Following on from a highly-praised run of releases this past year, UK artist PEARL is back once again to deliver her eagerly-awaited new EP 'I Move Around You'.
Capturing more of that warm and lofty dream-pop aesthetic she has crafted over the years, 'I Move Around You' makes for a beautifully rich and endearing listen throughout. With its broad and shimmering textures, sweeping atmosphere, and her own mesmerising vocals at the helm, she continues to cement herself as one of the more captivating names on the rise with this one.
So with the new EP available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Despite being completely obsessed with synthesisers, the harp was definitely the first instrument I fell in love with. Everything about it is so magical and dreamy, it’s instantly calming and ethereal and makes me feel like I should be dressed up as a pre-raphaelite painting.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Gwen Stefani and Kelly Clarkson were my first loves, and then I mellowed and became obsessed with Angus & Julia Stone and Iron and Wine.
What was the first album you remember owning?
'The Massacre' by 50 Cent, I owned it for the entirety of an afternoon before it was confiscated by my parents for containing explicit content. Embarrassed and gutted, I found solace in the Scissor Sisters.
What is the one song you wished you could have written for yourself?
‘Mice’ by Billie Marten, the lyrics really spoke to me and it’s such a healing and special song to sing.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Introspective time. I am a huge dopamine addict and constantly spend hours distracting myself from the things I need to look at and make decisions on. Before I sit down to write, I find it helpful to spend time on my own and check in on things I’ve been ignoring, it clears the blockers and lets me access things I’ve been pushing down.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’m always excited about everything Låplsey releases, I loved her latest EP “A Guilty Heart Can Never Rest”. I’ve been loving Mk.gee for his fresh 80s inspired sound, Lydia Luce album ‘Florida Girl’ and Ben Stafford’s album 'thought and feelings’ have also been on repeat.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Such a tricky one but I would probably have to say Maggie Rogers. Alaska blew my mind when I first heard it and she has been such an inspiration to me. I love the vulnerable treatment of her vocals, and how she doesn’t hide behind loads of processing and effects. I’m obsessed with her songwriting and loved her latest album. It would be the dream to tour with her and get to listen to those bangers every night!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Being able to create something and share it with other people. Before I started writing music, I hated being vulnerable, I didn't even cry in front of my best friends. Being a musician has really helped me open up and form deeper connections with people.
And what is the most frustrating part?
How much everything costs…I love being a musician but I don’t love juggling three part-time jobs and blowing all my savings on making music. Of course, I don’t regret it and I have no intention of stopping, but sometimes I do huff and puff when I have to get up at 5:30am to sell dog food on the weekend to keep chasing this dream. If only it was easy and handed to me on a plate hey!
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Release it! So often you spend time and money making songs and then sit on them for fear that it’s not the right moment. It’s never going to be the perfect moment, and you can’t really control what happens when it’s out anyway. So you may as well release the song, enjoy it while it's fresh and then write some more!
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PEARL's new EP 'I Move Around You' is available to stream now. Listen to it in the player below.