With “Shiny Things” out now, we took some time to hear from Polartropica. Read below to learn more about Polartropica, the story behind “Shiny Things,” and what’s to come.
Hi Polartropica! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
Hi! My artist name is a fantasy world that I came up with that is both cold and tropical at the same time, full of magical animals, the best music and delicious foods!
What city are you from, and where are you based now?
I was in San Diego before coming up to Los Angeles, where I am based now. 🙂
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
I always knew in the back of my mind that I would end up doing music somehow. 🙂 The first band that I put together was in college, but I have been writing little tunes since I was a kid!
How has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound?
My parents were so dedicated in my music lessons, band practices and youth orchestra. I feel so lucky that my mom was at every piano lesson, and my dad got me my favorite trumpet because he saw how much I loved playing it in the orchestra. I feel like the classical and jazz training helps me in my music writing and also live performance.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
It’s cinematic, dreamy and an adventure! 🙂
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
I have so many hobbies! Lately, I’ve been super into riding horses, trying new recipes, dancing, and drawing when I can. I’ve also gotten a bit into cars recently!
Who are some of your main musical influences?
Currently, I’m listening to Rosalia, The Marias, Chappell Roan, Sierra Ferrell – I would say those are my most recent main influences.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
Hearing our song, “Give Them Hell,” at the end of the movie, Unseen, directed by Yoko Okumura in the movie theater. :*) Also, opening for Poppy at The Novo and HOB San Diego!
What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?
Always follow your intuition and heart – and never give up!
Now onto your release, “Shiny Things.” What inspired this song?
A story that Gilbert Louie Ray told me while we were meeting to play music in Echo Park, a past relationship and the healing process that goes with it.
What is “Shiny Things” about?
It’s about remembering the beautiful parts of a relationship after it falls apart and being able to let it go with love in your heart, which is not easy to do.
How did the collaboration with Gilbert Louie Ray come about?
We were gonna try and record a cover of David Bowie’s “Soul Love” together and ended up writing a whole new song!
What was the creative process like when making “Shiny Things?”
I came up with the concept and most of the lyrics and shell of melody/chords, and then Gil helped finalize the lyrics and different sections of the song, and guitar/banjo arrangements as well. After we finished the demo, Brandon, our engineer and mixer, helped us record the full track and added the final electric guitar touches as well!
How long did it take to complete “Shiny Things?”
It took about 3 months from writing the song to getting it all finished in the studio.
How did the music video for “Shiny Things” come about? What was your vision for the video?
I had just gotten my car towed for having too many parking tickets, which is pretty common in Los Angeles, and was playing around with the idea of a pirate with a ship parking ticket in the Salton Sea – the actual concept, story and vision was a collaborative effort with music video director Tristan Pelletier. We were so lucky that everything sort of fell into place, including a real pirate ship that we didn’t even know existed at the Salton Sea – I was just expecting to find a pile of wood that looked like an old shipwreck!
What is your favorite lyric in “Shiny Things” and why?
“It’s not your fault” because it sounds like “it’s nacho fault.”
What message or messages do you hope fans take away from “Shiny Things” and your music in general?
To learn how to forgive ourselves and others, so that we can move on to living the most beautiful life that we can in the time that we have left on this earth.
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?
We will be doing another car themed show next year, date TBA, as well as a western style ball in the early half of next year in Los Angeles! Stay tuned!
Where can we follow you on social media?
www.instagram.com/polartropica
Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!
