Pop music that feels like it was created in a distant and otherwordly land, is what one can sum up when listening to singer Prudence’s a.k.a. Olivia Merilahti’s new album Beginnings. Formerly forming part of the acclaimed act The Dø, the singer and producer embarked on pursuing a solo career last year. The singer-songwriter got feelers out for her sound with the release of her debut EP Be Water, which received lots of love soon after its release. Beginnings was released via RCA France and was produced by M.I.A. collaborator and Charli XCX remixer Surkin.
We chatted with cosmic pop singer Prudence below.
Please describe your sound for us.
Melodic, deep, contrasted, colourful.
How did it all start for you?
When I released my debut album with my band The Dø, back in 2008. We went #1 in France through my songs were all in English, things got crazy.
My debut album Beginnings as a solo artist got released so it’s all really starting now for Prudence.
Which three artists would you say made you want to create your own music?
Cindy Lauper, Björk, Queen.
What is your go-to gear/equipment when creating?
A computer with ProTools and Ableton, a midi keyboard, a couple of analog synths (Yamaha reface, SH01..), a mic (Shure SM7), Genelec speakers.
What are some of your key influences in your music? Whether it be the sound created by others, imagery, films or any kind of art form.
Interstellar, Ghost in The Shell soundtracks, Kraftwerk in general, flowers by Japanese artist Azuma Makoto, marine life, NASA photos of space…
What is one sub-genre you think doesn’t get the attention it deserves?
Ambient music.
Any new or upcoming artists on your radar?
Kali Malone with her organ music.
What single night out has been the most memorable for you? As a performer? As an attendee?
As a performer: Eurockeennes de Belfort in 2008 with The Dø.
As an attendee: Kraftwerk, Paris Philharmonie 2019
What can we expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects in the pipeline that you would like to tell us about?
Live festivals and concerts, and a remix EP to be announced.
Famous last words?
When your intuition tells you to go ahead – if it feels good then it must be right for you!
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