By: Jamie Steinberg
Photo By Joanna Grace Babb
Q) We last chatted back in 2024 about your song “Mirrors.” How has your music evolved since then?
A) So nice to chat again! I gotta say, I feel more connected to music than ever. The communal energy that “Mirrors” kicked off has been going strong ever since. It’s been really sweet and inspiring and I’m so excited for what’s next.
Q) Your LP Past the Veil is out now. What are some themes you will be exploring on it?
A) Overall it’s about turning towards your discomfort to find actual relief rather than resisting or dissociating when something challenging comes up. This process can be intense in the short term because if you’re used to resisting it will feel counterintuitive to turn towards and stay there so I wanted these songs to serve as encouragement to keep going so you can feel better in the long term. That discomfort you feel when you turn towards yourself and finally find relief and peace is so important to honor and push through. It’s a journey of ebb and flow and accepting wherever you’re at in that cycle.
Q) What inspired your newest song “Horizons?”
A) “Horizons” is a really hopeful song. I was thinking about how in this moment it can feel almost useless to dream and plan because everything feels so uncertain, so I thought of the literal horizon and how helpful it can be in easing my future tripping. Then, once I shift that perspective I can be there for that piece that felt so lost. It makes total sense to get bogged down by the shadowy side of being here but, as Rupaul says, you can glance at the darkness but don’t stare, you’ll go crosseyed. [laughs] Feel your feelings, remind yourself that your unique perspective matters so much and is literally the only reason this experience is so fun and interesting. Notice that beneath the fear of the unknown is the excitement of what’s coming. I know it looks bad right now, but I feel such a positive shift in the works. It’s going to be ok.
Q) You said that it is a reminder to “be more authentic.” Why do you think that is so important for 2026?
A) I believe being curious about what feels authentic for you personally is one of the most important things you can sign up for. Again, that uniqueness of your perspective is so interesting! Once you crack that door open you then have the opportunity to be devoted to discovery and bonus points if it can be judgement free discovery! Giving yourself the attention that everyone and everything fights for, even briefly, is something that for me feels like a reminder of what actually matters. Joy matters and your joy is so special! Finding that joy for yourself in a moment where cruelty and greed are rewarded is to me the most creative solution to navigating yet another wave of evil trying to convince us that it matters more than love. Yeah, freakin right.
Q) Your fingerpicking is incredible. Is it something you want to make sure is always included in the music that you make?
A) Absolutely, I love the way fingerpicking stands on its own – it’s so pleasing to my ears and so fun to sing along with. Especially since I started playing nylon string, it’s just such a sweet sound. I only use two fingers when I finger pick though. [laughs] I’m trying to work in a third – that’s a goal for this year. [laughs]
Q) My favorite songs on the LP are “Honest Man” or “Room For Less.” Which ones hold a special place in your heart?
A) Great picks! I’m a huge fan of the title track “Past the Veil” and “The Calling.” Also, the strings on “Moving” blew my mind – they really brought that song to another level. The nature of this record and how each song was its own container makes for such a fun listen, it’s like ten different rooms in one house.
Q) What songs off your LP are you looking forward to performing live?
A) I’m in the process of figuring out alternate versions so I can play solo right now. So far, “The Calling” and “Horizons” have really cool stripped down versions. But I’ll do a record release show September 25th in LA at On Joy that will be full band to go big at least once and play the record with all the production. For that I’m super excited to play “Honest Man,” “The Calling” and “Past The Veil.” It’ll be so fun to shred the whole thing with everyone. Hopefully, I’ll start making a bunch more money so I’m able to bring a band on the road. I would absolutely love that.
Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to Past The Veil as a whole – either as a message or emotion?
A) I wanted to make something joyful for these stressful times, so I hope it provides a space to dance and cry and feel whatever you need to feel. I really hope it helps with wherever you’re at in your journey. And may it also serve as a reminder that you’re doing great, you’re exactly where you need to be and tomorrow it will be different, ride the tides.
Q) When we last chatted back in 2024 you mentioned your dream collab was Bjork. Is that still who you have in mind?
A) Absolutely. The more I learn about her the more I admire her. I just found out when Britney Spears had her breakdown in 2007 that Bjork reached out and offered for Britney to come to Iceland to escape the chaos and that’s just the sweetest gesture. She gives so much to her community and, to humanity in general. It would be such a dream to sing with her.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) First of all, thank you. Second of all, you look amazing. And third, I am just so grateful for your support then and now. Parting ways with Sub Pop left me feeling like maybe my relevance went with it and shopping Past The Veil around to other labels and fielding so much rejection and misaligned opportunities made me question everything. But I feel so much love and encouragement and I’m so glad I pushed through the challenge of this shift into releasing music on my own label. It was yet another moment of leap and the net will appear and here I am safe in the net. Thank you for sticking with me and letting me explore and for helping me remain devoted to music and creativity. Thank you thank you thank you. Onto the next leap!