Influences Playlist: Katy J Pearson

These are the 10 songs that influenced Someday, Now the most.

Influences Playlist: Katy J Pearson

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!

Anna Domino: “Land of My Dreams”

This song really inspired “Those Goodbyes.” I didn’t discover Anna Domino until November last year, but this song became a staple. I love the drum and vocal production on this song. It’s a cover of Aretha Franklin, but I just love the world Anna took it to. It’s truly a magical rendition.

Pixies: “Motorway to Roswell”

I am obsessed with this song. It’s a song that late at night when I put it on would make me feel very nostalgic and also present in my life. It was my late night travel bus song for a while. I just think it’s fantastic.

Operating Theatre: “Blue Light & Alpha Waves”

I absolutely adore Operating Theatre and this song from the album Miss Mauger, which is a fantastic record. I just loved the synth sounds and overall atmosphere of this track, and I went back to this album a lot when referencing the sonic palette I was looking for.

Charlotte Gainsbourg & Beck: “Heaven Can Wait”
I loved the up close and rawness of the production on this track and tried to take some of essence of this song towards my song “Sky.” This song is just beautifully written. I love they’re voices together too.

Neneh Cherry: “Buffalo Stance”

Okay, this song is just a massive tune. I think its just produced so well and has a really strong sound. Neneh’s voice quite dry and upfront just worked so well with the high up front drum parts and symbols and the light and high end synths just mix together so well. I really enjoyed listening to this song through winter its just so joyful.

Margo Guryan: “California Shake”

I think Margo Guryan was truly one of the most amazing songwriters. This song is one of my favorites it has such a brilliant vibe to it and the lyrics are just great. It feels quite Sgt. Pepper’s at points but truly for me she is so inspiring. If you haven’t listened to The Chopsticks Variations which is piano instrumental stuff she has composed you should it’s so beautiful.

Kleenex: “Hitch-Hike”

The energy in the song ! I just adore the whole atmosphere and world I’m taken to when listen to it. I feel so empowered and the world just looks so vibrant when I have this song playing. I love the brass parts in this song and the scratchy guitar.

 
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