Your most recent EP, alive, has been out for about a month now. Can you tell us a bit about the creative direction you were going for, for the EP as a whole and how the production process was?
A: “alive is an EP-version of a record that I will be putting out in a few months. It is a collection of the more polished songs on the record — the songs that are more about external factors in my life and how I reacted to them. Each song was written during a moment where I felt very alive — either feeling the weight of existence or stuck in a tough transition or just in awe of how we are tiny little ants in the scope of the entire universe.
I recorded those songs in Philly, and moved to Nashville with the stems. I wanted to find some badass womxn engineers to work on the record, and I found Kate Haldrup. She mixed the EP (and LP), and completely made it sound 3 dimensional.
I was then connected with Raelynn Janicke who mastered the record analog. Finding women to work with through the process was a completely rejuvenating experience. As a woman, if I am not going to pursue womxn engineers, what man is going to?”
You are definitely not wasting any time with the release of your newest single, “curled toes,” coming out on July 30th. Is this song an extension of the EP or a step in a different stage/story line for you?
A: “Let’s keep the new music going, right? ‘curled toes’ is the segway from the EP into the full album. :) It’s the most light-hearted song on the record, and I figured it would be the perfect summer track!”
Can you share with us why you wanted to make this song in particular a single? What was that turning point moment for you?
A: “I think that ‘curled toes’ is a soft, sweet, and fun moment on the record that is in the midst of some pretty dark stuff. So, I wanted to highlight that moment. I really enjoy playing it live, and I’m so stoked to incorporate it into my live shows — that will actually happen this Thursday, July 29th at The End in Nashville, TN!”
The song itself from the very beginning is something that feels almost like a picnic during a nice sunset in the summer season. Do you imagine a visual representation of your songs at all in creation? Do you think it is important/fun to do so?
A: “I definitely think visually. It’s important, especially when figuring out arrangements and recordings, but also the content that goes alongside each song. What emotions do you want to elicit in the listener?
‘alive’ to me is staring up at all the stars in a remote location on a clear night. ‘easier’ is an angsty morning when I haven’t eaten breakfast yet. ‘curled toes’ is playing in the background while I’m driving with the windows down on a summer day and the sun is shining on my skin.”
Are you looking forward to live shows continuing? Out of all your newest songs since last stepping foot on a stage, which are you most excited about performing live?
A: “I am definitely excited to perform. I have my first live show coming up on Thursday, 7/29. I haven’t played a show in person since March 13th, 2020. AND it’s my first full band show in Nashville. So, I really can’t wait. I’m excited to play all of them! There isn’t one in particular.”
Got any fun things coming up in the future that you can tell us??? :)
A: “Well, for those who are not in Nashville and can’t make it to my 7/29 show at The End, I will be having a ‘curled toes’ livestream show on YouTube Live on Thursday, August 5th! You can RSVP here.
I can tell you that there will be a full album. That there will be more video content. That there will be chances to see each other again and experience music together, in-person.”
And before we go… last chance to plug anything you want… social media/new songs/shows/etc. BUT, plot twist, you must also describe your music using as much alliteration as possible.
A: “You can pre-save ‘curled toes’ here! If you’re in Nashville, this Thursday, 7/29 I’ll be playing at The End with my full band! If not, don’t worry because I’ll be doing a livestream show on Thursday, 8/5 on YouTube Live! And grungy guitar girl guts. ;)”
