JAMES BAY CHARMS IN OPENING SPOT ON THE LUMINEERS BRIGHTSIDE WORLD TOUR AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL
Indie Folk act The Lumineers (“Ho Hey”, “Cleopatra”) brought their Brightside World Tour to The Hollywood Bowl last Friday (September 15th), playing a dazzling sold-out show with special guest and opener James Bay (“Let It Go”, “Hold Back The River”). It was the second time The Lumineers were playing the Hollywood Bowl, so this was a special night for them. The last time The Lumineers played here in 2016, they had just released their debut Grammy-nominated album. So, tonight was big for them and their fans. It was also a significant night for their special guest and opener, James Bay. An accomplished artist in his own right, he had many of his fans turn out for the gig. One of those fans who attended was me. It is always great to see music fans turn up early to support the opener. I would love to see more of this happen for smaller upcoming artists. The Bowl was starting to fill up quickly with people running in just as James Bay had begun to play his first song, the Pop Rock Stomper, “Best Fake Smile” from his debut, ‘Chaos and the Calm’. Bay's striking guitar melodies echoed throughout the canyons of the gorgeously lit arena. Even though I had been to the Hollywood Bowl once before, the current view I had with my seat in the garden box section allowed me to see the stunning bowl shape everyone talked about so much. I finally understood what everyone was talking about. It was also the first time I had seen James in concert since 2018 with the ‘Electric Light’ era. I could see how much has changed and grown since then, a clear and clean melding of the best parts of all his album eras. It was also great to hear how fantastic his current tour band lineup sounds with Bay. The drummer adds a hard-hitting and soulful element into the mix. James' guitar solos in the set are distinct, precise, and have a purpose. Overall, his opening set seemed to delight his and Lumineers fans alike. Other song highlights were “When We Were On Fire”, the emotional “Let It Go”, and “Hold Back The River”, where the crowd sang along. We even got to hear an unreleased track titled, “All My Broken Pieces”, which he played before his latest single, “Goodbye Never Felt So Bad”.
James Bay | Let It Go (Live at The Hollywood Bowl)
The unreleased track and his current singles note his seamless shift towards a new musical direction. The newer sounds are much more mellow and assured, leaning towards a poppier folk, towards a similar musical vein like The Lumineers. Although, his progression seems like a natural ark that his music would take. I cannot help but attribute some of this progression to him recently becoming a father and husband as you mature quickly. Many of the attendees were families and couples who were enjoying a night out on a Friday. Headliners The Lumineers, whom much of this crowd was waiting for, and in all honesty, quite patiently, walked onstage to Rihanna's “Desperado” and the audience's loud applause. Besides the intriguing walkout track, the band had a lot of energy, starting with some of their biggest hits like “Hey Ho”, “Stubborn Love”, and “Angela”. I had not heard of this before bands or artists performing their big hits and crowd faves first. This setlist was an interesting choice by The Lumineers. Frontman and Lead singer Wesley Schultz's anecdotal stage banter was also notable and affable. The Brightside Tour was a fun and incredibly joyful night, and when laid out in all of its dazzling folk rock glory, a massive triumph for their fans. If you were new to The Lumineers or fans of the opener, James Bay, it was a night of inspired fun, seeing into the luminescent and nostalgic world of The Lumineers. You can check out some of my snapshots from the gig below, no pro camera this time!
Thank you to Republic Records for inviting me out, and don’t forget to check out James Bay’s new single “Goodbye Never Felt So Bad” which is out now on all DSPs.
INTERVIEW WITH… GERMAN-BASED SINGER-SONGWRITER M.BYRD TALKS DEBUT ALBUM + MORE
INTERVIEW WITH… GERMAN SINGER + MULTI-INSTRUMENTALIST M. BYRD
Photo credit: Miriam Marlene
M. Byrd is a German-based singer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter whose stark, inspired, and confessional pop-inspired folk-rock music. The artist is turning heads and opening ears with his intense and contemplative sound, which marks his debut album, The Seed. A body of work that is out now and happens to be a deeply personal collection of songs for him, as it was also a healing process for him. For the listener, M. Byrd hopes the aptly named record plants a seed and encourages the listeners’ evolution or growth in some way, as it did for him. I got to interview M. Byrd about his debut record and much more. You can read his answers below.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Let's start with learning a bit about your background. Did music always have a role in your life? Did you always know you wanted to pursue this path professionally?
