INTERVIEW: Cellars

1. Hi Alle, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?

Hello! I have been a-ok, thank you.

2. Can you talk to us more about your latest single “Nighttime Girl”?

I wrote Nighttime Girl a couple years ago after moving to LA. It’s one of my favorite songs that I have written… Semi-upbeat with  lots of whacked-out keys. I wrote it on piano alone. In the recording for my upcoming album, PHASES, drums were done by BJ Miller of HEALTH, bass by Paris Yavuz, and guitar by Wilton James. I also played guitar and the rest of the sounds you hear on the recording.

3. Did any event in particular inspire you to write this song?

Moving had a lot to do with it, and also a breakup (one of many) indirectly inspired the song. I set out to not write a love song, but it still is in some ways. It is more about trying to find myself in a city, where at the time I barely knew anyone, and the ups and downs of self-confidence and self-consciousness.

4. How was the recording and writing process?

Great! I write as I record, and for this record I had a lot of material from different phases in my life post-move that I had been working on. I polished up the songs at home then brought them into the studio, where Ariel Pink and Don Bolles, as well as a few players, helped me bring them to life.

5. What role does Donnie Darko play in your music? What was it about the film and how did that influence your decision of making music?

Actually, I have only seen that film once, when I was 12 or 13 I think.The part that stuck out to me is when  the professor or teacher states that ‘cellar door’ is the most beautiful word in the english language. This notion actually had a long and interesting history which I recommend reading about. Other than that, while I remember it being a good film, I don’t remember much about it at all. The movie may have been an inspiration for the name of my project, but I have been making music since a very young age.

6. Did Kate Bush and her music influence you first then Darko or did she come to your life afterwards?

I first heard Kate Bush in college and fell in love with her. She is a total inspiration to me, her music is complex and creative, and she sings theatrically and with such emotion. Her style as well is amazing.

7. Does the single mean we can expect a new album – how’s that coming along?

Yes indeed! The single is off of my forthcoming album PHASES, which will be out April 15. The album was finished in October and was so much fun, as well as a lot of work since I also engineered the record. But fun work, and I’m pleased with the results. I hope it makes people happy.

8. Any plans to hit the road?

Not yet, but I’m sure that when the record is released, plans will already be underway.

9. What else is happening next in Cellars’ world?

I have a few shows coming up at SXSW and in NYC in March and April, respectively. I’m also constantly working on videos and other things for the album release, and writing my next record. I have learned and evolved so much making this first album that I am excited to see what will come out of me for the next one.

Listen here