Getting To Know... Pretty Little Saturday

After spending the last few months building and cultivating her sound, emerging singer-songwriter Pretty Little Saturday is now ready to introduce herself to the wider world with her wondrous debut single 'Long Overdue'.

Channelling a wonderfully warm and shimmering indie-folk aesthetic for her initial offering, 'Long Overdue' makes for a beautifully rich and immersive introduction to her sound so far. Set to feature on her new album of the same name, she is kicking things off with a wonderfully enjoyable opening number here.

So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

The first instrument I ever fell in love with is one I still own today—my very first electric guitar. It’s a red Ibanez Maxxas, a model they only made for a few years. I remember spotting it in a music store in my hometown. A painter was eyeing it, and the body was the thinnest I’d ever seen. I wanted it so badly. Nervous that someone else would grab it first, I pointed it out to my mom—and she bought it for me on the spot, under one condition: I had to take lessons. As we were checking out, the store clerk showed us a signature on the back of the neck. He claimed it belonged to one of Gloria Estefan’s guitarists, which made it feel even more special. They’re hard to come by now, but 28 years later, it’s still my favourite guitar to play.

What kind of music did you love when you were younger?

I was surrounded by all kinds of music growing up, so my taste ended up being pretty eclectic. I listened to whatever I could get my hands on—rock, blues, punk, alternative—you name it. And on the way to school, my dad always had old country playing in the car, so that found its way in too. Different styles were always around me, and I think that mix really shaped how I hear and make music today.

What was the first album you remember owning?

I remember getting $100 from my parents for my birthday and spending it all on CDs. I picked up No Doubt’s Tragic Kingdom, Tonic’s Lemon Parade, Silverchair’s Freak Show, The Chemical Brothers’ Exit Planet Dust, and Sublime’s 40oz. to Freedom.

What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?

Taylor Swift – Exile (feat. Bon Iver). Everything in this song comes together so seamlessly—the instrumentation, Taylor’s verse, Justin Vernon’s verse, the songwriting, and the vivid imagery. It’s beautifully crafted, especially considering the somber subject matter. In my opinion, it’s a creative masterpiece.

Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?

I like buying a new pen and notebook before starting an album—it feels like wiping the slate clean and creating a fresh space to work in. Once I have a general outline of the instrumentation and a rough melodic idea, I try to envision what the song wants to be about. I’ll spend several days diving into both new and old music, just trying to fill my mind with a palette of tones, words, and textures. When I finally hone in on a “seed idea” I want to explore, I shut out all other songs, TV shows, or distractions and go into a kind of creative hibernation. From that point on, I give the unfinished song my full attention until it feels complete. It’s not always a straightforward process, and it takes as long as it takes—but I always feel fulfilled having gone through it.

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?

Caamp, Fiona Apple, Goldie Boutilier Hayley Williams, Hozier, Jessie Murph, John Butler, Jutes, Kasey Musgraves, Paramore, Sleep Token, Vintage Culture and St. Vincent to name a few.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

Probably Paramore at this moment. I love them—Hayley Williams is such a powerful frontwoman, and the band supports her so well. Their energy is a whole vibe. It would be an honour to share a stage with them.

What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?

I’ve always loved expressing myself through music, but songwriting and singing are still new territory for me. I grew up playing instruments—piano, guitar, drums—but using my own voice and my own words to shape a song is something else entirely. It’s vulnerable, but incredibly rewarding. And it’s a creative space I’ve completely fallen in love with—one I’m excited to keep exploring for years to come.

And what is the most frustrating part?

Wanting to be further along in my songwriting or vocal skills. Learning to slow down, be present, and embrace exactly where I’m at. It’s all part of the journey—and even the most challenging parts have their rewards.

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

Stop overthinking. Just be. Just feel the music.

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Pretty Little Saturday's debut single 'Long Overdue' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.