By: Lisa Steinberg
Photo Courtesy of the Artist
Q) Your music tends to be described as arthouse pop or cinematic pop, but how would you describe your sound?
A) Oh, I have heard this question often and I get it. But all I can say is: I am writing songs. I like undercurrents that work against the obvious, I like poetry to be precise and also open. I like it witty, I like pathos, I want it pure.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) Of course Leonard Cohen is a hero. I am digging Conor Oberst’s Upside Down Mountain and The Cardigans’s Long Gone Before Daylight.
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Welcome to L.A.“
A) We got introduced to the city when we were invited to showcase in L.A. To me, this was huge, playing our music in L.A., presenting what I held so dear in actual Hollywood – the music capital of the western world. The US and Europe are so different from each other. I enjoy exploring these differences and what they reveal about my own mindset. L.A. is so vibrant, full of colors, full of light and full of ambition. That also got me up to speed, everything is fast and full of opportunities. Everyone there is trying to make it somehow and that is so cool. This creates a very inspiring tension that also has a tragic quality to it. People tend to advertise themselves 24/7. Advertising their best selling features.
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) I suppose I am not the right one to answer that. [smiles] I heard that some are reminded of their holiday memories, some enjoy the hinted drama in the story.
Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?
A) I am not too sure if there even is a clear message. And that in actual fact might be mirrored by the video. It’s more like a reflection of a certain time at a certain place. Your perception of life never depends on one thing, life is living life in pieces you then build from. Like a kaleidoscope. The video has a lot of different pieces, coming and leaving at high speed.
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) Usually, the main lyrics already come to me with a melody when I sit down at the piano. Then, I only need to find the chord structure. I do sometimes get lyrical ideas with a melody when I am out and about. Then, I sing them on my phone, followed by the “sung chord structure.“ And I hurry to find the next instrument to try the idea on.
Q) How did producer Danton Supple take the song to the next level?
A) Danton and Micha [Holland] worked on the arrangement and came up with this dense but light texture I am enjoying a lot.
Q) Your EP Sphinx is due out later this year. What are some themes you can tease that you’ll be exploring on it?
A) I’d say the EP is about those liminal moments that shape us.
Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) Performing is always a big risk to me. I suffer from stage fright. So, every audience that makes me feel welcome and helps me find a place of peace on stage is my favorite audience.
Q) Will there be a tour to coincide with Sphinx‘s release?
A) We are planning on setting up a few shows in the US and Europe, but it won’t be a full tour. Touring can be extremely costly: as an independent band you really have to watch your funds, too! [smiles]
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) Oh, maybe with someone who is far away style wise like Lupe Fiasco – that could be satisfying. I’d love, love, love to give this a shot.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) I can’t thank you enough for joining me on the ride. If you and I end up feeling a little less lonely, to me that’s all I can ask for.
All Questions Answered By Cate Martin