Established in 2018, the pair has toured up and down the east coast, opening for acts such as Kat Wright and playing festivals such as FreshGrass and Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival.
They have two EPs out currently, and have a full length album in the works set to release in 2022.
Lovingly is an ode to all types of love, from dedicated partnerships to messy, strung out failed romances. The project marks a distinct turn in Sweet Petunia’s music towards a heavier sound, while still holding true to their Americana roots. The first single, “People Watching”, muses light-heartedly over potential romance with a stranger. Lyrics such as “I saw you across the way / you laughed, tilted your head back…I just looked from where I stood / afraid” address a moment that everyone has experienced; the infatuation you can feel for somebody you don’t know, but want to so badly.
What’s your story as an artist?
We (Mairead Guy and Madison Simpson) met in 2018 in college, we were both in a roots ensemble taught by banjo player Greg Liszt. As the two vocalists, we had to work together a lot and realized that we sounded really good together. We shared a lot of influences and goals, so after a few times getting together to play music we decided to form Sweet Petunia. We’ve released two EPs since then, and are so excited to put out our third, titled “Lovingly,”.
What do you want your music to communicate?
Our queerness is a large part of our art and something we’ll never shut up about. We’ve always wanted our music to communicate exactly who we are; loud and gay.
What are some sources of inspiration for your storytelling?
We use a lot of inspiration from our day to day lives. The first single from our latest release, “People Watching,” is a good example. It draws inspiration from a combination of little moments; daydreaming over the person you saw on the bus, noticing little quirks about new friends, and realizing that you love somebody regardless of their flaws.
Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?
Dolly Parton, Adrianne Lenker, Lomelda, Gillian Welch, and Haley Heynderickx are a few.
What’s the record or artist that made you realize you wanted to be an artist?
Maddy: “The Essential Simon & Garfunkel”. Paul Simon is one of my biggest influences as a songwriter!
Mairead: “Die, Die, Die” by the Avett Brothers off a Paste Sampler CD
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about
Our newest release, “Lovingly,” is a five song EP composed of songs dedicated to the past, present, and future loves of our lives. We composed these songs over the past couple of years through ups and downs of different flings, when we were struggling through relationships and dreaming up new ones. We were lucky enough to record with our good friend Curtis Heimburger using a DIY set up in Maddy’s basement.
What inspires your sound?
We’re inspired by a wide variety of artists. We have a deep love for the Old Time music tradition, but we also are really inspired by a lot of our friends like Grace Givertz, Butch Baby, and Dino Gala.
What’s your favorite tune of yours?
Maddy: Right now mine is “4:31am”. Mairead wrote it before the pandemic but we didn’t arrange it until it was time to record it for this project. It gives me goosebumps.
Mairead: Dolly Parton’s version of “I Get a Kick Out of You.”
Where are some things you really want to accomplish as an artist?
We’d love to tour the country, starting with California in November and hopefully an East Coast leg in the spring! It would also be iconic to play the Opry.
Favorite lyric you ever wrote?
“If a loud girl will be labeled a bitch, then I’m a bitch and I’m proud of it.”
Was there ever a moment when you felt like giving up?
No! We’ve never had a moment’s doubt that this isn’t it for us.
What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
Pee before the gig. The bathrooms will be gross.
Where do you think the next game changer will be in the music industry and entertainment scene?
There’s a huge hip hop scene in Boston right now that’s so amazing to watch. People like Oompa, Van Buren Records, Red Shaydez, and so many more artists that are really about to blow up.
