Rebecca Lappa Talks New Single, EP And More

With a steady string of releases behind her, Edmonton, Alberta’s Rebecca Lappa tried something new for 2023’s ‘Tale of a Taurus’ EP and dabbled with an indie-pop sound, something different from her previous folky output. As she has released her latest single ‘Deep Water’ we chatted to her about her new music and more:

What is your earliest musical memory?
I remember dancing and singing to some Disney songs at home when I was young.

When did you begin songwriting and recording music?
I began songwriting at 9 years old, and I recorded my first EP when I was 12.

Your new single ‘Deep Water’ is out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the song?
‘Deep water’ was inspired by my experience in an abusive long term relationship, and the PTSD symptoms that followed when I finally left. I still experience some of these symptoms today even though it has been years.

Who created/designed the single artwork?
Lorraine from Mortensen photography took the photo, and John Rummen did the artwork.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, etc?
I like to play guitar on stage, and I like to have a nice reverb on my vocals.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
I am from Edmonton Alberta Canada. 5 words that describe Edmonton are; Capital city, Vibrant, river valley, sunny, northern

Do you have any plans for live shows in Europe/UK in 2024?
My team and I are working on some tour dates in the UK for fall 2024.

Do you have a band that you perform with? If so, who is in the band and what do they play?
Currently I play solo or with my drummer Morgan Palagain. He runs tracks and plays drums.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
I have really enjoyed the Bridgerton book series. If I was asked to create a score for their next season that would be so much fun.

You released your ‘Tale of a Taurus’ EP last year. How did you want to approach the making of the EP?
This time I went into the studio with reference tracks. I spent a lot of time thinking about what artists I thought the new songs sounded similar to. On previous recording projects I just went in with the songs, and we created the sounds as we went. Working with Louise Burns I was able to think more methodically about the sound I wanted to put out into the world, and what really sounded like who I am currently.

Where did you record the EP and who produced it?
The EP was recorded at 604 Studios in Vancouver, and it was produced by Louise Burns.

Which of your new EP tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
Your One is a good one to listen to when you are happy because it has a great beat, and a catchy melody.
Deep water is a song with a lot of anger, despair, and injustice. It is probably the track to listen to if you are angry.
Brick By Brick, or Witches Way are both very reflective songs. One is about the process of opening yourself to others, and the second one is about working together to get along as humans. Both are thought provoking.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
Some of the artists that were sonic influences on my EP are; Zella Day, Maggie Rogers, Kacey Musgraves, Charlotte Cardin, and Sigrid.

Was it a difficult EP to write?
I did a lot of rewriting of lyrics on this EP. Although that can be challenging, I think the bigger challenge for me was thinking about how all the songs hung together sonically for the listener. That was a place of growth for me this time around.

How do you look after your voice?
I did classical vocal training up to grade 7 of the Royal Conservatory of Music. Breathing well when you sing is important, but I think a thorough vocal warmup is the most important before you play a show or record. I also drink a lot of tea, and don’t smoke or drink a ton of alcohol.

Do you have any further music releases planned for this year?
I have one more single coming out on June 14, 2024. The new song is called ‘Underneath Me’.

What makes Rebecca Lappa happy and what makes you unhappy?
Some things that make me happy are; traveling, spending time with friends and family, writing music, and cuddling my cat.
Things that make me unhappy are; health issues, dishonesty, feeling cold and hungry.