INTRODUCING: WTRGRL
We saw WTRGRL perform in an assuming bar in Manchester. She is very much part of a new age of female artists changing the narrative around pop music: think Caroline Polachek, FKA twigs, Shygirl: these are some of the female artists changing the narrative around pop and pop-adjacent music, taking listeners away from the mainstream and into a more experimental, theatrical landscape. WTRGRL is one of these artists.
We spoke to the multi-talented singer, producer, and drummer about performing with Eartheater, finding inspiration outside her comfort zone, and what sets her live shows apart.
Interview —Portia Brajkovic
Can you describe the WTRGRL universe and sound in three words?
Oceanic, vulgar, poetry!
What is your musical background?
I’ve known that I would play music ever since I got a drum kit at age 5. I’ve been playing drums since then, but hadn’t imagined fronting my own project and singing lead until 2020 when I began this project.
You’re an incredibly talented drummer and have toured with the likes of Caroline Polacheck - how does having this background and vocabulary help you in your craft?
Aw, thank you! Performing with other artists has propelled me to step up my technical game. Becoming comfortable with Ableton drum rack, transcribing AG Cook and Danny L Harle’s electronic beats to my live kit, plus learning harmonies on top of that, was a challenge. However I feel like every new gig I do, brings new challenges and I love to be constantly learning and trying to improve.
You’ve just come off a tour with Eartheater - how was that experience and what will you be taking away for your personal project?
Learning the Eartheater songs was yet another challenge for me! She has a lot of complex song structures with unique drum rhythms that don’t always follow a pattern. I like to first learn the material exactly how it is on the album, and then see how much an artist wants me to expand/elaborate on that live. With Eartheater there’s also a lot of harmonies around the grid, that’s always a bit tricky pairing to electronic beats that have a more quantized feel.
Learning everything felt like strengthening a new muscle, and it’s been so fun playing with her live.
You have a very strong visual identity. Do aesthetics come easy to you?
I am a visual/feeling person. You can figure this out by asking someone a question and how they answer, if they respond “I feel” or “I think”. I’m definitely an “I feel” person, and the feeling is associated with visuals. When I have a memory it’s very visual, I remember the clothes someone was wearing, and the feeling that gave me. Anyway, getting off topic lol. Aesthetics are so fun to me. I love collecting inspiration while I’m writing and subconsciously it all ends up morphing into something that makes sense on its own. I like themes and I like simplicity. Probably my OCD and need for making sense of the world by organizing it visually.
“I like to remove myself from social media for inspiration. The collective consciousness is a moving target and you gotta untether yourself from it to know who you are. I find that from random things, I like going to bars far from where I live and having a drink with a stranger. I find inspiration in getting out of my comfort zone like that. Or from seeing movies, the latest ones I saw that inspired me hugely were The Zone of Interest, and Skinamarink. The sound design was genius and it really surprised me which is a rare feeling to have in such an oversaturated shock-value culture. I find inspiration from being on tour, traveling, running, pushing myself and my body to its limits of what I feel capable of.”
— Where do you find inspiration?
Which WTRGRL track is most important to you?
Scream. PERIOD! I just feel like it’s my best track yet. That one and Nurturing which will be on the new record. Nurturing is about taking care of someone after you hurt them, and how sickening that is. It’s something I’ve grown up with, and something I have mirrored in romantic relationships. That feeling of repeating patterns that once hurt you is the worst of all, and probably the most relatable human predicament. I wanted to make a song about that.
What can audiences expect at a WTRGRL show?
Drums. Vocals. And just like fun club music. I’m bored of seeing the karaoke thing live. I wanted to make sure I’m playing my instrument, playing drums and singing, but still keeping the show upbeat and fun to show up to. I like to straddle some avant-garde ideas but also have obvious pop/crowd pleaser moments to just let a show be something that is about human connection. Not overthinking the things that come naturally. It needs to feel like it’s a party that you are invited to.
What would we find on your Spotify playlist?
A rollercoaster. I’ll pull up my most recent additions to my main playlist. It’s; Post Modern Sleaze - Sneaker Pimps Flight From Nashville Remix, An Embroidery - Clarissa Connelly, and Flame Shards Goo - ML Buch.
What’s next for WTRGRL?
Finally dropping my album, Dripsody! The music and visuals have been done since 2021 and I’m so stir crazy to get it out. And more shows! I also have a very special Britney cover I’m working on right now. And more music to come! I haven’t had the time to hunker down on new material, but I’m very excited about my new inspo and direction. I wanna go much more organic with my recordings, add chopped up live drums to songs, and get a bit more in my indulgence mode.
Rich, decadent, indulgence!
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