M. BYRD: My grandfather collected jazz records, so I early on became interested in swing music by e.g. Duke Ellington. Music had always played a huge role when I grew up in a small town - it presented me with a new language that would always be a companion.
I never made a conscious choice to pursue music professionally, it was more of an accident that we made some songs that people responded to. I think, even if I changed career paths you’d still find me in the studio experimenting - it’s just such a big part of my life
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How has your year been so far both professionally and personally?
M. BYRD: It’s been a wild ride so far - I didn’t get to spend a lot of time at one spot and have been traveling back and forth in Europe playing shows or recording. This makes it possible for me to visit a lot of friends that I otherwise wouldn’t see too often and I am very grateful to combine these things!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: You just released your debut album, The Seed. What’s a typical creative and writing process like for you? And was it any different to record this record?
M. BYRD: I like to start with a very rough voice memo. My voice memos really are like little, grainy, old photographs that I take during my travels. When I start working on one of these days’ ideas, I like to have people in the room, that see the same potential in these little ideas as I do - everything from there is an open field of experimentation, and whatever instruments work best at that moment.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Was there a track on The Seed that you found particularly challenging to craft? One that came together quite easily?
M. BYRD: Pyrrhula was quite challenging because it’s played completely live and not on a grid or anything that could lead my timing. I recorded a loooot of versions of this until I stuck with one of the initial takes.
Flood came together quite easily - I remember the process as a fun day of playing with sounds and structure.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: I did some digging and discovered that you played bass in a band called, Ilgen-Nur. Was there anything from that time playing and touring that you brought with you into this current solo project?
M. BYRD: Well, Ilgen is a super talented writer - she has a calm but very sharp sense of observation, which really inspires me. Also, the end everybody really encouraged me to release my own songs!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: The visuals to your songs really emphasize the emotion felt in your music. Is that something you were keen to get across?
M. BYRD: Absolutely! Glad you recognized.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Who are some of your biggest artistic influences?
M. BYRD: That changes a lot. I’ve lately been digging Daniel Norgren’s music, in case you haven’t heard it. It’s all recorded to tape and sounds super analogue. On the other hand, I am also digging into Cocteau Twins’ discography a lot. Oh, and there’s a lot of Japanese ambient music out there (e.g. Haruomi Hosono) that I’ve been listening to.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Lastly, what is next up on the horizon for M. Byrd?
M. BYRD: EU Tour in September and October! Come to the shows and say hi if you read this interview :-)!
M. Byrd’s “The Seed” is out so stream now
INDIE POP ROCK ARTIST NIKITA LEV TELLS US HER MOST INFLUENTIAL TUNES
INDIE POP ROCK ARTIST NIKITA LEV TELLS US HER MOST INFLUENTIAL TUNES
Nineteen-year-old multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Nikita Lev is just getting started with already 200 songs written under her belt. The New York-bred artist's take on Indie Folk has an earnestness and confidence beyond her years. Nikita's latest singles, Like I Care and Elegance, are out now and evoke nostalgia and early Lana Del Rey. Lev provided The Reclusive Blogger with a playlist of her favorite and most influential songs and artists, which you can listen to below.
INTERVIEW WITH… INDIE AMERICANA SINGER-SONGWRITER SHARAYA SUMMERS
INTERVIEW WITH… INDIE AMERICANA SINGER-SONGWRITER SHARAYA SUMMERS #TheReclusiveBlogger #Interviews
SHARAYA SUMMERS | Photo by: Kate Rentz
Oregon-based Singer-Songwriter Sharaya Summer's reflective, heartfelt, and honest Indie Folk and Americana melodies are garnering her acclaim and fans alike. In her latest single, ‘Forever You and Me’, she explores the fragility of relationships while examining her own, reminding everyone of loved ones and the memories you share close. The idea of the song emerged after a particularly challenging time full of changes for her. Summers had just had a daughter, was recording a new record, and lost her Grandmother. Now Summers is determined to look forward and find the light amongst the shadows, a theme she explores in her forthcoming release.
