GRETCHIN SERVES QUEER COMING-OF-AGE REALNESS ON ‘PETALS ON THE DASH’

Photo credit: Soy Prabhawat

A quintessential coming-of-age anthem, Gretchin (she/they) wrote ‘Petals On The Dash’ just after she came out as queer. Co-produced by Gretchin and her brother Joe, the track is reminiscent of female fronted soft rock of the 90s, and captures the multi-faceted artist at her most authentic

Having debuted in 2017, they made a name for themselves with their captivatingly ethereal voice, racking up millions of streams on collaborations with DJ’s on dance tracks. After taking time away, Gretchin has spent time discovering and developing her musical and 2022 marks their reintroduction to the UK alt-pop scene.

Tell us about the genesis of your project Coffee (Voice Memo)

It started after I found an old video of me bringing my ex a cup of coffee in bed. I just noticed how disinterested he seemed in me and it got me thinking about how we all express and receive love differently and that sometimes how incompatible those languages can be. I sang it into my phone and showed my brother who played around it on guitalele. We later then just sang it live into my phone and that’s the version we released. It’s very raw but I love that about it.

What should a song or piece of art communicate in your opinion?

I think just honesty. When someone is honest in their art, that comes across and people relate to it. I think most of us turn to art to feel a little less alone in what we are going through.

Who were your top 3 artists last year?

Mitski, Japanese Breakfast and K.D Lang

What do you do when you’re feeling uninspired?

I watch films. I always want to write something after watching a film.

What are your 2022 projects and goals?

Create more music, release more music and get a full live band together.

Favorite movie or TV show?

500 Days of Summer is my comfort film.

What is something you would want to change in the music and entertainment industry?

All the cis white men in suits maybe.

Can you outline your creative process?

It varies, but I tend to start with a melody or some lyrics and record it all into my phone and play around on guitar. I then sit with my brother Joe and we refine and produce!

Who inspires your style and aesthetics?

Too many people to mention… Grace Jones, Diane Keaton, Julia Fox…

What is the achievement or moment in your career you are the most proud of and why?

I’m proud of myself for taking my time! I didn’t release anything for a while because I wanted to experiment and make music that I really loved and I think it’s paying off.