The Untold Truth Of Phoebe Bridgers

Indie rock musician Phoebe Bridgers has captured the hearts of many with her unique sound and heartfelt lyrics. Born with a passion for music, she has often expressed that she felt destined for greatness from a young age. In a candid interview with The Guardian in June 2020, she shared, "I felt like I had a God-given gift," reflecting on her early ambition to be a renowned musician. By the age of 12 or 13, she declared to herself, "Wow, I'm the next Bob Dylan." To develop her skills, she pursued studies in opera, jazz, and music engineering at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts, laying the groundwork for her impressive career.

After high school, Bridgers took a significant step by enrolling at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. However, she found the experience overwhelming and decided to leave after a difficult orientation. Undeterred, she jumped straight into the vibrant music scene of Los Angeles, playing shows weekly to build connections. This hustle paid off when a talent scout discovered her during a performance, leading to opportunities in commercials for brands like Taco Bell and Apple, while simultaneously writing her debut album, Stranger in the Alps.

Her career skyrocketed after releasing her second studio album, Punisher, in 2020, which earned her four Grammy nominations, including Best New Artist. Not only did she gain recognition for her music, but she also established her own record label, Saddest Factory, further solidifying her presence in the industry. As Bridgers continues to shine in 2021, performing as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live, it's clear that her journey is just beginning, and the world is eager to learn more about Phoebe Bridgers.

Biography

Table of Contents

• Phoebe Bridgers' Unique Songwriting Process
• Musical Inspirations and Literary Influences
• Embracing Weird Ideas in Creativity
• Past Relationship Controversies
• Impact of the Pandemic on Her Life and Career

Phoebe Bridgers' Unique Songwriting Process

Phoebe Bridgers’ songwriting is as distinctive as her music. She has described her process as being both meticulous and spontaneous. In a conversation with American Songwriter, she revealed, “I write all the time, very slowly, every day.” Bridgers often finds herself writing with a sense of urgency, capturing emotions in the moment. She elaborates, “Sometimes I spend all day doing it. Most days, I put my guitar down the minute I want to kill somebody.” This highlights her emotional investment in her craft, as she navigates the highs and lows of her artistic expression.

To capture her lyrical ideas, Bridgers prefers to handwrite her lyrics before recording them quietly on her phone. “I have a hard time typing them on a computer,” she explained, noting that writing in cursive allows her to express herself more fluidly. This unique approach to songwriting is complemented by her habit of whispering her melodies into voice memos to avoid disturbing her neighbors, resulting in songs that sometimes turn out in unexpected keys.

Musical Inspirations and Literary Influences

Bridgers draws inspiration from a wide array of musicians and writers. Her music often explores themes of vulnerability and introspection, frequently touching on dark subjects. One of her most significant influences is the book Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado, which reshaped her perspective on storytelling. Bridgers appreciates the book's blend of psychological realism and magical realism, stating, “Every story is not [about] people trying to discover something. It’s like absurd worlds already exist in themselves.”

As a guitarist, she cites Eddie Van Halen as an influence, recalling how she learned a lot from his unique style. Bridgers also expresses admiration for singer-songwriter Elliott Smith, whose work resonates with her own artistic vision. These influences contribute to the depth of her sound and the emotional weight of her lyrics, making her music relatable to many.

Embracing Weird Ideas in Creativity

Phoebe Bridgers is known for her quirky and unconventional ideas. In 2020, she launched her own imprint label, Saddest Factory, under Dead Oceans, as a way to express her creativity beyond music. “I like having weird ideas,” she mentioned, indicating her desire to explore innovative concepts in her work. An example of this creativity is when she proposed a project after seeing a video of someone eating soup in the rain, showcasing her playful imagination.

Additionally, Bridgers coined quirky terms related to her fan interactions, such as "rockognized," referring to being recognized as a niche-famous artist, and "fan-splaining," which describes fans explaining their discovery of her music in a condescending manner. These terms highlight her ability to blend humor with her experiences, giving her fans a glimpse into her personality.

Past Relationship Controversies

Bridgers' past relationship with music producer Ryan Adams has been a topic of significant discussion. Their romance began when she was just 20, and Adams was twice her age. While he produced her 2014 EP Killer, their relationship took a dark turn, becoming emotionally abusive. In a New York Times exposé, Bridgers opened up about her experiences, detailing how she initially did not see the relationship as abusive.

“I had a crush on him, and he wanted to hook up, and I was, like, ‘Oh, my God, this is so cool,’” she reflected, indicating how the dynamics of their relationship masked the underlying issues. Bridgers’ song “Motion Sickness” is a direct reflection of her feelings during that time, encapsulating the heartbreak and turmoil she faced. Following the exposé, several other women shared similar experiences regarding Adams, leading to a broader conversation about emotional abuse in the music industry.

Impact of the Pandemic on Her Life and Career

The coronavirus pandemic brought unexpected changes to Phoebe Bridgers’ career plans. Initially set to tour with the band The 1975 in 2020, she faced a halt in her activities due to the pandemic. However, Bridgers adapted to the situation, stating that her lifestyle was never overly extravagant to begin with. In a 2020 interview, she mentioned becoming more domestic, learning to clean and organize her living space, which she found oddly satisfying.

Despite the challenges, Bridgers continued to release music and viewed the forced downtime as an opportunity for personal growth. “I think there are major gaps in my adulthood that I’m filling right now,” she said, indicating her commitment to self-improvement during these unprecedented times. Bridgers’ ability to navigate this period creatively demonstrates her resilience as an artist and her dedication to her craft.