It is the new year which only means one thing, it is time to celebrate acts that you should be keeping an eye on this year! Today we speak to musician Lovina Falls about the new solo project!
Hello – tell us all about your band?
Lovina Falls is my new solo project. The best way I can think to describe it is to say it is a female fronted, non-soundtrack soundtrack of multi-layered songs written by a vocalist/pianist/keyboardist. Eclectic, lady made art-pop?
As for the origin of Lovina Falls, I spent many years fronting the Boston based alt-indie band Mistle Thrush. After being burned out by the industry, we went on hiatus. I spent my time writing soundtrack music for theatre, podcasts, and film, and it led to a regular thing. But I missed singing a lot. A lot a lot. So I decided to write a few songs. A few songs turned into many, and well, here we are.
Each song was a happy accident, stemming from sitting down and pressing record. I am not a traditional songwriter-instead, I find a sound I like and go from there. For me, it’s all about building up an idea, layer upon layer. It’s not unlike constructing a house; while it needs a solid foundation to stand, it’s really the other nuanced things-walls, windows, materials, colors, textures-that make it something you want to live in.
As a multi-instrumentalist, I wrote and recorded Calculating the Angle of Our Descent on my own, co-producing it with David Minehan at Woolly Mammoth Sound. This was the first time attempting everything alone from the ground up, and it’s been both an empowering and humbling experience. With no one else contributing to how the songs were written, what instruments were being used, or what the songs were about, it made it difficult to be objective, but it also inspired me to dig deep. Every note, every sound, every word risked personal exposure. It forced me to take chances, and to be ok with it. It wasn’t until the album was finished that I was in a position to try and interpret what was behind each track. To this day, I am still figuring that out.
How was 2023 for your band – what were the highlights?
Lovina Falls released the LP Calculating the Angle of Our Descent this past summer, followed by a video for “On Your Side” and another for “Vaulted,” both directed by the wildly talented Joan Hathaway. In the fall, The Big Takeover premiered the video for “Today,” and an animated visualizer for “Too Bright to Burn” was released. We also brought together seven incredible Boston musicians for the Lovina Falls live debut in December 2023.
What were the top 3 highlights for you?
1. Finishing the album, for sure.
2. The first live show. Translating the album to a live experience was a huge undertaking. The album is very piano/synth heavy with layers upon layers of vocals. As such, much of the preparation required re orchestrating the keys and vocal parts for other instruments. It was like taking a book and rewriting it with a group of incredibly talented wordsmiths; truly amazing to hear the songs take new shape while still retaining the core.
3. The response. It is incredible to connect with people on an entirely different level. Folks have been so welcoming, and radio/online and press have been so open and supportive of this endeavor. I am forever grateful.
What was the key lesson you learnt from last year?
It’s ok. Everything is ok. And if it’s not, it will be.
How did you get into music?
Music has just been part of my life forever – I grew up in a house full of musicians, and met my vocal coach in kindergarten. I worked with her for voice and her husband for piano until around the time I graduated. And then in typical rebellious form, I promptly rejected everything they taught me and started a band. Nonetheless, it was the best musical education I could ever have.
What are your plans for the band in 2024?
I’d like to tour a bit and am working on some new material. I’ve also become obsessed with how sounds that occur randomly can make great rhythm tracks from which to write songs. Looking forward to seeing where this goes.
What other bands and musicians are you looking forward to seeing perform this year?
DIIV, Slowdive, Chelsea Wolfe
What styles do you hope to see more of in music this year?
The music landscape has changed dramatically over the past few years, thanks to technology and more affordable ways for musicians to create. That said, I think it’s important to retain some organic instrumentation that interacts with the physical environment in a different way. It can be great fun to let sounds go where they may-you can end up with some amazing one-of-a-kind accidents.
What band is your ones to watch in 2024 and why?
Animal Hospital – a local musician here in Boston who writes post rock-esque hypnotizing compositions using all sorts of unusual sounds. There is also an experimental artist Ana Roxanne who I’ve just discovered.
Do you have any new years resolutions? If so what are they?
Don’t let perfection get in the way of good.
Are you on social media? If so how can people find out more about you?
I am @lovinafalls on Instagram and YouTube;
The album is available at www.bandcamp.com/lovinafalls, and on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, and other streaming services.
Three words why people should come and see you this year?
Soft LOUD mood
QUICK FIRE ROUND
The movie or television show you are looking forward to seeing this year?
I wish they hadn’t cancelled The Great.
Your favourite book?
The dictionary.
If you could paint anything what would you paint?
A grand piano. Literally.
What is the most delightful word you can think of?
Blissfully
Favourite album?
Hmm. This week? Tom Waits’ Closing Time or Raindogs.
Where would you love to go on holiday this year?
Barcelona, Scotland, Slovenia, or Iceland
What is your favourite quote from a television show?
“Huzzah!”
Who is your favourite film character and why?
Judy Davis as George Sand in Impromptu. She was smart, independent, defied typical societal gender expectations and generally kicked ass, but was a big softie for music.
Categories: Music, Music Interviews
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