Brittany Bindrim Talks Debut Single, New Album And More

Dec 25, 2023 | Interviews

Words by Glenn Sargeant

Photo Credit: Emily Gualdoni Photography

Chicago-based electronic pop artist Brittany Bindrim has released her debut single, ‘Obelisk’, on Metropolis Records. We wanted to speak to her to hear more about her new music:

You will be releasing your new album ‘Velella Velella’ in March 2024. How did you want to approach the making the album?

Brittany Bindrim: Writing each track on Velella Velella came very instinctively and it was very much an insular but exciting solo process. I didn’t over think things or try to force any ideas; I let them develop out of the ether organically. I pursued a more electronic style on this album and focused on heavier bass synths and experimental drum programming. It was fun to explore a different soundscape which provided a new open landscape for vocals than what I’m used to working with my band I:Scintilla.

Where did you record it and who produced it?

BB: The album was recorded at Secret Hand Studios in Los Angeles, CA; an inspiring and versatile space owned by drummer / percussionist Jeff Friedl (A Perfect Circle, Devo). Matt McJunkins (A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, Poppy) recorded, produced, and mixed the tracks. He was an absolute joy to work with through the whole process and he truly helped bring the songs to life!

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

BB: I flew in from Chicago to LA to record with Matt at Secret Hand in May of this year. The entire recording experience was an absolute blast. Matt is so crazy talented and super easy and fun to work with. I learned a lot from him during the whole process. I stayed at the studio for a week and a half, and we really made the most out of that time by being as productive as we could each day; first tracking all the vocals and then moving on to recording piano, synths, and drum machines. We basically tracked until we were spent each day. Honestly everything went super smoothly and were able to record everything we hoped to during the sessions with a ton of laughs in-between!

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

BB: Chicago, IL in five words: authentic, diverse, windy, whimsical, misunderstood.

Your latest single ‘Obelisk’ is out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

The lyrics of the debut single ‘Obelisk’ explore themes of tribalism, political divides, collective trauma, inner turmoil, and how one comes to terms with them and ultimately surrender to peace. I think these themes are quite fitting given the current state of global conflict and war. I had first programmed the drums and the main driving bass synth line, which then inspired the pleading quality to the vocal melodies. The vocal delivery I thought provided a fitting dichotomy with the harder, marching energy of music.

In addition, the single is accompanied by a music video. What was the idea behind the video?

BB: I have been a fan of Simona Noreik’s work for a while and was so excited to work with her on the ‘Obelisk’ video. She is incredibly talented and has such a unique creative vision. The general concept of the video was set in a dystopian alien dreamscape + wasteland as a potential warning or omen of the outcomes of war and unrest; either stemming within ourselves or against one another. The underlying message is that ultimately peace originates from within us, and how ever we get to that transformative point is critical.

How do you look after your voice?

BB: I try to stay healthy as I can by getting enough sleep (which sometime is impossible on the road…), staying hydrated and making sure my vocal cords are all warmed up with exercises before going into a recording session, rehearsal, or performing live. I also have asthma, so I’ve found that distance running and keeping my symptoms in check are critical. I’ve tried a lot of tricks and fixes over the years (pineapple juice, tea, steam, etc.), but ultimately rest and hydration are key. Sometime a shot of tequila before a show helps get me in performance mode though!

Do you have any plans for live dates in the UK/Europe in 2024?

BB: I would absolutely love to tour Europe and the UK in 2024. There are no plans yet, but I will make it happen one way or another, fingers crossed!

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, pedals, effects, microphones?

BB: My favorite microphone for recording vocals is the Neumann U87, which I used on Velella Velella. But for scratch vocals and recording ideas on the fly, I dig the trusty Shure SM7B. When it comes to keys: I love my Modal Cobalt8 Virtual Analog synth for writing and tinkering – It’s a powerful and fun little synth. But on the album, you’ll hear the Sequential Pro 3 and Novation Summit. As for soft synths and plugins, I have to give a shout out to Chris Randall’s Audio Damage! My favorite plugins must be Quanta (granular synthesiser), Tattoo (drums), and Other Desert Cities (delay). I found that they are useful for generating an initial feel or general sound direction on the fly.

What kind of music do you like listening to? Do you have any recommendations?

BB: Like most I have some eclectic tastes – from synth pop, industrial, grunge, to singer songwriters… There is SO much fabulous new music out there. Some of my recent favorites are SIERRA, HEALTH, IDLES, Yves Tumor, Boy Harsher and Grimes… just to name a few!

What makes Brittany Bindrim happy and what makes you unhappy?

BB: Where I find my happiness: in the flow of the writing / creative process, being a hermit and making things, micron pens, and my cats. My unhappiness: Clowns, cantaloupe, public speaking, and being cold.