You can check out my interview with Indie Folk and Americana artist Sharaya Summers below!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can you talk about your latest single “Forever You and Me” and the inspiration behind it?
SHARAYA SUMMERS: I wrote this song after attending my grandmother's funeral last year. As the slideshow of her life played in a five-minute span, I observed my heartbroken grandfather on the pew watching. I wrote this thinking that I would play it at my husband's funeral far far in our future. But now as I am ready to release the song, we are actually separated and going through a pretty low point in our marriage. The song has taken on new meaning as I realize that no matter how, why, or when love ends there's nothing we can do to prepare for it. I suppose now it's a more positive spin on a break up considering that no matter what the future brings we will always have the wonderful memories and two beautiful children we share.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can you speak a bit about your musical background? Has music always played a role in your life?
SHARAYA SUMMERS: I was a 90's youth group kid growing up. I learned how to play guitar and play music in church. I went through somewhat of an existential crisis in my mid-twenties and bailed on church and moved to Nashville to be a songwriter. I don't have any negative feelings about the experience, it was just that as I grew up and saw more of the world, music and God became bigger than something I could keep in such a limited box. When I am practicing creation/creativity it's the closest I feel to the divine. So yes, I'd say it's been an integral part of my life.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: You have an LP tentatively due out later this year. How is the writing and recording process going so far?
SHARAYA SUMMERS: The album is complete! It's being mixed as we speak, soon to be mastered. I recorded with Raymond Richards in Portland, OR. When I started tracking I was nine months pregnant with my now one-year-old baby girl. It was quite a commitment to finish, as having a newborn is a challenge I can not even begin to describe. I am grateful to my mother who supported me with babysitting and Jacob, my husband, for helping to keep me motivated and contributing as band director.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Do you have a bucket list of dream artists that you’d love to collab with? If so, who are they?
SHARAYA SUMMERS: Stevie Nicks, Jackson Browne, or Norah Jones
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What was the last thing you discovered about your artistic self?
SHARAYA SUMMERS: After becoming a mother I thought my artistic career would be over. While I may not be free to tour or play shows or hustle as much as I used to, I was happy to discover that I didn't stop writing, it's just a part of who I am and what I do, so that was cool to realize that being an artist has nothing to do with age or situation.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Who are some of your biggest artistic influences or inspirations?
SHARAYA SUMMERS: Right now as cheesy as it sounds my two kids are my inspiration. I love seeing the world in a totally new way through their eyes. My son is 3 and my daughter is 1. The joy and wonder is everything everyone says about becoming a parent. It's just so cool. So hard, but so fun too. They inspire me to slow down and really be present where I am at, to be more observant of the world around me, and more appreciative and grateful for the small things every day.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What was the last album you played with no skips?
SHARAYA SUMMERS: Erykah Badu - Baduizm - last week while making dinner, sipping wine, and then doing the never-ending dishes.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: And lastly, what’s next on the horizon for you?
SHARAYA SUMMERS: I've always been someone with a 5-year plan. This year has shown me that I can not control anything but my view of the world, and my reactions to it. I feel like I've grown into a completely new person, someone who for this season has literally no plan other than to be mindful, to listen, and to choose to be grateful for every moment. I find that my creativity has never been so free-flowing as when I'm just here to take it all in and observe the pain along with the joy. I don't know what is next, but I do know that I am not finished.
