INTERVIEW WITH BROOKLYN INDIE ROCK DUO THE BERGAMOT
Riding the wave of newly garnered successes and fans from their latest projects, The Bergamot are happy just seeing where it takes them.
The Bergamot is the Brooklyn based Indie Rock duo and real life couple, Nathaniel Hoff and Jillian Speece. I chatted with The Bergamot, about their current single “Mayflies”, being a music artist in 2020, and what it’s like to be not only a creative duo but married as well.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Are you guys more morning birds or night owls?
THE BERGAMOT: Nathaniel’s a morning bird and Jillian is a night owl. Opposites attract right?
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can we talk some about your latest single “Ceasefire”. How did that track come together and what was the inspiration behind it?
THE BERGAMOT: How did that track come together and what was the inspiration behind it? It was a song that was written in a single session lasting less than 1 hour. It was a bit of an artistic release after working for over a month on “PDR”. Ceasefire began as a simple look at inner turmoil and what is called psychological warfare. We are all facing this daunting reality that social media and the internet has created - what initially was supposed to unite us and make us happy has actually made us more reclusive and depressed. In a way, turning on each other - but every battle must start within. That is where Ceasefire is focused.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Is there a lyric that you’ve written that you feel most emotionally connected to in life at present moment?
THE BERGAMOT: It’s hard to carry a burden, if you don’t have any bones. We have this reality that we are facing, and it is the reality we get. So we have to make the most of it - even though it can tear us down.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What song have you guys written do you feel is most timely?
THE BERGAMOT: I think “Mayflies” is a great song for the times. If you look throughout history, every generation has it struggles and challenges. But you have to rise up. This is the world we live in with rising ocean levels, climate change, and increased depression rates. “Mayflies” looks at an issue like climate change and tries to give light to a creature who is the most vulnerable amongst us. If you are a Mayfly and born on a rainy day, that is your 24 hour widow. You have to make the most of what you are given and turn away from the negativity.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How do you think being a married couple as well as a musical duo influences your work? Does this bring about a different set of challenges or more positives to your artistry?
THE BERGAMOT: I think the world wants to see the “Lone Ranger” or the solo artist. However, we need to see the divine masculine and the divine feminine working together. That’s what makes our music reach a wider audience. Also, there are so many great duos that have led groups. Lennon and McCartney, Gilmour and Waters, and Nicks and Buckingham. Truth is that we admire many great duos.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Do you feel that writing about important societal, political or environmental issues is something that is essential to being a musician today?
THE BERGAMOT: Absolutely. You can’t live under a rock anymore. People need to know where you stand and what is important to you. Now more than ever.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How would you say your creative process has changed with each album?
THE BERGAMOT: Yes. Each album has its own process, we just follow it. This album took us to London to work with Matt Wiggins. That was a life changing experience. This album has also opened up so many doors for us. Our team is building - and we are getting to play our first stadium show opening for OneRepublic. So we just follow where each album takes us...
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: If you could write a song about any fictional character who would it be and why?
THE BERGAMOT: Oliver Twist. I love Charles Dickens, his stories have made the long nights on the road a bit more tolerable.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: If you could collaborate with any artist past or present who would you collab with and why?
THE BERGAMOT: Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic. We have always looked up to the music of OneRepublic, aware yet meaningful.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Are there any artists that have been “On Repeat” for you lately? What music have you been listening to?
THE BERGAMOT: I really like “Art School Girlfriend” and Tow’rs. Great tunes.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: And what's next for, The Bergamot?
THE BERGAMOT: Getting ready for our show with OneRepublic on April 25th at The University of Notre Dame. Then we hope to have our documentary about our 50 State Unity Journey in 2016 out this year as well. More tour dates and maybe a few new singles too... always working...
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Anything else you would like to add? Thanks for your time!
THE BERGAMOT: Thanks for your time! Hope to see you at a live show soon!!! Much love and all the best to you. Ever Upwards and Shine On, Nathaniel and Jillian.
Stream “Mayflies” here.
Follow The Bergamot on Instagram here.
Until then,
Brittney x
