Check out our interview with British singer-songwriter and producer, PEARL who just released her debut EP “WHERE I GO.”
Growing up in the English countryside, much of her childhood centred around building dens in the forest. Her lyrics nod to natural themes, transporting you to a distinctive sonic world, where her organic, classically trained soprano vocals juxtapose synthetic instrumentals. PEARL is the result of wanting to explore and create a soundscape that she could live in and is authentic to who she is, as the artist confides, “PEARL is my birthstone and holds a lot of symbolism for me. I finally feel grounded and sure of myself.”
Follow PEARL @pearlmusicworld
Describe your sound in 3 words
Green, warm and synthy
Who influenced you and why do you choose to make music?
I love Sylvan Esso, Ben Howard, Billie Marten. Synths and storytellers are a big thing for me! I make music because I love it, I’ve tried to do lots of other things but have always come back to music, as it makes me feel the most fulfilled.
Do you play any instruments?
I play piano very averagely! I understand music theory and can get around my clumsy playing when I’m writing. Playing live piano is little more tricky!
Do you ever get nervous?
Yes! But only before singing live. It goes away but the pre show nerves are pretty intense. I try to look at it as excitement, biologically I think nervous and excitement look pretty similar.
Tell us about your new E.P ‘WHERE I GO?
It is an invitation to the little world that music is for me. I finished writing the songs over Covid but had started some many years before! I see the E.P world to as biophilic, a blend of synthetic and organic sounds that gives the listener a feeling of connection to nature. I co-produced the E.P at Urchin studios with Matt Ingram last summer and we really took our time to design and create the sounds, keeping them organic or synthetic with no synthetic organic instruments!
What’s the most rewarding part of your work?
Actually finishing something is amazing!
Until now I have always left things unfinished, so it feels pretty rewarding to have made something I said I would make, and to be able to share it with other people. The warmth and support I have received for the E.P is amazing and it means the world that people can connect and take meaning from the songs.
What advice would you give your younger self and why?
Be patient and keep pushing out of your comfort zone.
How would your best friend describe you and why?
Hilarious, charming, considerate, charming, humble and charming.
If you were a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
Curious? I am always interested in the weird and wonderful, bizarre human experiences, and learning new things.
What’s for PEARL in 2023?
More music and more live shows! The world is expanding and more will be revealed!
What is your favourite healthy food?
Does coronation chicken count? I have an obsession with coronation chicken.
And favourite cheat food?
I’m not keen on the term ‘cheat food’ but my favourite food that isn’t that great for me would be gelato.
How would you explain your fashion style?
I flip between, fairy coastal Grandma, to teenage boy, to prairie girl and cottage core.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Staying curious, connected and creative.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet a lady called Laney, she is a food solutionist mentor and specialises in homeopathy, naturopathy, medical science, Chinese medicine and many more awesome things. My family in Malaysia haven’t used manufactured pharmaceutical remedies for nearly ten years, after seeing Laney and embracing natural remedies. It is something I am so interested in and could ask questions about for hours!
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
I would love to go on a road-trip around Italy, the dolomites would be a stop off, Bologna, Tuscany, Florence. The whole shebang, in a convertible. I would go with my boyfriend because he is fantastic, if he wasn’t available, I would take Sue Vincent.
Best advice ever given?
Go to bed.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years and why?
I’d love to do more live shows and go on tour! I see the world expanding with each project I do and would love to build a fan base that want to explore it with me.
Favourite song to belt out in the car
Car song – Mika ‘Happy Ending’ preferably with some pals to help with harmonies. Kareoke -bohemian Rhapsody. Taking no prisoners.
What do you think of social media.
It’s amazing, terrible, addictive and exciting. I love and hate it. If you’ve ever tasted the fruit Durian, you’ll know what I mean.
Where can we follow you?
My Instagram, TikTok and Facebook handles are @pearlmusicworld
Book: The secret lives of Colour
Movie: Isle of Dogs
Quote: “chancers life” – my brother
Tv series: Below Deck
Favourite Food: Poke bowl
Travel Destination: Corfu
Photographer: Monika Levčenkovaitė @mon.tiff
