Singer-songwriter Eloise Alterman recently made her label debut with the release of her EP Sad Bird. Now available on all streaming services and platforms, Alterman spoke on what songwriting means to her, what it was like to work with Grammy award-winner Dave Cobb and more.
What are three words/phrases you would use to describe your music?
– Vulnerable
– Honest
– Healing
You moved to Nashville right out of high school and it’s had quite the impact on your musical journey. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from living there?
Being surrounded by such talented people really drove me to work harder and shaped me into the artist I am today.
Who has helped you most in your journey as an artist?
Pete Ganbarg (my A&R) at Atlantic Records really gave me the confidence I needed to keep going and write the kind of music that I love, that is honest to who I am as an artist. I’m so glad that we found each other, and that he trusts me and believes in me.
You’ve said in the past that music has always been one of the only ways you could express yourself. Why do you think that is?
I prefer writing my feelings. Songwriting has always been my safe space. It’s always been difficult for me to speak about what I’m feeling in the moment but for some reason writing about it feels okay.
Your EP Sad Bird was released on May 6. What has the build-up been like to get to this point where people can finally listen to the work you’ve been creating?
Lots of shows and celebrations with the label and my team. We’ve been coming together and brainstorming the best ways to get the music to as many ears as we can, and honestly just hustling!
What sets the songs on Sad Bird apart from any other music you’ve written?
They’re just purely journal entries. The funny thing is…at the time I wasn’t aware I was writing for a project yet… which ended up being a good thing because I wasn’t trying at all. I was just creating, and it made me the most open I had been in a long time.
What song on Sad Bird means the most to you? Why?
“Sad Bird Still Sings” means the most to me because it’s something I can perform while telling the story to the audience at the same time. I did that on purpose a little bit. The chorus is me telling them I’m lying to them, and putting on a happy face while on stage but truly my heart is so broken. I think it’s special in that way.
What were you most excited about with the release of the EP?
I think to be able to connect with people for the first time! I’ve never had the chance to do that with music and I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to have my first opportunity to do that.
What was the biggest challenge you encountered while making Sad Bird?
The pandemic haha
Grammy award-winner Dave Cobb produced the EP. What was that like to be able to work with someone of such high esteem?
Dave Cobb is so talented and such a joy to work with. The second I met him we became buds. He made me so comfortable and confident in a setting I was at first intimated to be in as a newly signed artist. We got along so well and he truly respected both my music and me as an artist, and I respected him as a producer so much.
Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell have been mentioned as long-time influences for you. What is it about the two of them that you admire so much?
That they’re badass women and they stood out among a lot of male songwriters at the time. I love Joni Mitchell’s honesty in her songwriting and I love Stevie’s voice.
Who would your dream collaboration be with?
John Mayer has always been a dream of mine
What is your all-time favorite song?
As of late…“Sweet” by Cigarettes after Sex
Any other plans for the rest of 2022?
Self care!!
It is evident that Alterman is putting quite a bit of time and effort into her music and songwriting process. She delves into her emotions and allows herself to be creative as an artist, both of which we can appreciate heavily. Her ability to be vulnerable and honest as an artist is what will set her apart from others and propel her forward in her career.
Listen to Sad Bird now.
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