Influences Playlist: Katy J Pearson
These are the 10 songs that influenced Someday, Now the most.
Photo by Seren Carys
We are inviting our favorite musicians to compile playlists of the songs and artists who have impacted their latest projects the most. The latest Influences guest is Katy J Pearson, whose new album Someday, Now sounds like material that’s been here forever, weaving in and out of folky, traditional tones and adjacent, synth-forward stylings.
Earlier this year, Pearson lent her vocals to the terrific Yard Act song “When the Laughter Stops,” and now the Bristol singer-songwriter has transcended that. On “Siren Song,” the melody wrestles with pop and new wave, while “Long Range Driver” sounds like a foreboding echo chamber sliced in half by Pearson’s woozy, Stevie Nicks-summoning lilt. pushed by songs like “Those Goodbyes” and “Maybe,” the former of which pure folk-pop bliss, and Pearson’s voice stands center-stage throughout. Flourishes of electronica bubble beneath a hue of acoustic strumming and a snaring backbeat until they explode briefly at the track’s midpoint. It’s a perfect no-fuss track that could go on five minutes longer than it does, as Pearson continues to cement herself as one of our strongest working lyricists.
Check out Katy J Pearson’s Influences playlist, which includes tracks from Margo Guryan, Pixies and The Cleaners From Venus, below:
Broadcast: “Corporeal”
Broadcast have been a big inspiration to me throughout my music making. “Corporeal”is a song I always come back to there’s a beautiful bittersweet joy to this song that really gives me a sense of safety and comfort. I think that’s something I always like to bring to a record.
Arthur Russell: “Your Motion Says”
This song is just such a brilliantly written song. Lyrically, it just hits all the right spots for me.
I think the linear sonics and the electronics surrounding the track but not overwhelming the track is something I really like and the mix of live drums and electronic layers on top I really enjoy. The chorus on this song is just so strong, too.
The Cleaners From Venus: “The Artichoke That Loved Me”
I listened to this song constantly during the making of my new record. I just love the production. Me and Nathan (Bullion) would come back to this song a lot. I think Martin Newell is a genius!