Having already delivered a fresh and exciting array of breezy offerings these last few months, US singer and songwriter Piper King is back at it once again as she shares her latest lo-fi gem 'Not That Bad'.
Bringing back more of that smooth and seductive direction she has carved out for herself, 'Not That Bad' shows her in a rejuvenated guise. Taking cues from the sweeping tones of the surf-rock and dream-pop realm, her newest release is a firm and shimmering step towards greatness.
So with the new single available now, we joined her in a quick chat to find out more about her origins and influences over the years.
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What was the first instrument you learned to play?
I first taught myself to play the ukulele when I was 9 or so. I definitely remember being determined to learn "First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes on any instrument I could get my hands on. The ukulele was a perfect fit for those tiny hands.
What was the first album you remember owning?
“American Idiot” Green Day! That album was sacred to me when I was 10.
Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like?
Oh yeaaaahhh! I played in a psychedelic rock band throughout high school. It was an amazing experience filled with lots of tunes by Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, and The Allman Brothers. We played "White Rabbit" by Jefferson Airplane at a benefit concert and it was so much fun. It was also the first time I collaborated with friends on original songs. I think the first song we wrote was a 7-minute psychedelic ballad about a phoenix or something. What is a song you wish you had written yourself?
This is my favorite question-- the answer is “Foolsong” by Still Woozy. Sven Gamsky’s talents will never stop blowing my mind. He is the reason I started teaching myself music production last year. This song never gets old and I hear new components each time I listen. My goal in life is to achieve Sven's level of production skills.
What has been the most thrilling moment about creating your own music?
The most thrilling moment was getting to create a music video for my latest single "Not That Bad". This has always been a big part of my music aspirations and it was cathartic to finally get to do it. Plus I got to work with other creative people that I have admired for so long to create something spectacular... I can't even put into words how fulfilling it was. The music video is going to be released in the next few weeks and I can't wait for the world to see it!
And what about the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part is getting your music out to an audience. Especially with the pandemic and loss of live shows, I’ve realized that getting your songs heard is a lot more challenging and competitive than I thought. Sometimes it can take away from the magic of songwriting when you get too stressed about the business side. Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
It's really difficult to narrow this down to just one artist, but I would say Tame Impala. Kevin Parker's talents are almost incomprehensible. Since he writes and produces all of his music himself, I have made it my own goal to do the same. I take so much inspiration from his work ethic, writing style, and production technique. It would be the greatest honor in the world to share the stage with him and the band one day.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
I see myself writing and producing music full-time. I'll either be signed to a label or working on my own. I'll be collaborating with my friend and esteemed music video director Derrick Acosta a lot more often to put out some incredible music videos. I'll probably be working on my third album at that time and planning a tour. That's the dream!--creating full-time. I'm gonna do it just you wait!
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Piper King's new single 'Not That Bad' is available to stream now. Check it out below.
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