Page 35 - May 2017 Edition

GIG PREVIEW / INTERVIEW
MOLLY BURCH
BY BEVERLEY NAPALM
T he music on Molly Burchs’ debut Please Be Mine is charmingly retro, with confident song frameworks built to highlight Ms. Burchs’ dazzling vocal beauty. There is a romantic yearning, and feeling of gentle desperation within the grooves, delivering an aching arching mood that ensnares the listener with ease. There are refreshing stylistic vocal nods to the great girl groups of the
‘60s such as the Ronettes and Shirelles.
Elsewhere throughout the ten-song collection that makes
up her debut, there are strong musical arrangements touching on alt-country, blues, exotica and easy listening themes. It’s an intoxicating mix. Ms. Burch is currently on a nationwide tour and enjoying critical acclaim for both her live performances and her album. We are lucky enough to have the opportunity to see Molly perform in Flagstaff this month in what promises to be a great evening of music. This writer caught up with Ms. Burch to talk shop about her songs.
You have moved around quite a bit, and are now based in Austin, Texas – a city known for its vibrant and nurturing scene for musicians. Does your present environment influence your musical output?
Yeah, absolutely. I think the very act of moving to a new city inspired me to write. I wrote the entirety of ‘Please Be Mine’ after moving to Austin. I’m really drawn to the size of the city. It has a super supportive music scene. It’s been kind to me.
Much of your sound, without being overtly nostalgic, appears to be unashamedly influenced by the past. Specifically within your song arrangements, such as the prominent rockabilly style guitar, and the almost doo-wop feel on some of the 6/8 time songs, such as “Not To- day” and “Please be Mine.” Do you have a clear vision of where you are headed when you write? How are your songs arranged?
I’ve always written for my voice. My songs are very vocally driv- en. I grew up listening to jazz and went to school for jazz perfor- mance so I think that’s just naturally where my style goes. I’ll write a song and then show it to Dailey Toliver and we’ll play it together and then I’ll arrange the songs with my band.
You have a remarkable voice, passionate and clear. I particularly like the track “Please Forgive Me” with a delightful unexpected fal- setto melody line. Who are some singers that have inspired you to find your own voice?
Thank you so much! My main influences have always been Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, and Lauryn Hill.
Lyrically the songs on your debut LP seem confessional and un- afraid to highlight weaknesses and trauma within relationships. This seems to be a theme running thoughout the LP. Was the collection of songs that make up “Please Be Mine” intended to be perceived as a concept album?
Not really, no. I wrote all of the songs after going through a break up and then getting back together with him. He’s my lead guitarist, Dailey Toliver. I felt all of these songs fit well together and felt cohesive. Definitely embodies the time of heartbreak and gaining independence.
As a female singer songwriter have you encountered any difficul- ties within what is still a very male dominated industry due to your gender?
Ah, not in the grand scheme of things. I’ve definitely encoun- tered some misogyny but I only gained more independence from those experiences. People like that aren’t worth ever thinking about. I don’t see anything as male dominated. I feel very fortu- nate to work with many amazing women, like with my label and my band.
It seems presently there is a higher visibility of female singer song- writers than there has been in the past, with artists such as Neko Case and Angel Olsen. Whilst I don’t mean to be as crass as to compare you to each other, purely just because you are all women, stylistically there are similarities between you with regard to recording approach and instrument choice. Do you feel any kinship towards contempo- rary women performers?
Yeah of course. I’m always more drawn to women performers. I just want to listen to women vocalists all of the time. I love Angel and Neko Case. I love Natalie Prass, Solange, Hand Habits, Lana Del Rey. There are countless contemporary women performers I love.
| Please Be Mine is available now through Captured Tracks Records. Molly Burch plays Firecreek Coffee on May 8. Also on the bill are Flagstaff favorites David Strackany (opening) and headliners, Egg Princess.
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