Stream Sharaya’s new single “Forever You & Me” which is out now by clicking here
INTERVIEW WITH... WISTFUL POP SINGER-SONGWRITER KINGS ELLIOT
Kings Elliot is not your typical pop singer and songwriter, while many of today's pop artists turn to a bass-heavy, synth-based sound that is often reminiscent of the 80s and catered to dance floors & clubs. Elliot skirts all of this. On her new EP, Bored Of The Circus, the artist creates a palette of wistfully beautiful cinematic stories set against ethereal pop. Visit The Reclusive Blogger and click the link to read my interview with Kings Elliot
Kings Elliot is not your typical pop singer and songwriter, while many of today's pop artists turn to a bass-heavy, synth-based sound that is often reminiscent of the 80s and catered to dance floors & clubs. Elliot finds inspiration for her sound and lyrics from Disney (she divulges her favorite below), her small hometown in Switzerland, her struggles with mental health, and music from the 1940s & 1950s. On her new EP, ‘Bored Of The Circus’, the artist creates a palette of wistfully beautiful cinematic stories set against ethereal pop. You can read the interview I did with Elliot below. I asked about her childhood, music influences, songwriting process, and more.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Hi, Kings Elliot! Thanks for taking time out with me and TRB for this interview. My first question is how has your 2022 been so far both creatively and personally?
KINGS ELLIOT: Of course!! Thank you for taking the time!
2022 has truly been my favourite year on this planet so far! I've had the privilege of going on my first ever tour, and that being a stadium tour with Imagine Dragons which was just absolutely mind-blowing. I've released my second EP 'Bored Of The Circus' which I'm so very proud of and I'm about to lock myself in the studio to write and produce new music which I could not be more excited about.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can you talk about how you got start in music? Was music and playing music something that was always present in your life? Particularly growing up?
KINGS ELLIOT: I've always sang and I always made up my own songs, ever since I was in pre-school. Now I know I was 'writing' and it just never left me. It's always been my greatest coping tool and it will never not be that for me.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Growing up in a small Swiss town, How do you think growing up in a small town has shaped your artistry? If it has at all?
KINGS ELLIOT: Because I was kind of the only one in my immediate surrounding chasing this pretty unrealistic dream, I had to learn to prove myself and become very headstrong at a very young age. No one ever encouraged me or said it was a good idea. Many (including myself) doubted that I could make it my profession one day.
I think that made me more dedicated than maybe someone who slipped into it more easily. I finished my education in Switzerland, I worked and saved up money, relocated to a different country and I just kept pushing for it.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: I’d like to ask you about your latest EP, ‘Bored Of The Circus’ and the overall creative process for the EP? How has your creative process adapted or grown over the years?
KINGS ELLIOT: It's honestly always different. I find that question hard because it's kind of like an ever-flowing process. I write down lyrics and melodies randomly when I feel something. My main collaborator Conway (halfrhymes) and I are in constant contact and exchange thoughts and ideas all the time. When I get into the studio we can then hone in on it all and have fun creating the world around the words and melodies. It's always different and it's my favourite part.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: I love the haunting, melodious almost lilting quality your song “Butterfly Pen” has. Can you delve into the backstory of the track and talk a bit more the visuals as well?
KINGS ELLIOT: The lyrics in this song are my favourite lyrics of the whole EP. They describe the state of a world that has turned grey after the hurt I've experienced. In the background you sometimes hear a little birdy sing and thats kevin, a small baby bird I rescued and looked after for a week before handing him to wildlife rehabilitation. I love that he has a place in this song forever. The visuals to the song capture the sadness and helplessness one can feel while in a depressive episode where even leaving the bed is a very difficult thing to do.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Where tackling themes of mental health and mental health in love and relationships in your storytelling something that you naturally gravitated towards? How do you make sure that you maintain a healthy balance between creative endeavors and self-care?
KINGS ELLIOT: It's what I've personally mostly struggled with for a lot of my life, so it was natural for me to process that trauma in the songs I write. Making these songs automatically improves my self-care but I'm definitely still working on a balanced and healthy self-preservation..
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: I’ve read that you grew up watching Disney films and that they heavily influence your music. What are some of your favorites or biggest influences?
