Ethereal artist ECHLO stopped by to chat about her latest release ‘Puppeteer’, main musical influences and what’s in store for the rest of the year.
To anyone new to your music, name 3 words that best describe your sound.
Soulful, pulsating, dynamic
What made you decide that music is the right path for you?
I tried something else (studying psychology) but while I was completing my BA the desire didn’t fade but only got louder. I took a summer in Weimar, Germany to teach myself guitar and write enough material to begin performing live. When I came home, I dove into it. I decided to give myself a year to play as many shows as I could book and reserve no judgement till the year’s end. It only took 6 months to know that’s what I wanted to do.
What’s your writing process like? Do you write the music or lyrics first?
I usually write the music first and then I just sing gibberish overtop until words start forming. It’s always been an odd experience, quite meditative or rather spiritual. It feels like I’m tapping into my subconscious and through this process, messages, feelings and stories bubble up and out.
Do you prefer performing live or recording, and why?
If you had asked me this a couple weeks ago, I would have said recording because it had been such a long time due to, you know what. But then I shot a live performance video and it reminded me of how much I miss the stage. They both have their pros and cons. Live is living and you can feed on whatever energy is in the room, your musicians and the audience. With that though comes a lot more stress due to all the uncontrollable variables. How are you feeling that day? How is the sound quality? Can you hear yourself? How many people are in the room? The weather…In the studio you can create the perfect aural environment and of course try out varying ways of singing, and pick and choose. But then you lose that energy you get from an audience.
Who are your main musical influences and why?
That’s always changing. Really any artist who just writes good songs and is comfortable with making each song it’s own piece of artwork rather than adhering to one sound. With that, I’d say, Bjork, Joni Mitchel, Radiohead, Massive Attack.
If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?
I would never have invented the internet so we never would have had mp3’s and thus, music would be more tangible. I know this is ridiculous but I think people would be more appreciative of the music they had. Like everything else these days, it wouldn’t be so disposable.
What would be your dream support gig? Bonus points for place/venue.
Sia at The Chicago Theatre or any other theatre that’s beautiful.
If you could collaborate with anyone dead or alive, who would it be?
I’d love to sing with Chopin and together create some minimalist piano with some electronic stuff and vocals.
What’s the best advice you’d give to your younger self?
You can control your thoughts. Stop stressing!
Give our listeners some music recommendations that we should check out!
Josin, Tyra Jutai
What’s in store for you for the rest of the year?
I’ll be releasing a music video for Puppeteer on Oct 29th. I partnered with a dope video artist, Dusty Dean and together created quite the mesmerising piece. I also have a live performance video of Puppeteer coming out on Nov 5th. We plan to release another single before the holidays along with another video.
What’s the music scene like where you are from?
It’s super eclectic. I don’t know what to say. We have everything like every other major city?
Tell MoggBlog viewers about your latest release! What’s the inspiration behind that?
Puppeteer should be relatable to anyone out there struggling to cut the strings in a toxic relationship, whether platonic or romantic. Sometimes we find ourselves in a position of power over someone else, the master in a love affair. We have all been masters and puppets in some form or another. At some point we have to cut our strings and break free.
I am very excited about this video. It comes out on October 29th. I collaborated with Dusty Deen, a fabulous video artist. He animated some real footage of me singing and a little dance I created where I’m the puppetmaster manipulating 2 others. There are a few other little surprises. Working with Dusty was incredibly rewarding as he brings such a unique and dynamic style to the screen. His finished work is so intelligent and unique. Because of him, I think that Puppeteer is engrossing, sensual and seductive at the same time. I just love it, and I encourage everyone to go and discover more of Dusty’s work.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
Oh haha, I think I somewhat already answered that. I know that it has allowed people to discover music they never would have before but still, I people just ingest and throw out music as they do with seasonal fashion.
You can follow ECHLO on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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