5 Q&A With Phoebe Huisman
Punk Head: You’ve been writing songs since you were ten. When you listen back to the tracks you wrote at fourteen, what part of your younger self do you still recognize in the music?
Phoebe Huisman: Songs I wrote around the age of 14 were, “Inside,” “No Want,” “But That’s Not Her,” and “I See Ya.” I think I definitely still love a good outro that’s not just the chorus again. I like the ending to be different to the other sections a lot of the time. I still preach a lot of the lyrics I said but they don’t take up the space anymore if that makes sense. Will always love adding harmonies, adlibs and extra vocals all together. Have made many more acoustic songs, and the ballads will never leave!
Punk Head: Inside spans ages 14 to 17 — three incredibly transformative years. Did you feel yourself growing up through the songs as you put the album together?
Phoebe Huisman: Absolutely, some of earlier songs that I made like “No Want,” and “But That’s Not Her” have incredibly insecure lyrics. They have a lot of very honest, vulnerable thoughts. Feeling like you’re not good enough or not wanted by anyone. Trying to step into someone else’s eyes and guessing how they see you. Really just questioning if how you see yourself is how others see you. The confidence lacks so much but then further down you have tracks like “Untamed,” “Look At Me” and “Dancing In The Rain.” “Untamed” and “Look At Me” have a massive increase in confidence to me. I may still say things like “I’m not likable, I’m strange”, but there’s this underlying acceptance. Basically saying, hey maybe I am like this but that’s okay because that’s how I am. “Hey get me now, you’re free to come judge me” is a big difference from “And that means it gets judged and criticised. And that’s not what she likes.”In “Dancing In The Rain” it’s about focusing on the positive and letting those moments steer you through life. Yes I have grown significantly through each song and if you pay attention you can really hear it.
Punk Head: You described this album as something you wanted to “release so you could move forward.” What made it feel important to close this chapter publicly instead of keeping those early songs tucked away?
Phoebe Huisman: I feel as though it’s important to share any experiences you have in your life whether it’s when you’re a teenager or when you’re in your 50s. There’s always someone out there who can connect with the concept and that might just make them feel a little less alone. I personally can attest to this. Music has helped me grow so much, and it makes me feel seen. This means it’s important for me to give back and this is how I do that. Especially in your teenage years, feelings are very all-consuming. Having an outlet like this album or something you can relate to really helps. I would never want to tuck away a chance for people to feel seen. When it’s such a difficult part of that age. I wanted to put this chapter out first so I could release so much more music too!
Punk Head: Some of the emotions you wrote about feel “immature” to you now, but very real to someone that age. How do you feel about capturing those versions of yourself forever on record?
Phoebe Huisman: I think it’s very fulfilling looking back and seeing how much you’ve evolved within the songwriting but also within yourself. I do feel more disconnected to it now because I’m no longer going through the same things. However, the emotion will always be there for me to listen back to and I’m proud of myself for expressing how I felt then. I do love all these songs and hold them close to my heart but sometimes you do feel like, damn I was going through a lot at that time.
Punk Head: Genre-wise, you balance pop with indie, acoustic, and pop-rock influences. Was that variety intentional, or simply the sound of you discovering who you are as a creator?
Phoebe Huisman: I listen to a lot of pop artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Gracie Abrams, Lizzy McAlpine, and Taylor Swift. They are definitely some of my influences when I create. I do love listening to a variety of different genres though. I’ve always been a fan of artists who can really experiment with their music, step into different genres and/or sub-genres. I believe it shows how talented they are and who doesn’t like some variety! I think pop itself a very diverse genre. In the songwriting process I just let whatever comes out, come out. Sometimes you get a really cool song, sometimes you get a really trash one and that’s okay. I think having variety on the album and just in general is intentional, but when I actually make each song I kind of just go with the flow. I personally love these genres I’ve stepped into. I love challenging myself so it’s fun for me.
