Do you play any instruments?
I’m hardly instrumentally virtuoso, but I can play piano and guitar. I recently purchased a theremin and am struggling to teach myself that.
Who are your biggest influences?
For this EP, I listened to a lot of Portishead, FKA Twigs, Nine Inch Nails, Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross’ film scores, as well as Tarantino and Paul Thomas Anderson scores and soundtracks. In general, my biggest influences would probably be Nicki Minaj, Portishead, James Blake, Bon Iver, and dare I say Carly Rae Jepsen?
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
My approach to the tracks in “My First Great Movie” was very specific and often limiting. I knew exactly how I wanted each song to sound and what I wanted them to say, it was just a matter of getting to that place. In the rest of my work, I usually will think of a melody or a hook and basically just build around that with either lots of or very little trial and error. I think because I’ve been so engulfed in a project that is so rigid in concept for so long, I’ve really been frivolous with my creative freedom in my other music.
Where do you see yourself now in five years?
I still have bangs and they look amazing. I’m busy collaborating with people on projects and wearing many different hats. I’ve always got at least one dog with me.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I do a lot of music supervision work and film scoring. I also spend a lot of time responding to emails. Recreationally, I love going to the movies, getting drinks with friends, and watching terrible television.
What was the song you listened to most that inspired you to go more in to the music scene?
I was 14 when I first heard “Blood Bank” by Bon Iver. I remember being so shook by it: no music, up until that point, had really moved me. Of course, I’ve had that experience a multiple times with other pieces of music since then, but that was the one I can definitively point back to where I first felt compelled to explore music.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Drink water and wear SPF.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Because you’re worth it.
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
Boardners on a Saturday night.
If you’re coming off tour: 1) Where do you go first? 2) Who do you see first? 3) What do you eat first?
I’d stop at In n Out on my way home from the airport. Then I’d go to my parents’ house and sleep in my old bed for a few days. Then relax with friends right after.