KINGS ELLIOT: 'Dumbo' is my favourite Disney movie. 'Baby mine' playing in the scene of dumbo's mum cradling dumbo through the metal bars has me in absolute pieces every time. The song is so gorgeous and so sad, and since it was made in the 40s it has that beautiful feel from that era which I love so much. I started listening to more songs from that era and realised quickly that the 40s and 50s are my favourite years of music and it's now where I draw most of my inspiration from
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What has it been like touring with such an established act like Imagine Dragons?
KINGS ELLIOT: It was absolutely mind-blowing. They are out of this world performers, the show is insane and to make it even better they are all so kind and welcoming. I had no idea I would be accepted with such open arms and honestly being given the opportunity to sing in stadium with one of the biggest bands in the world is an experience I will remember for the rest of my life and I don't expect it to be topped by anything else!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What fictional character do you think would most identify with the Kings Elliot soundscape and aesthetic?
KINGS ELLIOT: Definitely Dumbo!! He is an outcast, he feels alienated from everyone else and the one person that loved him the most gets taken away from him. He needs some soothing songs and a world to escape to. Makes me cry thinking of it.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: If you were to put one of your lyrics onto a message in a bottle, what lyric would you choose and why?
KINGS ELLIOT: 'When I'm breaking apart I won't call it a weakness I'll stumble and fall I don't care if they see it.' - everyone who's struggling and feels ashamed of how their mind works needs to hear that.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What’s one album you could listen to over and over and from start to finish?
KINGS ELLIOT: Banks - Goddess
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: To end, What’s next on the horizon for you, Kings Elliot?
KINGS ELLIOT: More tours and more music! Once I'm back home from the European tour I am on right now I will lock myself in the studio and I can't wait for that!! I also have something really cool coming out in the next few weeks that I can't announce yet but it's a huge bucket list moment for me!!
Follow Kings Elliot:
Instagram | TikTok | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | Website
Stream Kings Elliot -“Bored Of The Circus”
INTERVIEW WITH... TOPS SINGER & INDIE DISCO-POP ARTIST MARCI
TOPS’ vocalist Marta Cikojevic recently unveiled her new project and debut album under the solo name Marci. The self-titled solo album is out now on Arbutus Records and was co-produced with TOPS bandmate David Carriere with hopes of crafting electric and fun dance hits, the ultimate disco-tinged bops. Marci checked in with TRB for a quick few questions about the new record and influences which you can read below!
Marci by Christina Bryson
TOPS’ vocalist Marta Cikojevic recently unveiled her new project and debut album under the solo name Marci. The self-titled solo album is out now on Arbutus Records and was co-produced with TOPS bandmate David Carriere with hopes of crafting electric and fun dance hits, the ultimate disco-tinged bops. Marci checked in with TRB for a quick few questions about the new record and influences which you can read below!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Can you talk about your normal songwriting process? Then how your writing/creative process was for this new song “Terminal”?
MARCI: I always write on piano, and demo as I am going. Once I have a decent demo, I bring it to David and we figure out which parts can be worked on.
There are a handful of songs that we wrote together, where I would sit on the piano and David on the bass or guitar.
For Terminal it all started with a guitar riff that David had while we were getting ready for a party. I started singing over top of the riff and we came up with the chorus of the song. When we got into the studio, we worked out the rest of the song on piano and guitar together.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How did the music video for “Terminal” come together? and what was that process like and filming?
MARCI: The music video was almost going to be just a visualizer! Until my friend (and director) Christina Bryson decided that we absolutely needed to do a video and i'm so glad we did! It was done in one day at Christina's house, very relaxed and easy, the group of us girls (Isabelle Fields- stylist, and Melissa Rogers - makeup) had a relaxed and fun time, my friend Jackson Macintosh who played the hunky guy came over, was very fun!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What does music and the craft of songwriting mean to you?
MARCI: It can be anything you want, there are no rules - I love the freedom in that. I also love how good it makes me feel, and how it's a never ending learning/growing experience.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What are you most looking forward to for your upcoming tour?
