After showcasing her work as a bold and inventive name on the alt-pop scene for the last few years, LA-based artist Lena Brown aka Tuff Ghost is now kicking off her 2022 in style with the pulsing new single 'Dreary Day'.
Continuing the same rich and atmospheric direction she is known for, 'Dreary Day' makes for a wonderfully dark and captivating listen from start to finish. Filled with broad textures, shimmering hooks, and her own enchanted voice at the helm, she certainly looks set to really take the world by storm in the months ahead.
So with the new single doing the rounds, we sat down with her to find out more abut her background and what has influenced her over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
My first instrument was the guitar. i wanted an electric guitar, but its a little more complicated to get one of those for your kid since it requires an amp, cables, lots of noise etc. so my mom bought my an acoustic (that i still have today). thats what i started to play music on and learn and write my own songs with.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I started going to shows in San Francisco in my early teens, seeing bands like Gogol Bordello, The Violent Femmes, The Dresden Dolls, Muse, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, White Stripes. I loved all those bands and was also obsessed with Elliott Smith, Cat Power, Bob Marley, and tons more. The live shows really influenced which bands i would listen to. There is something special about discovering you love a band after seeing them live.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I am pretty sure it was The Red Hot Chili Peppers - Californication. A classic!
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I like to sit down at the piano and fiddle around with chords. I also love to stream my workflow on Twitch, so that has become a pretty big part of my process. Other things include: petting my cute dog, a good cup of english breakfast, a nice scented candle, playing with my Teenage Engineering OP-1.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Faithless, Sofi Tukker, Nora En Pure, Boys Noize, Kelsey Lu, Jasce, Doja Cat.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Sofi Tukker. I feel like I really connect with their music and energy and everything I am about to release would be a perfect fit.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Unfortunately, performing live. But I also love finishing music and having it out in the world, possibly making someone feel connected to some random thought or idea that I incorporated into it.
And what is the most frustrating part?
It is really difficult being an independent musician and finding my audience, writing, producing, performing, creating content, social media, marketing, self releasing.. wearing allll the hats can be a bit tiring sometimes. Often not having a clear path forward.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Once I asked Ellie Goulding for songwriting advice and she told me to read lots of books.
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Tuff Ghost's new single 'Dreary Day' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.