With a broad and enticing back catalogue of delights that stretch back many years, US singer and songwriter Piper King recently returned to deliver her latest upbeat ditty 'October Sun'.
Channelling a rich and uplifting direction throughout, 'October Sun' sees her return with one of her most intoxicating cuts to date. Jam-packed with rich and atmospheric grooves, subtle production, and her own laid-back lilt at the helm, she is certainly getting us ready for summer on this one.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with her 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?
I first fell in love with Kate Nash’s voice when I was around 8. I used to impersonate her and sing to my sister who told me I sounded just like her. That was the first time I realised I was in love with singing.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I was raised on two bands: The Beatles and The Grateful Dead. My parents themed my third birthday party after Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. That party is one of my earliest memories. I know every lyric to every Beatles song in existence and I have a few Furthur/Dead and Company shows under my belt now. I ventured into the entire world of classic rock when I was young and became a huge fan of Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin.
What was the first album you remember owning?
“American Idiot” Green Day! That album was sacred to me when I was 10.
What was one song you wished you could have written yourself?
“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.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I always come up with melody and lyric ideas after going to the gym or working out. So when I’m in a songwriting kick, I’ll go to the gym every night and record voice memos of new lyrics and melodies in the car on the way home. Once I get home, I figure out the key signature and chord progression to fit the melodies. I refine my lyrics usually on the leg press when I go back to the gym. I gotta get those brain juices flowing somehow!!!
Who are your favorite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Dayglow, Tame Impala, Remi Wolf, and Still Woozy! All musicians I admire and take a great deal of inspiration from. I can’t count the number of times I’ve listened to “The Slow Rush” and "Currents" since its release. Specifically, the themes about time and life in "The Slow Rush" resonate strongly with me. I really admire Dayglow and Still Woozy because of their independence and raw talent in songwriting and production. I love Remi Wolf's voice, creative song structure, and rad aesthetic.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Tame Impala 1000% if I ever got a chance to grace the stage with the Australian funk Jesus himself... I would die immediately.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding thing is connecting to your listeners. Even if it’s as simple as making them smile or improving their day. If someone can resonate with your melodies and lyrics in some way, that is the most important part of songwriting to me. I've always used songwriting as my own therapy. Taking a life experience and turning it into something tangible that others can listen to, enjoy and/or resonate with-- it's an amazing experience to me. It is also the main reason I became a music therapist. Songwriting has always been my own therapy, so why not share that with others?
What is 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.
What is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The best piece of advice I received came from my dad. He told me to never lose sight of why I make music. Remember that you can use music to help others just as much as it can be used to help yourself.
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Piper King's new single 'October Sun' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.