INTERVIEW:
PHOTO CREDIT: Bridgit Fatora
talker
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I have been speaking with talker...
PHOTO CREDIT: Jocelyn Raulston
about her latest track, Intimidated, and its story. She reveals which artists are important to her and albums that mean the most; whether there is more music coming and whether her upbringing has a lot of great music in it.
I ask talker if there are tour plans and what is afoot for 2019; any rising artists we need to look out for and how she spends time away from music – talker ends the interview with a great track selection.
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Hi, talker. How are you? How has your week been?
Hey! It has been great and exhausting. I just got back from Mexico City, which was amazing. Readjusting from a trip is always a little weird though!
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
For sure – my name is talker and I’m a Grunge-Pop artist from Los Angeles.
Intimidated is your new track. When did it start life? Is there a story behind it?
Intimidated actually took a while to come together. It started really organically when I was just writing in my room and I didn’t think much of the song. A couple months later, I was going through my voice memos on my phone and stumbled upon an early draft and realized I really liked it. And then I reworked it a bit and it all came together! There’s not a huge story behind the song besides that. I just really tend to overthink and get in my head too much and I let it affect my relationships. This was one of those times.
Is there going to be more material next year do you think?
Definitely! I’ll be putting an E.P. out pretty soon after the New Year.
Did you grow up around a lot of Grunge music? When did bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden come into your world?
I did. My parents listened to a lot of Alternative and Rock, not only Grunge, when I was growing up. Apparently, they would listen to it on the way to the hospital when my mom was pregnant with me, so they claim that I started listening to it in the womb. So it runs deep!
PHOTO CREDIT: Sean Nunley
Do you already have plans for 2019?
We’ll see! Right now, I’m focusing on putting out the E.P. and booking some shows for the New Year - but I’m just planning on writing a lot more and putting more music out as soon as possible.
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?
I feel really lucky because I have so many! But, a really special one is when I performed at Red Rocks with Frenship, which is a band that I play keys for when they tour. That was really surreal; it’s just a beautiful and iconic place unlike anywhere else in the world.
PHOTO CREDIT: Bridgit Fatora
Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?
Oh, wow it’s so hard to choose from my top-ten or so. Definitely Transatlanticism by Death Cab for Cutie. I’m really influenced by Ben Gibbard’s lyricism and think he’s an absolute genius. That album doesn’t have a single filler track and every song makes me lie on the floor and cry. That album has seen me through years of insecurities and growing up.
The 1975’s self-titled debut album is another one for me. I have a lot of special memories with that record and I also just think it’s so well done and groundbreaking.
It’s so hard to only pick one more! But, definitely High Violet by The National. In all honesty; I want to say all of their albums because I’m a huge fan of theirs and each record means a lot to me. But, High Violet is the first album of theirs that I got into and it’s been a lifelong obsession since.
As Christmas is coming up; if you had to ask for one present what would it be?
If there’s no limit to that present then a plane ticket (and all other expenses paid if I’m being honest), good for any location that I choose. Is that too much to ask?
PHOTO CREDIT: Tom Bender
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
If we’re dreaming big I would love to open for Foo Fighters. I’m obsessed with Dave Grohl and wish he were my cool uncle. Honestly…I just want a lot of amazing food on my rider. And socks.
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
It’s funny answering this question because I’m still figuring everything out myself and am super-new to the scene! But, I’d say just try everything. Go to every show. Meet everyone you can. I am such a different artist and person than I was when I first moved to L.A. and it took a lot of soul-searching and musical experimentation to figure out who I was artistically. And, while I’m confident with where I am now, I’m still constantly evolving and figuring it out!
PHOTO CREDIT: Bridgit Fatora
Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?
I do! I’m opening for my friend and amazing artist Yoke Lore at The Dacres in Walla Walla, Washington on December 7th. And then I’m playing a free, full band show in L.A. on December 11th at Madame Siam in Hollywood as a part of the We Found New Music and BuzzBands L.A. holiday party.
Might you come to the U.K. - or are you playing in California for the most part?
I would love to come to the U.K.! Right now, I’m mainly focusing on California and other semi-local shows, but I’m really hoping to get over there sometime within the next year or so. I’d also love to do some writing over there too.
IN THIS PHOTO: Dan Sadin/PHOTO CREDIT: Rachael Wright
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
Yes! My friend and close collaborator Dan Sadin has an awesome E.P. out – he also shreds on guitar. Another friend of mine, Chanel & the Circus, just put out their new video and is, hands down, the most creative and genuine person I know. Plus, their music is catchy as hell. Who else can I shout out? Colyer just put out a sick E.P., as did my amazing friend Fiona Grey. Honestly, I’m super-lucky to be in a tight-knit community of incredible artists! They inspire and terrify me.
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
My brain is definitely always wrapped up in music. It’s easy to go down the rabbit hole and get a little obsessive; always trying to be productive and constantly worrying about wasted time. But, I love to spend time with my friends, hike; drink good coffee, watch Friends on-repeat and travel as often as I can. I really strongly believe that it’s important to focus on my personal life and the people and things that make me happy and the rest will follow. Just have to remind myself sometimes.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Ooh, fun! Your Loves Whore by Wolf Alice – one of my forever-favorite songs. Thanks, guys!
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