Byland – Heavy For A While

By starrymag | December 27, 2023

By: Kelly Kearney

 

 

Q) Let’s start at the beginning…Whe n did you know you wanted to be a musician? Was there a certain moment that sticks out that sealed the deal for you?

A) Music has always been a big part of life – I specifically remember my dad blasting Tom Petty during a work party at our house when I was young. I was really not looking forward to yard work that day, and as soon as Tom was on, it just changed the whole atmosphere and suddenly the energy was uplifting and fun and I loved seeing my dad so happy. I stayed close to the speaker that whole day and tried memorizing the lyrics and then the harmonies came (I didn’t know the word for that yet). Maybe that was a moment.

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) Cinematic Indie Rock with a splash of Joni [Mitchell].

 

Q) I don’t think I’ve heard such a painfully melodic voice like yours–not since Aimee Mann. Who were your early inspirations and what was it about their work that caught your attention?

A) Johnny Cash, Joni, Bob Dylan and Tom Petty were favorites of my parents that I listened to early on, and still shape my writing to this day. As I grew older, Brandi Carlile and Manchester Orchestra became big influences. Brandi for her vocals and Manchester for their song structure.

 

Q) You recently moved back to Seattle from Albuquerque and the music scenes in those two cities are as different as their landscapes and cuisine. How has living in those regions helped craft your sound?

A) They are both incredibly important to who I am as a person and my music by extension. Both have taught me to be my authentic self. Both taught me to appreciate and learn from their deeply rooted cultures. Both taught me that music brings people together. Albuquerque taught me to not take myself too seriously, that music is fun and to lean into the imperfections. Seattle has for sure stretched me, technically speaking, and has really refined me. I feel like I’m a much more proficient musician. There’s just so much here, and I owe a lot to this city.

 

Q) It’s been three years and a world-halting pandemic since you released your debut album, Gray, and now you’re coming back with a new album Heavy For A While. As I was listening to the first single, “Monstera,” I couldn’t help but think, “This song feels so personal.” The emotions in your vocals are raw and they’re layered over this disturbingly beautiful track. I was mesmerized by its dream-like melody, but I also felt that tension pouring out of your voice. What were you thinking about when you wrote it? What inspired this song?

A) The song is incredibly personal. “Monstera” was largely about my move from Albuquerque back to Seattle. In particular, the song is about leaving my longest childhood friend. She was the first person I ever wrote music with. We told each other we would grow up and tour the world in bands together. I knew I was doing what was best for me, but it was just so difficult to move away and leave her.

 

Q) Your work has this driving force behind it that feels unpredictable but always pays off with those enchanting vocals. You build on those unpredictable timetables almost immediately in the first single released from Heavy For A While, “Monstera.” Is that something you naturally lean into when writing? Talk a little bit about your creative process.

A) Thank you so much for those kind words, first of all. I absolutely lean into and look for those unpredictable melodies or structures. Early on, my partner Jake [Byland] wrote most of the lyrics to our songs and I wrote most of the melodies – but as we’ve grown, I’ve really started to appreciate my own voice and also the differences in our approach to writing lyrics. We love writing together.

 

Q) Your single “Postcard” dropped recently. What do hope listeners take away from it – either as a message or emotionally?

A) “Postcard” is about struggling with change and having “a hard time letting go” of the way I want things to turn out. It’s about dealing with loss and regret. But it’s also about the peace I’ve felt when I’ve had the strength to let go. There’s more space and openness inside me because I’m not holding so much.

 

Q) What are some themes you’ll be exploring on Heavy For A While?

A) I think that this record is the most honest I’ve ever been publicly. I feel very laid out and raw, but I was able to move through a heavy season because these songs held space for me to let something difficult exist. These songs, when they were written, were about something very specific, but I feel like they have been able to adapt with me as I’ve changed and experienced different emotions. They’ve expanded meaning and that has been such a gift.

 

Q) Your music just made it to my Spotify playlist, and I am sure our readers will check it too. Are there any musicians or bands currently dominating your daily listens?

A) I’ve been listening to a lot of Nirvana lately. Someone recently said our music has some Radiohead vibes, so I’ve been digging into them too. Big fan of Julia Jacklin right now. And to be honest, I’ve been embracing more space in my daily life, not filling every gap with something. When I’m driving, I don’t really listen to any music. I just drive, observe and focus on one thing at a time, and that’s also been really inspiring and good for me.

 

Q) What song(s) do you most love playing live?

A) I recently covered Nirvana’s “Lithium,” and in my set I’ve been playing that solo on piano. It’s been such a fun and intimate moment and gets me back into my body every time. I love singing someone else’s vulnerable lyrics, such as “I’m so horny, that’s okay – my will is good.” Try that one with your father-in-law in the audience. [laughs]

 

Q) If you could be the opening act for any artist, who would that be and why?

A) Manchester Orchestra. Their I’m Like a Virgin Losing a Child was the only CD I had in my first car growing up, and I loved how energized their music was. It got into my soul. Every record they’ve put out since then was what I needed in that season, and I’m just forever inspired by Andy and his band – his dedication to art, his family and himself. I’d love to open for him one day.

 

Q) What advice would you give to up-and-coming artists?

A) Be yourself. Make something that feels like you. Surround yourself with people who inspire, encourage, and push you.

 

Q) What would you like to say to the fans and supporters of your music? 

A) Thank you for being here. Our music is pretty personal, and the fact that you listen and connect to it means everything. I feel bridged to all of you. It’s a wild thing to feel seen on that level. It’s true that you keep us going. Music is such a gift. Thank you for supporting us.