Having already established themselves as one of the more exciting names to be emerging right now, California-based outfit Great Bitter Lake recently returned to deliver their newest EP 'Temper'.
Channelling a bold and intense aesthetic throughout, 'Temper' makes for an incredibly powerful listen from start to finish. Filled with rich and soaring energy, sublime production, and a progressive direction, this collection looks set to see them grow even faster in the months to come.
So with the new EP available now, we sat down with Hailie Hay from the group to find out more about her origins and what has inspired her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Honestly, I fell in love with piano as a kid, first and foremost. There was a guitar in the house the whole time there was a piano, but I couldn’t be bothered with anything except that old standard upright. As an only child, that piano was absolutely my best friend. Something switched when I was around 13, however, when I picked up that guitar. I don’t think I’ve put guitars down since.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
I had a truly insatiable appetite for rock n’ roll as a teenager-- driving, electric, and alive. I still respect the White Stripes so immensely for opening me up to what music could be when I was just entering my teenage years. I was fascinated by their sound, really-- how they made it so big for only two people. The Stripes, as well as the Kills, really made music accessible to me-- they gave me the idea that rock n’ roll (and music, really) can be however you make it. You don’t have to have four members, all top-notch equipment, and you don’t have to be perfect. You just have to pick a fight with it and win.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Oh man! It must’ve been Hot Fuss by the Killers when it came out circa 2004. I also have to admit that I still jam this album to this very day.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
“Kissing Families” by Silversun Pickups. I’ve wished I’d written that song since high school, and it still hits me just the same.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Honestly, I usually spend about an hour or two watching videos and/or docuseries episodes about deep space a lot before I write new music. Black holes, interstellar space and what it could possibly hold, quantum theories, etc. Most of the time, that allows me to really open my brain up to write. Sometimes, it makes me feel too meta and existential and I take a nap.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Oh man, Gillian Welch has been on repeat for weeks-- also, From Indian Lakes, Bon Iver, Tigers Jaw, and a bit of Covet too.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Tegan and Sara, hands down. They were super important to me growing up, and coming out. Plus, I just have a huge feeling it would be such a phenomenally fun show.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
When you can create that moment with a listener in which your music truly resonates, lyrically and musically-- when you can, with music, help a listener through a hard time or a hard situation in life-- that’s what’s most rewarding. I find it very important and fulfilling to reach people the way that my favorite bands and artists have reached me, and carried me through.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The internet is really a double-edged sword to the modern music industry, and it’s really sharp to boot. It can be frustrating wading through the sea of genres, hashtags, directories, and connections-- but it also can be really rewarding to be able to reach musicians from across the world to talk, connect, and collaborate. I suppose you just have to find your avenue and stick with it, or else risk being constantly overwhelmed and also underwhelmed by the internet.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
When I was young, picking up that first standard upright piano from some distant family friends, I began to play the piano to test it out before we loaded it up on the truck. I remember stopping halfway through the song I’d been playing, excitedly telling my mom that I was ready to take it home. One of the family friends then took me aside and said, in all seriousness, to make sure to always finish the song-- in practice, in front of people, always. I still hold it with me to this day, so many years later. No matter what, you’ve got to finish the song.
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Great Bitter Lake's new EP 'Temper' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.