Off the back of her self-titled debut album Blondshell (aka Sabrina Teitelbaum) hits the UK in just a few weeks for a string of festival and headline dates.
The fast rising artist will be headlining a Manchester gig at YES, one of five UK dates she currently has scheduled. The shows mark Blondshell’s debut UK tour and come amidst a wider run in Europe including performances at Primavera Sound.
We took the opportunity to find out more about her outstanding debut release, inspirations and performing live:
You’re set to release your debut album shortly. What are your feelings as you approach the release date?
I’m excited to get the album out! I’ve been holding onto these songs for a while, so I’m really excited to finally share all of them.
Can you tell us a bit about the themes and inspirations which run through the album?
I was trying to figure out who I am and what kinds of relationships I wanted to have. The album is very much inspired by the trial and error of that process.
How did the writing process work for you?
I wrote these songs alone in my apartment and I made demos at home. Once I decided to put them on this album, Yves (my producer) and I sifted through and sometimes restructured them. Then we recorded them.
Sonically, what influences and soundscapes have made it on to the album?
A lot of rock from the 90s and 2000s. I was inspired by Hole, Pixies, PJ Harvey, The Strokes. Also a lot of newwave like XTC and The Velvet Underground.
How did you arrive at the tracks which have made the album and the running order?
I decided the order based on what sonically made sense, but I think there was a bit of a chronological narrative that showed up which I hadn’t intended. Veronica Mars for example is about childhood and it’s the first one.
Is there one track which particularly resonates with you on the album?
I like Sepsis the most because it feels like it sums up the whole album. I finally said so many things I had been wanting to say on that one.
What was the biggest challenge you faced in writing and recording the album?
I was worried about people I know hearing these songs. It’s fine for strangers to hear my most intimate feelings, but it can be very uncomfortable for people I know well to hear songs like Kiss City and Dangerous.
What went through your mind the first time you listened back to the completed album?
It’s just crazy to me that it became a complete album. We worked so hard for a long time and now it’s finally ready and I almost can’t believe it. I’m proud of the work we’ve done and I’m glad I get to have an archive of these feelings.
You’re also set to head out on your debut headline UK tour – what can people expect from your shows?
I love playing shows and in a way the album was recorded to be played live. You can expect a rock show.
As well as headline dates, you will also be performing at festivals – how have you been preparing for the different settings?
I’ve been playing these songs at festivals for about six months, so I feel comfortable. I like festivals a lot because I like being part of a bigger thing and a bigger day of music.
What do you have planned after the tour has finished?
Writing new songs, possibly recording them, and touring more 🙂
Blondshell’s debut self-titled album is out now.
WHEN DOES BLONDSHELL HEADLINE AT MANCHESTER’S YES?
Blondshell headlines at YES Manchester on 25 May 2023. The Manchester gig is one of five UK dates announced:
11 May – Brighton, The Great Escape
24 May – London, Moth Club
25 May – Manchester, YES
26 May – Bristol, Louisiana
27 May – London, Wide Awake Festival
Manchester gigs – Blondshell – image courtesy Daniel Topete
