The Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter is a critics’ darling thanks to an enchanting sound that blurs the boundaries between indie music, modern composition and electronica. She’s the latest guest in Splitworks and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall’s Contemporale series on December 3. The next night she rocks ModernSky Lab in Beijing. We chat her new disc, her unique sound and straddling the line between classical and rock.
Congratulations on your new record, Have You in My Wilderness. It’s received a lot of great acclaim. Have you been happy with the reception and how does this disc differ musically from your past records?
Yeah, I'm always happy if people enjoy my records. This record is different because it's the first time I've worked within a somewhat familiar musical tradition – ballads.
The album has such a wide mix of sounds. Songwriting wise, do you have a preferred instrument or piece of software to start writing?
I only play the keyboard, so I start all my songs on piano; unless I start with lyrics first.
No VPN? Watch the video on QQ Video.
Your past records have been inspired by Gigi and Eurpides. Were there books or films that influenced Have You in My Wilderness?
Mostly just other music. But for ‘Lucette Stranded on the Island,’ I was inspired by a character in a short story by Colette called Chance Acquaintances, and for 'How Long?' I was inspired by Christopher Isherwood's characters in the Berlin Stories.
Your music has been described as a mix of pop, classical and avant-garde. How did all of these influences come together?
I never consciously combine "genres" – I am not sure why people associate my music with classical music, but I did start writing music in traditional music school for other players, and then eventually started recording myself. So maybe there is something in the fact that I studied a bit in the classical tradition, even though I never felt fully a part of it?
For your China tour, you will be playing Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall and also ModernSky Lab. Do you have a preference between a classical venue versus a rock club?
I like both types of venues. Sometimes a classical venue or museum can be nice because it's very professional and hospitable, and you feel treated well. But I also sometimes like the energy of a small crowded bar show, because people are just excited. It feels raw.
No VPN? Watch Julia Holter's 'Our Sorrows' on QQ Video.
What will your live set-up be like for the Shanghai show?
I am playing with a violist/singer, drummer/singer, and bassist.
Following your China show, what are your plans?
I just finished a film score for a boxing movie called Bleed For This, and I'm really excited about that. I'm going to Australia after Asia, and then coming back home and taking a break before going on tour again next year
There’s a very ethereal quality to your music. What song or artist do you enjoy (perhaps guiltily) that might surprise your fans?
To be honest, I don't think anything I like would be particularly surprising or shocking. I like so many different things. I like Hall and Oates.
Is there anything you would like to add?
Nope!
Shanghai (SOLD OUT) > Dec 3, 7pm (show starts at 7.45pm); RMB80-180. Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall.
Beijing > Dec 4, 9pm, RMB100-150. Modernsky Lab, tickets.
0 User Comments