Vacances – We Need You

By starrymag | August 3, 2021

By: Alejandra Gil M

 

 

Q) Your new single “Berlin” has been released after a bit of a hiatus, what was it like to release new content in a very chaotic moment? 

 

A) Thanks yeah it had been a minute. I had the craziest writer’s block. I’d been writing/living in Mexico City, LA, SF and NY and just couldn’t come up with anything. I moved to Pittsburgh with my fiancé and as soon as we had a place, and I had my own area where I could really focus things started coming together. My old band The Frail did a lot of our writing via email, so working with collaborators that way felt natural to me. Of course, there was all the craziness and the sad moments with the pandemic, but it was really a way to get some of that out. This past year was a lot for everyone, and music is just a way for me to process and deal with things. It was really comforting to be able to release new material.

 

Q) You explained that the song is about wanting what you can’t have but being a self-sabotaging person that wants to destroy or break it before you ever get close to having it, talk about the inspiration behind it. 

 

A) Yeah, well I used to have this tendency to kind of self-sabotage, especially in regard to a relationship. I was over that part of myself, and this song is really a way of me letting all of that go.

 

Q) Because of the lyrics you can also sense that is about growing and becoming a more mature person. To learn who you are and where you want to go – while not letting past events get in the way of building as a person. In short, it’s about growing up, why do you think it was important to release “Berlin” as a first single? 

 

A) I just think it’s a good place for me to get up from and rebuild. Releasing music has always been something very special to me and I think I’ve taken a perspective of just doing it for fun again and not worrying what anyone else has to say.

 

Q) What was the writing process like for the song, did you have the lyrics or the music first? 

 

A) I go through different writing phases. This time around I was writing music first and then once I had a foundational drum and bass groove going, I’d write the lyrics/melody. It doesn’t always work that way but lately that’s been the go-to. I’d then send the ideas over to whoever I’m working with, and we’d go back and forth to expand on that initial concept until we got to what you’re hearing today.

 

Q) This song really has sort of a new-wave-meets-indie sound vibe for me every time I listen to it. How did you manage to combine that with the lyrics? 

 

A) I wish I knew! I just kind of naturally lean that direction. It’s something I can’t shake!

 

Q) The music video for “Berlin” was also released with the song, what was the inspiration behind the creative process like? 

 

A) To be honest, I just love that collage style artwork and wanted to be able to build that out for my new material. I’m a big fan of design and artistic expression through all mediums and really wanted that to come out with these new releases.

 

Q) Are there any artists that you took inspiration from for the single? 

 

A) I think influences are always in the back of my mind. But in this instant, there wasn’t really anyone specific that I pulled from. It was more of a collection of all kinds of different artists. Everything from Top 40 to gothy bands from the 80s. I just wanted it to have some drive.

 

Q) Has there been any fan feedback you´ve received for “Berlin and your new single “We Need You” that has stood out? 

 

A) I had someone reach out and tell me they listened to “We Need You” for four hours straight at the Gym. So, I guess that’s a good sign that it gets you going!

 

Q) “Berlin” and “We Need You” are the first in a series of new singles this summer. What can tease about any upcoming releases?

 

A) I have about ten more songs that I’ll be releasing throughout the year. So, you’ll definitely be hearing more from me in 2021.

 

Q) You have been a part of festivals such as Treasure Island, Bottle Rock, SXSW, and CMJ, and have shared the stage with Shiny Toy Guns, Fujiya & Miyagi, Passion Pit, Phantogram, Hot Chip, Imagine Dragons, Robert Plant, Tegan & Sara, Justice and many more. With concerts currently on hold, what do you miss most about being on stage? 

 

A) I really just miss the energy. There’s a feeling when you’re onstage that you can’t replicate anywhere else. At least for me – it kind of gives me the opportunity to just fully let go. There’s no time. There’s no anxiety. It’s just purely in the moment.

 

Q) Are you planning any virtual performances before we are able to go back to in person concerts?

 

A) I hope so! I have a few ideas – just looking for the right way to do it. I wouldn’t want to perform live just to do it. I want it to be special.

 

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of you and your music? 

 

A) Stay tuned – a lot more is coming.