Start Listening To: Sorry Girls
How Bravo! became a musical reflection of personal freedom.
As Sorry Girls gear up for the highly anticipated release of their album 'Bravo!', we sit down with Heather Foster Kirkpatrick and Dylan Konrad Obront to delve into the transformative process behind their music. Known for their dreamlike and atmospheric sound, Sorry Girls have captivated audiences with their lush pop melodies and introspective lyrics. In this exclusive interview, they take us on a journey through the evolution of their sound, the inspiration behind their latest single, and the collaborative efforts that shaped their upcoming album.
Congratulations on the upcoming release of your album 'Bravo!' How would you describe the evolution of your sound from your debut album to this new record?
Our first EP Awesome Secrets began as earnest pop songs obscured behind a hazy Lynchian dreamscape, followed by our debut LP Deborah in which we turned down the reverb and showcased more classically structured pop songs but still with a very digital straight into the computer sound. For our latest LP Bravo! The sound is more open and alive, dynamic and high definition than ever before as a result of working on these songs in various studios with various live musicians, opening up the sound to something bigger than ourselves. (DKO)
The single "Prettier Things" explores the power of honesty and moving on to better things. Could you delve deeper into the inspiration behind this song and the message you aim to convey to listeners?
Sometimes it feels easier to lie to yourself and stay in a place that hurts you but is comfortable rather than tell the truth, hurt someone else, and move on. It’s about the feelings in between the realization and the bandaid rip of goodbye in those situations. you can “leave what you need behind” and choose a pretty lie, or you can choose the ugly harder less perfect truth and leave. But no matter what it’s up to you. (HFK)
In the press release, you mentioned that 'Bravo!' focuses on self-acceptance, personal freedom, and letting go. How did these themes influence the songwriting and overall creative process for this album?
Songs come in part from a build up of tension. They’re a place for the emotions behind this feeling. In order to make change you have to confront this crossroad. These songs came from a need to make change within myself, to transform pain, so they are a reflection of this desire. (HFK)
The album features collaborations with musicians like Braids drummer Austin Tufts and Arbutus Records artist Mitch Davis. How did these collaborations enhance the creative process and shape the sound of the album?
We start by producing and writing the songs ourselves. A lot of the parts are composed on midi instruments with particular melodies in mind. So these collaborations helped to add nuance and feeling to otherwise predominantly digital compositions. We were really excited by the idea of our music being brought to life in this way and we couldn’t be more grateful for the extremely talented people who added so much life to these songs. (HFK)
You mentioned that the songwriting process for this album involved a more collaborative approach, with both of you working together from the ground up. How did this impact the dynamics of the songs and the overall cohesion of the album?
I think it helped us with creating more nuance and being more accountable and therefore loyal to the songs. Instead of letting them sit or giving up completely if it wasn’t immediately working, we took a more purposeful approach to crafting the songs. (HFK)
Sorry Girls' music has been influenced by a wide range of artists, from Fleetwood Mac to Perfume Genius. Can you share some specific musical influences that inspired the sound and style of 'Bravo!'?
We were really compelled by the weather station album Ignorance that came out while we were working on Bravo! Particularly the single Tried to Tell You, it's a catchy, honest feeling song with visceral lyrics, a driving rhythm, a tasteful atmosphere comprised of live instrumentation, and an emotional vocal performance that is centre stage in the track. Another single that came out while we were working on Bravo! Is Perfume Genius's On The Floor, we loved the irreverent chaotic explosion of emotion and sound and movement in this song and it inspired some of the more sporadic 'lightning in a bottle' tracks such as Used 2 Be. (DKO)
"Enough Is Enough" is described as a country breakup song. What drew you to explore this genre, and how did you infuse your own unique style into it?
Country songs are like this perfect kind of poetry. They’re almost satire? They’re compact, straightforward and very camp. Formulaic. It’s always been a goal to write one. It is just such a fun genre to explore. Shania Twain was a big influence. And again with lots of these songs they came from friends experiences I was picking up on. I got the hook while meditating actually. And Dylan and I drank tequila and wrote the rest of the song. We just wanted something fun people could dance to. (HFK)
The album includes the song "Breathe," which focuses on slowing down and self-discovery. Can you elaborate on the message behind this track and how it fits into the overall narrative of 'Bravo!'?
Breathe is the beginning of the story. A giant exhale before you start another big journey. It’s a big hug, an ´I’m here ‘ before you take that first step into the unknown. I hope for it to hold your hand. (HFK)
Sorry Girls' music has often been characterized as dreamlike and atmospheric. How did you strike a balance between creating lush, pleasure-seeking pop and incorporating personal lyrics on this album?
We never think about what we’re trying to make. I think that’s really important. If you want to make something honest the process needs to come first. So all you need to do is stay true to where you’re at, and to what’s exciting you in that moment. So we just tried to stay as true to what was there in front of us. (HFK)
The press release mentions that Sorry Girls have never sounded more like a live band. How did you capture this energy and live feel while recording the album, especially considering that each musician recorded separately?
We wanted it to sound alive. We layered live and electronic instruments to create something super textured and vibrant and took a less clinical approach to editing so that everything had energy. A lot of the instrument tracks are single takes with only some slight editing. (HFK)
Your live tour dates are approaching. How do you prepare for your live performances, and what can audiences expect from your shows in terms of the live experience and the songs from 'Bravo!’?
What’s most important is getting the right group of people together. If you feel safe and comfortable to be creative and free then magic can happen; And we found some real beauty angels to play with (and it doesn't hurt that they are also super talented). We’re hoping to bring something intimate and raw but also joyful. Something warm. We hate being bored at a show so we strive to keep things energetic and fun.People can expect an emotional heartfelt celebration of songs we laboured over and are excited to share with anyone open to listening. (HFK & DKO)
As musicians, what role does the city of Montreal play in influencing your sound and creativity? How has the music scene in Montreal shaped your development as a band?
Montréal’s still relatively low housing cost has a lot to do with what makes it conducive to creativity. The less you need to compromise and conform to stay in a city, the less you sacrifice your art. Also there's a theory that the unfortunate amount of lead in the water has produced some of the finest indie pop song creators of the last 14 years. (HFK & DKO)
Looking beyond the release of 'Bravo!', what are your aspirations and goals for Sorry Girls? Are there any specific musical directions or collaborations you hope to explore in the future?
We still feel like a relatively new project. Still yet to discover where we sit the most naturally. We’re excited to continue to explore and find new places to grow! Something we share in common is a lack of concern for what we've been and what we will be , and a compulsive desire to express ourselves !!!NOW!!! and hopefully be pleasantly surprised by the results. (HFK & DKO)
