instant crush – I’m Sorry I Didn’t Bite My Tongue

By starrymag | January 2, 2025

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound? 

 

A) I like to say we are shimmery nostalgia driven indie rock. When the band first started, I used to say we were “glitter grunge,” but I think that’s not fully accurate anymore. [laughs]

Q) Who are some of your musical influences? 

 

A) I drew a lot of inspiration growing up from bands such as Fall Out Boy and Paramore (which will never leave my brain), but for this album I took inspiration from 2010s indie rock, such as Bloc Party and Two Door Cinema Club.

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “apology tour.” 

 

A) “Apology Tour” grew out of resentment for this person I was seeing at the time. I couldn’t fully put into words how I was feeling, or why exactly I felt so negative and down, but writing this song helped to sort through how I felt.

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to? 

 

A) I think it’s very relatable in the sense that a lot of the time in toxic relationships, it can feel like you are the bad guy in every scenario no matter what you do. This song kinda pokes fun in a lighthearted way to begin coming to terms and coping with that feeling.

 

Q) The video was directed by Rachel Lane and the band. How does it play into the message behind it? 

 

A) I am so in love with 90s rom-com movies and how over the top they can be with cheesiness (in the best way of course). One of my favorite movies of all time is “10 Things I Hate About You” and I found out recently I lived so close to one of the actual filming locations. The nature of the song is very playful and over the top, so I felt paying homage to something similar was the perfect thing for the video.

Q) Your new album I’m Sorry I Didn’t Bite My Tongue is out now. What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) It depends on the song! A lot of this album was done through sessions where both the music and melody come at the same time. I try to keep a running Notes App document of lyric concepts and ideas, so that definitely helps speed up the process because I do a lot of prep work. I am usually very involved in ideas, concepts and sounds with the producer.

Q) My favorite tracks off the album are “all your friends” and “redemption arc.” What is your personal favorite song(s) that hold a special significance for you?

 

A) Definitely “All Your Friends.” Writing that song was just me cooking up a demo in an hour and I wrote all the lyrics so incredibly fast. I think that song was the first time in a long time I truly felt like I had something I needed to get off my chest. That was also the song that inspired the name of the album – because I sat with myself and really had to decide how honest I wanted to be lyrically.

 

Q) Are there certain songs you’re eager to see how fans react when you play them live? 

 

A) I think now that it’s out and we are finally going to play it, “On the Internet” will definitely bring so much energy and I’m so excited to see how a new audience reacts to it.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your new album as a whole? 

 

A) I hope they feel confident in feeling all of their emotions. This album has a wide range of emotions that everyone can connect with and I hope that there are some songs that say what someone might be too afraid to.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you? 

 

A) I love Madame Lou’s in Seattle, Cornerstone in Berkeley (CA), and Kilby Court in Salt Lake City (UT). I’ve had such incredible experiences in all of these cities and venues, and they hold such an incredible space in my heart. Madame Lou’s in Seattle is such a second home to me as well so it’s always a treat to get to play there.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future? 

 

A) I think one of my dream collaborations would definitely be with PVRIS. I am so in love with everything they’ve put out lately, and it would be a dream.

 

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) My new favorite find has been Capital Soiree. Their production is done so well and lyrically it is both simplistic and complex. I’m obsessed with their entire discography.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) I am filled with oh so much love for everyone who has listened to instant crush. Since the album has dropped, I have just been so overwhelmed and filled with gratitude. Thank you endlessly!

 

 

 

All Questions Answered By Megan Cannon