The rising indie pop musician also discusses collaborating with Charlie Hickey on new track
Pop will forever be the genre that lives in the ears of all listeners whether they wish it or not. However, it is also a fairly fluid space that allows for more evolution than the others. Case in point, Beeson, the Los Angeles gal who is harnessing the best of pop for her own good measure with the release of her latest single “Gap Teeth”.
“Gap Teeth” really shines thanks in a huge part to Beeson’s cloudy vocals that send listeners off into a content dreamlike state. Her voice comforts and beckons nostalgic thoughts to enter the brain. It is a slow crawl into the track but once inside of it, the desire to escape is diminished. Beeson succeeds in not only creating an earwig of a tune, but storytelling that is instantly relatable to all. Harmonic elements send that message home followed by a chorus that will be sure to be a call amongst the house as one dances in bliss. Fans will feel good while listening to this tune and that in itself is a gem. Her honest and relatable lyrics paired alongside her catchy instrumentation presents an ideal marriage for eager listeners.
As it turns out, her persona matches her music well. An endearing presence, she is immensely kind, attentive, and has plenty to say.
You are constantly on the musical prowl. What keeps you motivated and on your toes? Do you have a routine that helps keep you centered?
What keeps me motivated lately is hanging out with cool, inspiring people. I’ve had lots of highs and lows in my career over the last year, and being around my friends consistently helps me stay centered and focused on what I want. I’m lucky to have some great people in my corner to help me ride all the waves. My manager Matt is super positive and always helps me keep the vision. My friend Casey is an illustrator and understands a lot of my creative problems. I’m not a super routine-oriented person, but I write everyday, whether it be in my notes app or for a new song.
“Gap Teeth” is a genuine gem. What was it like writing with Charlie Hickey? Do you have any memorable moments?
…I started writing “Gap Teeth” last summer, and sat with it for a while before bringing it to Charlie in November. Writing with Charlie is so fun because we have similar tastes but come from sort of different musical backgrounds. He is more of a folk writer than I am; I learned how to write pop before anything else. I think our styles balance each other well when it comes to my music. We don’t disagree on a ton. We both just keep improving every line until the song’s done. We pretty much knocked out this song in a day. My favorite line that he wrote is: “take a big piece of the sky and then go back for more”. We’d been trying to write a metaphor about eating as much food as I wanted, and he killed it.
What would be an ideal collaboration for you down the line, can you explain why?
I’d love to make some music with someone like Sylvan Esso or Charli XCX. I’m obsessed with both of them and I want to hang out – and it would be super fun to make a dance or hyperpop track!
What shows and venues are your favorite to perform in and why? Do you have a specific memory in mind?
I have really fond memories of playing at Velour in Provo, Utah and at Kilby Court in Salt Lake City. I’ve played so many shows at Velour over the past few years and it’s fun to look back everytime and see how far I’ve come. I’ve gotten so much better since my first show there when I was 18. The owner of Velour, Corey Fox, is one of my earliest fans; he’s been championing my music ever since I moved to Utah. Kilby Court is so fun to play because the room is small and cozy, and I’m really comfortable there. I’ve been there dozens of times for friend’s shows or my own.
What advice would you give new musicians eager to enter the space?
I’d probably share some of my recent mantras. I say these to myself a lot: lean hard into the wins. Stay grateful and open. Making art is a gift. Stick around the people who really get what you’re doing. If someone isn’t getting it, it’s not your job to show them. In regards to the industry and comparison; it’s better to be in a little car that’s moving than in a big, nice car that isn’t. Making songs should feel good. Creating should be mostly fun.
