Based in Amsterdam, Pip Blom writes, records and releases her own indie-pop tunes with a twist. Although she only started releasing material earlier this year, she has already received acclaim from the likes of BBC Radio 1’s Huw Stephens and BBC 6Music’s Steve Lamacq, and has built a following across Europe and the US.
Combining raw guitar power with catchy melodies, Are We There Yet? consists of three powerful offerings. First track ‘Taxi Driver’ is an uptempo wall of indie sound whilst ‘Honey’, on the other hand, is a gritty love song, and final track ‘Alone’ flows with a fragile, beautiful sadness.
Due to set off on tour in the Netherlands and England with a full band in October 2016, the raw, sparkling sound of Pip Blom is sure to charm the ears of many in no time.
Are We There Yet? became available on September 28th via Toaster Records.
In this interview, we chat with Pip about influences, the new project and more.
Full Q&A with links and streams available below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I don’t really like sweet singer/songwriter music and I was wondering: why aren’t there more girls making ‘rock’ music. So i thought: lets give it a try and see if I can make something I would listen to. That’s where it started.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
I’ve been sharing my music for about four years now. I used to make completely different music, just me with a three-stringed Loog guitar. I started making the music I make right now a year and a half ago. But it wasn’t untill last February that I’ve shared a few of those songs with the public.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
Motivation is no issue. Making songs is the thing I like to do the most. My influences can be anything. Books, documentary, day to day life and of course other music. One of my biggests influances is Damon Albarn. II love his voice and the fact that he is not a one trick pony.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
I’ve tried to up my game with the production of the songs. I record and mix everything myself, at home, so it can be quite a challenge to make the songs sound good. I think I’m getting better at it. But there is still a long way to go.
What was the last song you listened to?
The last song I’ve listened to was Ultimate Painting – Ultimate Painting.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I prefer streaming, because I love to listen to music when I’m walking around town or when I’m in the shower. But I also love vinyl. It’s very cool to have your own songs on something you can hold and touch.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I love Spotify to listen to music, cause there is so much on it. To release tracks, Spotify is great too, but I also love Soundcloud. Because you can see all the feedback, the hearts, reposts etc. It shows all the interrractions and that’s fun.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
Well there are lots and lots of challenges when making music. And yes, the biggest one is getting people listen to your music. When people do listen, you want them to love it, and to come to your shows. That’s a challenge as well.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
Yes, we play! We’re did the support shows of Canshaker Pi (you should check them out, they are great) in the Netherlands and we’re coming to England to do a small tour!
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
I’ve watched the film Trainspotting today. It came out in the year I was born. It’s a must see!
