London based singer-songwriter PEARL is a self-confessed delusional daydreamer, who moved to the city to chase her dream of international synth-pop stardom.
With the release of her latest singles, “Time Zone” and “Little Love,” she moves into her baby blue era, where delusion becomes a survival strategy. Recorded and co-written with Matt Ingram (Florence and the Machine, Lianne La Havas, Jake Bugg) at Urchin studios, “Little Love” is a refreshing take on nostalgia and a love letter to anyone who’s felt lost chasing a dream but kept on going anyway.
Amassing over seven million streams across her discography, she has had support from several Spotify editorial playlists, BBC Introducing London, and performed at Outernet and The Bedford. She recently featured on Kasbo’s focus single, “Carry Your Name” (Foreign Family Collective / Ninja Tune), which has now become Kasbo’s highest daily-streaming track from his album.
With her dreamy visuals, tongue-in-cheek performance art and unflinching lyrics, PEARL invites you into her alternate universe, where everything is baby blue and the synths shimmer like sunlight.
With “Time Zone” out now, we took some time to hear from PEARL. Read below to learn more about PEARL, the story behind “Time Zone,” and what’s to come.
Hi PEARL! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
Soooooooo, it’s my birthstone and I love pearls.
What city are you from, and where are you based now?
I live in London, but grew up amongst the rolling hills of the London commuter belts.
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
COVID was crunch time – I finished writing my first EP and decided it was now or never to embark upon building a career.
How has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound?
I grew up singing classical music, and whilst it wasn’t something that I wanted to pursue, it has influenced my melodies and understanding of harmony, for sure.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
A warm blend of shimmering synths, rounded and bouncy bass lines and ethereal esq vocals and storytelling lyrics.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
I adore jigsaw puzzles, foraging, and scouring the shops for new wardrobe gems. I also read a lot, which I think helps with the wordsmithing!
Who are some of your main musical influences?
I’ve always found Ben Howard’s use of drum machines and his vivid, poetic lyrics very inspiring, similarly Billie Marten is someone whose songwriting I adore and am very inspired by!
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
I would say that I’m proudest of the day to day things, the daily grind and determination not to give up the dream, building a little world a community to share it with.
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
Never wait for someone to do something for you.
Now onto your release, “Time Zone.” What inspired this song? What is “Time Zone” about?
My best friend was in a long-distance relationship with someone who lived on the opposite side of the planet, and I tried to put myself in her shoes. I then forgot about the song for a few years, and when I rediscovered it, they had broken up and it became more about how I was in a long distance relationship with myself.
What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for “Time Zone?”
Reaching for someone.
What was the creative process like when making “Time Zone?”
Dynamic…it had many changing parts and eras!
How long did it take to complete “Time Zone?”
A few years…I started writing it in my bedroom in Feb 2022, then it existed on my friend David Boyden’s computer for a bit, then it got left for a few years, and then I rediscovered it and took it my friend Matt Ingram last January and we revived it. There is a wonderful irony in a song about feeling disconnected only existing through reaching out.
What is your favorite lyric in “Time Zone” and why?
“I hope that fortune favours the awkward” – life is messy and I’m learning to love and accept that.
What do you hope fans take away from “Time Zone” and your music in general?
A little slice of the world – I feel like music is a mix and contrast of escapism and connection for me right now, and I hope they feel both.
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?
I have a show on the 31st March as the Libra Café in Camden, come on down! I’m sitting on a lot of music, and I just want to get it OUTTTTTTTTTTT.
Where can we follow you on social media?
Follow me on Insta and TikTok – I’m a ball.
Before you go, let’s ask you something off topic. What’s your perfect day?
Wake up naturally, coffee in bed, read for 30 mins, sun’s shining, go for a run, eggs and avocado on sourdough, bus to a session, write a banger, rooftop drinks in the sunshine, fancy dinner, taxi home, in bed by 11pm.
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