MARCI: I'm excited to sing in front of an audience, and find out what kind of performer I am. Playing with a band will feel so great, hearing the songs live will be a whole new feeling - since it was a studio record.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: If you were to describe your sound in three words what words would you pick?
MARCI: Peppy, smooth, sparkly
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What’s one album that you can listen to straight through?
MARCI: Marvin Gaye - Here, My Dear
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: What’s your pick for song of the summer 2022?
MARCI: Sofie Royer’s Baker Miller Pink has been on repeat
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: And... last question, Is there anything else you would like to add? What up’s next for you?
MARCI: I might be releasing a new song very soon…. hehehe.
Thank you for the interview! :)
Find + Follow Marci Online:
Stream THE self-titled DEBUT ALBUM FROM MARCI out now.
INTERVIEW WITH... Brit Alt-Pop Singer-Songwriter Liz Cass
Brit Alt-Pop Singer-Songwriter Liz Cass' smoky haunted timbre and emotionally raw lyrics harken comparisons to Kate Bush and Lisa Stansfield here and there. Cass uses emotion to not only effectively elevate her eclectic electric pop sounds but to punctuate the story. It instantly grabs you. A key element in her sound that’s featured on her new song, 'Near Miss', a tale of trying to figure out where you stand in love and relationships. Since both are pop-centric storyteller tracks and are on her forthcoming debut album, The Words, out on October 21st. In a new interview with Liz for TRB. Liz spoke about her childhood, her new music, and much more.
Brit Alt-Pop Singer Liz Cass
Brit Alt-Pop Singer-Songwriter Liz Cass' smoky haunted timbre and emotionally raw lyrics harken comparisons to Kate Bush and Lisa Stansfield here and there. Cass uses emotion to not only effectively elevate her eclectic electric pop sounds but to punctuate the story. It instantly grabs you. A key element in her sound that’s featured on her new song, 'Near Miss', a tale of trying to figure out where you stand with love and relationships. Since both are pop-centric storyteller tracks and are on her forthcoming debut album, The Words, out on October 21st. In a new interview with Liz for TRB. Liz spoke about her childhood, her new music, and much more.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Hi, Liz! How has your year been so far? Thanks for taking the time to speak with me at TRB.
LIZ CASS: Thanks for having me :)
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: How did you each get your start in the music industry? Was it something that you felt a calling to?
LIZ CASS: I started singing when I was really young as I was a choral scholar. But I really got into other genres of music as a teenager and had a real urge to move to the big city and try and make it as a singer. I didn’t really care about anything else and ended up ditching my A-levels and hot-footing it to London. I was introduced to some amazing people and started writing songs with Fraser T Smith and met one of the heads of Warner Music who came to see me sing at a big concert in Leicester Square. But ultimately I wasn’t really ready for it all and had no idea what kind of artist I was. So I guess I blew it back then!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Going back to your childhood a bit, did you grow up in a musical family? Was there a band or artist that in particular felt like home for you?
LIZ CASS: My parents weren’t musicians but Dad had a great vinyl collection and got me really interested in all the great artists and bands from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Artists like Kate Bush, Sade, and Fleetwood Mac definitely have an influence on me and my music. The 80s is my decade. I love great baselines and synths are my heaven.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Moving ahead… Can we talk about what your typical creative and writing process is like and how has that evolved for you as you’ve developed as an artist?
LIZ CASS: I wrote this album with Ed Graves who has an amazing studio in Bath called Rainbow Wood. Before we started working together I still didn’t have much confidence as a songwriter as I’d taken a long time out of the industry and I was really just experimenting with him and had no expectations of where it was going. But we just clicked and the music flowed. Being in that beautiful studio, the outside world melted away and as he started playing chords on the synths or strumming on the guitar the melodies and lyrics just started flowing out of me so quickly and easily. We’re so in sync. By the time he’s got a structure together for the song, I generally have all the lyrics and melody ready and we lay it all down. I’ve never had such an easy writing process with anyone before.
