By: Kaylyn Bell
Q) How would you describe the music that you make?
A) I usually call it soft, sad music but I also think it’s pretty hopeful and influenced by all of the different music I’ve listened to over the past twenty years, from The Velvet Underground to Danny Brown to Maroon 5 to Adrianne Lenker to Albert Ayler. Not in that order but I think those are the farthest points of reference.
Q) Who are some artists that influenced you when you were growing up?
A) The Velvet Underground was a huge influence on me as a teenager. I don’t know why I was obsessed with them at the time, but Lou Reed’s songwriting was probably the first that ever made me feel like I could say what I felt in a plain and simple way and have it really mean something. I don’t really like drugs, but I do think I’m addicted to my phone in a way that makes the song “Heroin” feel relatable.
Q) Your song “I’m Scared” is vulnerable and honest, exploring one’s fears and how they can be debilitating. What led you to want to write about this topic?
A) I’ve just spent so much of my life being scared. I’m scared right now. I think I write lots of songs about fear and this is just me trying to sum it all up into one song.
Q) You mentioned that “lots of people are spending lots of money trying to scare you into what they want you to be scared of.” That is such an important reminder to stay true to yourself. Did that sentiment come from a specific experience that helped inspire this song?
A) I think the way mask mandates were lifted opened my eyes to how people are only scared of what they’re told to be scared of? I found it very disconcerting. I was very scared of getting COVID (still am) but spending five years, scared of a new thing probably inspired me to examine my fear a little more.
Q) How did you decide that a minimal arrangement would best shape the tone of this song?
A) I was trying to give the words space to be felt and heard. The same goes for the repetition of the lyrics “I’m scared.” Because when I’m scared, it’s all that I can think about.
Q) “I’m Scared” is a very relatable song because, as mentioned in the lyrics, we all let our fears control us sometimes. What message do you hope listeners take away from this track?
A) That being scared isn’t always a bad thing! It’s part of life and a strong motivator.
Q) This song has already acquired millions of views on TikTok. What has it meant to you to see it resonate with so many people?
A) Virality is so weird. It’s desensitizing but also beautiful, also scary. I mostly just love making music, so anything that can help make that a (financially) sustainable reality for me feels very good. It’s hard to separate the two things. I’m used to playing shows for ten to fifty people at a time, so I can’t really conceptualize what it means for millions or even thousands of people to be thinking about my music or words.
Q) “I’m Scared” is the title track of your upcoming LP. What are some themes you’ll be exploring on it?
A) Fear is definitely a big theme of this LP, but also introspection, relationships, body image and anxiety are all included. I think that what makes it special is that I look at all of these topics with a kind of neutral filter of hope across all of it. I think that everything is terrible and also amazing and I try to infuse that into my songwriting.
Q) This LP touches on fear, togetherness, comfort and anxiety. Did you intentionally build the LP around these themes, or did they arise naturally from your experiences at the time?
A) They definitely just arise naturally. Relationships and community have always been very important to me but since the pandemic, my need for comfort and personal time has grown. I’ve been struggling with finding that balance the past few years and I can imagine that struggle lasting the rest of my life. There’s not enough time in each day to do as much nothing as I need.
Q) How has this album evolved from your previous work?
A) I hope that my songwriting has grown more nuanced and clear at the same time and I’m always struggling to have the production guide the listener towards the meaning of the song and not distract from it.
Q) Who are some artists that you would love to collaborate with on music in the future?
A) I don’t know! I kind of struggle with collaboration in this project. I’m really grateful for the collaborators on this album, but working with other people (on my own music specifically) is one of the hardest things for me. Some of the artists who inspired these songs are Adrianne Lenker, Leith Ross, Phil Elverum and Hannah Stretton. Collaborating with any of them in any way would be a dream.
Q) You will be performing at Pop Montreal on September 27th. Which song are you most excited to play live and why?
A) I really love playing “I’m Scared” with the band because it ends up kind of loud and exciting. I have an older song called I am full of hope and not much else which I do as a sing-a-long live.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and your work?
A) I’m so grateful for their support! I get lots of messages and comments saying that my music saved someone’s life which feels so great because making music has saved my life. I have no idea where I’d be without it.