Orla Gartland

With a newly released EP, Orla Gartland is about to top all your favorite playlists. We talked to the rising songstress about her sound and how it all came together.

words by VANESSA SALLES photos by JESS TURNER

Tell us about ‘Freckle Season’ - how would you describe the sound/vibe of the EP? It’s sad, then angry, then sad again. It’s full of gritty guitars and very literal lyrics.

Is there a track off the EP that is the most meaningful to you? I think track 5, ‘new friends’ means the most. I wrote it on tour and you can hear the tour bus engine in the song. When I wrote it, I thought I had the EP finished, so the stakes were low and I was writing super absent, almost streamof-consciousness lyrics... I guess it turned out sounding honest in a very natural way.

Any memorable moments while writing/ recording it that you can share with us? These are my first ever songs with real drums and that day was amazing. It was towards the end of the recording and my co-producer Tom and I had spent weeks on the EP at this point - we set the kit up in the studio and it just felt incredible to hear songs I wrote in my bedroom come together so quickly, the energy of the drums became like a glue that stuck the songs together right at the end.

What’s the creative process usually like for you? I start everything on my own in my bedroom or my little studio down the road from my house. There’s a piano there and a bunch of guitars so if I’m chasing down a song idea, I turn my phone off and try to get lost in it for a bit. On occasion, I’ll collaborate and co-write with friends, if I feel I have an idea that is strong but I’ve taken it as far as I can.

When it comes to stage presence, which artist(s) are you inspired by? I like Stevie Nicks, St. Vincent, Vampire Weekend, Phoebe Bridgers, Alanis Morrisette, Darwin Deez, Mitski. It’s cool when an artist can play a chilled set and just let the focus be on the songs... but I also like artists who are super performative and go out and leave everything on the stage. I’d like to have a mix of both in my show.

What songs/artists do you currently have on repeat? Declan McKenna, Adam Melchor, Lauren Aquilina, Christian Lee Hutson.

What’s on your bucket list for the rest of the year? To write an album! And go to Japan.

With a growing social following, what’s the best way for fans to get your attention online? Twitter!

Any special message for your fans/listeners? Big love to everyone who has supported ‘Freckle Season’ - it’s been amazing so far and it feels goooood to have this music out there.