I’ve really figured out who I am as an artist through 3 years of writing sessions with Ed. I have stories to tell and I know how I want to deliver them. Now when I go to the studio I have the confidence I never had when I was younger and I know how to translate my thoughts and ideas into songs that represent me and the kind of music I love. It’s been a long road to get here but now I feel happy to keep experimenting and evolving. Got there in the end!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Let’s discuss your latest single “Near Miss”, how did that song come together? What’s the backstory on it and how was the creative process?
LIZ CASS: It was inspired by a romantic situation I was struggling with. Being caught up in that no man’s land where someone is hot and cold and not ready to commit, so you don’t know where you stand. I was feeling quite low and confused and writing is like therapy for me, so I headed down to Rainbow Wood. I think we wrote that in about 6 hours from start to finish! I was feeling quite punchy through my frustration and wanted killer beats and baseline to get it all off my chest. It was definitely the start of a new direction for my music after a lot of wallowing during Covid. I just want to make more upbeat fun pop music for a while now.
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: If you were to describe your sound to someone who hasn’t heard it in only three words. What words would you choose?
LIZ CASS: Emotive synth pop!
THE RECLUSIVE BLOGGER: Lastly, what is up next for you on the horizon, Liz?
LIZ CASS: My album is coming out on 21st October which is exciting. It’ll be strange to send it out into the world after three years of writing it but I’m so ready. I’ve got a live show in London on 10th September at Laylow and I’m planning more gigs this autumn around the album release. I have a covers EP ready to be mixed of some of my all time favourite songs which I hope to release early next year. And then I guess I need to crack on and finish the next album! Stay tuned :)
Stream Liz Cass's new single “Near Miss” which is out now.
PHOEBE BRIDGERS CAPTIVATES CLOSING OUT HER TWO NIGHT GREEK THEATER STINT ON A HIGH
Singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers, who sold out both nights at The Greek Theater, even brought along a few special guests. Which included her label signing, Charlie Hickey and guitarist Blake Mills among others.
Indie Folk phenom Phoebe Bridgers closed out the final night of her two sold-out headlining shows last Friday to much acclaim. Bridgers, riding high from Grammy nominations and critical acclaim from her second album “Punisher”. The singer-songwriter brought the “Reunion” tour to L.A. to the delight of fans. Playing through a well fleshed out set of Folk-Pop soundscapes in seventeen songs. She also had a surprise opener in store. None other than The 1975 frontman Matty Healy. He came out to do a intimate acoustic set in support of Phoebe. The best part was their duet. Their voices on that song blended quite exquisitely.
As much as the crowd and I were surprised to see Matty Healy as the opener that night. I might’ve been the only one caught off guard by Phoebe and her band walking out to “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas. I later discovered she was referencing a memory from High School. When she made and gave a mixtape to a high school crush. Somehow this song choice just made sense, it was very “Phoebe”. They somehow easily segued into “Motion Sickness”. A track that lyrically is full of anger and sadness among so much else. “Motion Sickness” was also one of the few tracks she performed from her debut record “Stranger in the Alps”. Most of the setlist included songs from her Emo meets Folk-Pop second act, “Punisher”. Songs like the beautifully quirky “Moon Song” or the pensive “Garden Song” rang out like soft lullabies. While the menacing “Punisher” cut through the silence. Bridgers ended on with the amusing sarcasm of her Bo Burnham encore cover of “That Funny Feeling”. Simply letting the music speak for itself that night with exception of a few well placed quips throughout her set. Phoebe led her orchestral leaning band of skulls (still sporting those infamous glow in dark skull onesies I mentioned earlier) in quite the autumnal rallying cry in the canyons. A true storyteller at heart her songs are not party jams (no, “Kyoto” doesn’t count but it’s still a bop”). Yet, the crowd stayed on their feet the entire time enjoying the overall atmosphere. An audience that that was truly happy to sing along to Phoebe that night and to have the hometown bestie back. You can check out my full photo gallery from the show below. To stream “Punisher” go here.
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