Check out our interview with Boston born and bred and now Los Angeles based singer/songwriter Delilah Brao who just released her new single and video for “Over The Phone.”
She confides, “Over The Phone is about this guy I dated who broke up with me on FaceTime. The call only lasted 5 minutes – it’s like he fit it in between episodes of the series we were watching together. It’s grim. We dated for years. But, long distance sucks and the song kind of speaks for itself in that way.” The emotive and heavy narrative is packaged in a stunning folk-laced indie pop song.
“Over The Phone” is off of her seven song EP Since You’re In New York produced by Justin Lucas (Kahlid, Alec Benjamin) and mixed by Philip Etherington (FINNEAS, Lizzy McAlpine, Tiny Habits). Delilah has garnered over 3.5 million streams and has received adds in numerous editorial playlists including Spotify’s Fresh Finds: Pop and Apple Music’s New In Indie.
Follow Delilah on IG @delilahbrao
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Hi Delilah, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a singer-songwriter from Boston, MA. I just released a new song called “Over The Phone” and it’s music video is out November 3rd.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
I think you can describe my music as being honest, introspective, and vulnerable.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I feel like my big three are Taylor Swift, Gracie Abrams, and Maggie Rogers. Lately I’m listening to a lot of Noah Kahan, Olivia Rodrigo, Clairo, and Phoebe Bridgers too. I love telling stories with music. I love looking back at old songs I wrote like a time capsule of who I was at the time. It’s such a unique craft. You can preserve your feelings and come back to them even once you’ve moved on. I’ll be talking to someone and they’ll just say a funny phrase or share an interesting perspective and I have to write it down immediately. I’m probably going to turn it into a song later.
Do you play any instrument?
I started playing sax in 3rd grade. I was in a jazz band. I started piano around the same time. Then I picked up oboe in high school to play in the concert band.
Tell us about your new single “Over The Phone?”
A week before Christmas my long distance boyfriend broke up with me on FaceTime. Over The Phone unpacks that call, like where to mail the stuff I left at his apartment, if he can keep my Hulu password to finish the show we were watching together, even the crackle of a phone call on the line. It’s really honest.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of making music is when something comes together exactly as I imagined it in my head. Being able to feel like your art is totally representative of you is an indescribable feeling. To have a realized version of your feelings is so hard to do in any other capacity.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Trust your gut more. You usually know what’s right.
How would your best friend describe you?
My best friends think I am really hardworking and funny. It’s so nice when you only have two best friends. They think you’re awesome.
What’s next for Delilah Brao in the last months of 2023 and for 2024?
Over The Phone Music Video is out now! In the new year, you can follow along for more singles and an EP in the spring.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love sweetgreen. Anything with spicy cashew dressing is good.
And your favorite cheat food?
Levain vegan cookie. Everyone loves a sweet treat.
How would you explain your fashion style?
I like mixing delicate fabrics with harder pieces. Like I enjoy contrasting a dainty lace or silk dress against a distressed denim or vintage leather jacket. The leather and lace aesthetic that Stevie Nicks really pioneered is so timeless to me. So, that’s pretty much always what I lean toward.
What is your own definition of happiness?
My definition of happiness is my cat. His name is Noir. He’s my king. When I got him they said he was full grown, but he just kept growing so I DNA tested him. He’s mostly Maine Coon. I think he’s so cool. But in all seriousness I think happiness is the fulfillment of doing what you love.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Michael Che. I’m obsessed with him. I’ve been enjoying the new season of SNL.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
I really want to go to London! I’d go with my 2 best friends, Maia and Olivia.
Best advice ever given?
My best friend goes to therapy. I’ve never been to therapy so I ask her to take notes on her session and then she therapizes me. It’s like trickle down therapy. One time, her therapist told her the saying “resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.” It really resonated with me. It’s so easy to get caught up in a grudge, but it’s not useful at all. Making music like “Over The Phone” really helped me to resolve the bad feelings and bitterness.
Do you support any charity?
I work with Kitt Crusaders in Los Angeles. I foster cats through them! Kitt Crusaders is an awesome organization rescuing cats from high kill shelters. It’s amazing to see the cats the day they’re pulled from the shelter, literally on death’s door, and then a couple weeks later (through the hard work of Kitt Crusaders and much needed donations) they’re healthy and ready to go to a forever home!
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Five years from now I would love to be playing my own songs for fans and have them know the words. That would be so cool. I want to play the Troubadour. That would be wild. It’s such a historic venue.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Lately I’m loving vampire by Olivia Rodrigo.
What do you think of Social Media?
I wanna go viral. But don’t take me seriously on socials. Especially not my Twitter and especially not my Twitter prior to like September 2023. I’m trying to rein it back in.
Where we can follow you
You can also follow me on Spotify and SoundCloud. I sometimes post demos on SoundCloud too so you can hear stuff before it’s out.
Book: The Glass Castle
Quote: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.” Henry Ford said that. I think I saw it on a popsicle stick or something.
Movie: Manchester by the Sea
Tv Series: Dance Moms
Favorite Food: Vodka pasta from Crossroads Kitchen in LA
Travel Destination: Rio! I’ve been there a couple times and it’s a beautiful place. The beaches are so fun, too. When the sun meets the horizon everyone claps. It’s really nice.
Sports Team: Patriots (Don’t hate me xx)
