PILLOWPRINCE On the Making Of ‘pretty, baby!’
What was the creative process like for this particular EP?
I brought the bones of these songs to the band with lyrics and guitar parts. Genre-wise they shifted, expanded, and evolved a lot once Sea flushed out the rhythm and genre directions with me. With our next batch of music we’re writing with a more collaborative approach - I bring in song ideas that are less “done”, which is really exciting. Writing together with Sea feels playful and like a conversation where we’re finishing each other’s sentences.
Could you discuss the lyrical themes or messages conveyed in ‘pretty, baby!?’
We echoed some of the lyrical themes visually in the album art that our talented friend Cherish Chang designed. We also made a painting inspired by each song for the lyric videos.
Can you talk about the recording and production process for 'pretty, baby!?'
We worked with Ian Pellicci at Brothers (Chinese) Recording to record the EP. I’ve recorded with Ian on many musical projects over the years - he’s a real one and pays lots of attention to detail. It was a treat to track drums, bass, and rhythm guitar live in separate rooms. Then I overdubbed a ton of guitar parts, effects, and vocals. Asha Wells who played bass with us at the time also laid down beautiful vocal harmonies. Lots of tiny vintage tube amps to make huge dirt. At one point yelling into a fuzzed out telephone was involved.
I take time in the studio very seriously - it’s so special and a great privilege, and my Capricorn moon fully comes out. I’m an fx nerd so when I’m writing I’m always thinking about the production of the recording, down to the reverb fx chains, and that informs the whole vibe. So it’s really exciting to hear it actually come to life bit by bit. Being in the studio is my favorite part of making music. My friend and longtime collaborator Beau Sorenson then mixed the songs, and the ever-talented Amy Dragon mastered them. It was a sonic dream team.
Can you tell us more about you as a band?
We make music that our younger selves needed most.
Where do you find inspiration for your songs or musical ideas?
Shoegaze bands, the dream pop greats, 2000’s indie rock, 90’s alternative, queer bands, leather culture, goth / post punk dungeon music, extremely niche playlists, our community and friends, acts of resistance, counter culture, and each other
