By: Jamie Steinberg
Photo By Carianne Older
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) I call my sound “storybook pop,” which is a term I made up to describe a convergence of styles. Simply put, it’s the intersection of narrative lyrics, theatrical melody, sweeping orchestral arrangements and modern pop production.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) Sara Bareilles, Taylor Swift and Imogen Heap.
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “I Think I Lied.”
A) “I Think I Lied” is about regretting a break-up and romanticizing something you let go. I love releasing songs with a little bit of sexy tension right before the summertime!
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) I think people enjoy the vivid imagery in the song and love that it’s a bop. It’s super catchy and really embodies the energy of warmer weather.
Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?
A) I wanted to encapsulate the feelings of the song but put them in a storybook pop realm. I think masquerades are inherently cheeky and also alluring – but I also wanted it to feel a little bit like a fantasy, like you’re not sure if it’s real or not… kind of like the emotions the song works through.
Q) Your debut album A Fearful & Wondrous Thing is out at the end of May. What are some themes you will explore on it?
A) Anxiety, imposter syndrome, loss, healing, and romance.
Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) It changes per song! I don’t always need music, but I think I prefer it. Most commonly what happens is me sitting down with a vague idea and then noodling around on the piano until something fits, then writing over it. But sometimes lyrics are born out of a writing exercise, a journal entry or even a thought. It really depends.
Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) Production is 80% Tiger Darrow and 20% me directing. I’m usually clear on references, energy and sounds I want… I have a vision, but Tiger pulls it all together and I pipe in and direct throughout to help bend it towards what feels most authentic to me. We have a great working relationship – she’s really helped shape what my music has become.
Q) My personal favorite songs off the album are “Cool Girls Party,” “Call You Baby” and “Love is Like Surgery.” Which tracks hold a special place in your heart and why?
A) Thank you so much! Those are some of my favorites! I think “There Was Me (Don’t You Remember)” is one of the most special tracks to me – it was one of the first songs I had produced that I had entirely written by myself and it’s kind of when I first realized what I really wanted my style to sound like. I think it sets the stage for the entire emotional world of the album.
Q) There is an album release show coming up at Bowery Palace. What songs off the album are you eager for fans to hear live?
A) YESSS so excited! I daresay live shows are why I even do this all in the first place. I think “Shouldn’t the Flowers Stop Growing?” is a really special one to see and play live because I can give it the performance and the credence it deserves. And of course “Call You Baby” ‘cuz it’s simply a banger!
Q) What songs off your A Fearful & Wondrous Thing are you looking forward to performing live?
A) See previous answer 🤸🏾♀️.
Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your upcoming album as a whole – either as an emotion or message?
A) I think the emotional journey of the album is like a snapshot of life: the light, the dark, the softness, the attitude, the gut-wrenching presence of love. I’d love them to leave with a feeling of gratitude for the colorful nature of their own lives.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) Sara Bareilles, hands down.
Q) You are a part of social media and we’ve become OBSESSED with your Nepo-Baby Vocal Warm-ups. Which has taken the longest to film? Maybe the Skarsgaards?
A) Thank you so much! The longest to film was actually the Kennedy Warm-Up. It took us probably three different days of continuously trying (which is weird because now it feels so easy compared to some of the others we have done), but it was early on in the journey of doing long-form warm-ups and I think we were still figuring out how to do them. [laughs]
Q) Is there a family you’d love to tackle still? Maybe the Hustons or Carradines?
A) Hadn’t considered the Carradines! Would love to poll the followers on that one.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) I’m so glad you’re here, and I can’t thank you enough.