I love getting surprising answers from artists, especially when they have a knack for turning questions on their heads, seemingly both addressing the point and going off in their own direction simultaneously; I believe that’s a sign of -at least- a very keen mind full of just the right kind of confidence. This is something that frontwoman India Coombs from All Things Blue had to offer in today’s interview, which was sparked by the release of their latest song, Get Away.
India Coombs and Jon Joseph have joined forces to create dream-punk soundscapes. Their debut album, All Things Blue, celebrates the experiences of life and wraps them in the soft tones of 1960s analogue sounds.
“Get Away is the second single off of ATB’s forthcoming EP “Stay Fringe” (Out September 22nd). This thought-provoking composition takes listeners on a sonic voyage, artfully blending captivating melodies with raw, honest lyrics. The artist fearlessly confronts the challenges faced by musicians, defying the cookie-cutter formulas imposed by the industry in the streaming world.”
It feels like the creation of Get Away was either sparked by a specific event or a mounting realization about the industry that came to you. Which was it?
Honestly, the first line of Get Away was inspired by this time I met some desert gals in 29 Palms that called themselves lady lizards. I wrote the rest of the lyrics after Jon and I tracked the instrumentals. The instrumentation definitely sparked the vibe and I guess the industry shit was just on my mind.
What seems the most important to you right now when it comes to your creative process?
At the moment, I’m embracing the summer season and prioritizing spending as much time outdoors as I can. When inspiration strikes, I seize the opportunity to write and let my creativity flow naturally.
In a general sense, where do All Things Blue go to Get Away from all the outside noise for some productive, peaceful time?
Away from people. I have the incredible fortune to live in southern California where I can escape to the beach, desert, or the mountains on a weekly basis. If you know where to go it can be pretty easy to feel completely lost from civilization. Lately, I’ve been making a conscious effort to seek out fresh water that I can fully submerge in. Truly the most cleansing feeling.
There’s a victory condition for artists to “make it” in the business, where they’re highly recognized and their music is profitable. But how much of their own vision do you feel an artist has to be willing to compromise in order to get to that level of popularity?
Ultimately, the extent to which an artist compromises their vision is a personal choice influenced by various factors such as their goals, morals, and aspirations. Some artists achieve success by embracing popular trends and catering to a mainstream audience, while others distinguish themselves by forging their own distinctive niche. Whether or not any of that is profitable or stable is totally uncertain. Trends change constantly and this business is becoming harder and harder to make a living on solely. If I wasn’t as obsessed with making the music and performing, I’d definitely choose a different path lol.
How do you leverage your needs and desires as an artist against the demands of industry gatekeepers? Where does that strength come from?
I make the music I want to hear. Or at least I try to. If a song, music video, or visual representation doesn’t resonate with my own taste, I’m not gonna put it out. I want to build a body of work I’m currently proud of and hopefully will continue to be proud of in years to come.
Where’s the muse coming from these days for the band? What sort of themes are you exploring lately?
I feel like it kind of differs from day to day. I showed my dad this latest EP that I’m releasing called “Stay Fringe” and he said he thought it sounded like post-apocalyptic disco type of music. I’ve been digging the sort of late 90s and early 2000s matrix-esq sounds.
Motivation should be intrinsic, it is the discipline that we should renew each day. Agree or nah?
I think motivation is natural, though it’s hard to gauge to what extent in such an artificial world. Some of the greatest art/inventions were created from a space of “boredom” so with social media, tv, and every other part of this over-stimulated time I do think it’s an especially impactful point to keep focused on what you want to make with your life.
How *do* you stay disciplined (or motivated) in a world so full of distractions?
It changes every day. Sometimes I don’t to be honest. I try to not get too hard on myself in the times that I’m not as prolific. Having to work so many jobs + be overstimulated + create art is a lot for one’s mind. I definitely need to light a fire under my own ass sometimes but I also feel that it’s good to go with the flow of your own creativity and not force it.
What’s on the horizon for All Things Blue? What are you working on for the rest of this year?
This is the second of a few singles I’ll be releasing this year along with an EP titled “Stay Fringe”. Maybe some touring in the Fall. Who knows what is to come, I’m excited to find out.
www.instagram.com/allthingsbluemusic
📸: @cyb3rbraden
