Rising rock outfit The Beaches recently unveiled their latest single, "What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Paranoid," signaling the arrival of their eagerly awaited sophomore album, 'Blame My Ex,' which is out now.
"What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Paranoid" encapsulates their trademark raw energy, boasting striking guitar work and candid lyrics courtesy of lead vocalist Jordan Miller. It delves into the realm of post-breakup anxiety and the insecurities that often accompany such experiences, making it an emotionally relatable narrative. Excitingly, The Beaches have recently joined forces with AWAL, with this exciting news following the success of previous singles, including "Me & Me" and the fan-favourite "Blame Brett." As the band gears up for a North American tour, their electrifying performances promise an unforgettable experience for music lovers.
EARMILK caught up with Jordan Miller (lead vocals, bass) and Kylie Miller (guitar, backing vocals) to delve further into the new release.
EARMILK: Your latest single, "What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Paranoid," has just been released. Could you delve deeper into the song's composition and how you approached conveying the theme of self-doubt and anxiety in relationships?
Jordan Miller: So much of the anxiety is depicted through the vocal performance. This song took about three days (and three separate sessions) to get the vocals just right, because it was so important that you heard the desperation and the fear in the vocals. Our producer also made me listen to contemporary female vocalists like Angel Olson, Willow, and Lana del Ray as homework to hear the unique ways they use their voices to show specific emotions. We kept the music composition pretty simple so that it really supported and didn’t clash with what I was doing on the vocals.
Your previous singles, "Me & Me" and "Blame Brett," have been met with great success, accumulating millions of streams. What do you think it is about your music that resonates so strongly with your audience?
Jordan Miller: Maybe it’s because the songs are really good and the music speaks for itself. But, it is a breakup record and everyone seems to be breaking up right now!
You're about to kick off your headlining North American tour in September to promote your new album "Blame My Ex." What can fans anticipate from this tour, and do you have any specific cities or venues you're particularly excited about?
Jordan Miller: We always aim to put on an incredible live show. Expect beautiful lights, elaborate high kicks, gorgeous harmonies, and bring Kleenex cause there will be tears shed on these dates. We’re really excited to play this entire record live for our fans. While every show is a thrill to play, we are particularly excited to perform at Massey Hall, it’s such a legendary venue.
The Beaches have a unique origin story, forfeiting a typical university experience to pursue careers in music. How has this journey influenced your music and songwriting, especially in addressing themes related to self-discovery and independence?
Jordan Miller: I've always just tried to follow the path that makes the most sense for me, and to trust my instincts, work really hard and to seize opportunities when they appear. Challenges are always going to come up, whether they be COVID or getting dropped, it’s important to role with the punches and change with the times. It also helps to face adversity with a group of really talented women who also happen to be your best friends.
Your achievements, including Juno Awards and recognition from artists like Elton John, reflect your remarkable success. How do you navigate the balance between staying true to your artistic vision and embracing the expectations that come with such acclaim?
Kylie Miller: We are so lucky to have been able to grow and exist in this band together for the past ten years. The success and the acclaim are amazing, but we definitely don’t let it get to our heads. Having your 3 best friends along for the ride and to keep you grounded really helps with staying humble and present in the moment.
What are your hopes and aspirations for this new album, and how does it fit into the overall evolution of The Beaches' sound and identity?
Kylie Miller: We hope that our fans connect with Blame My Ex as much as we do. This record is so special to us, it’s our literal baby and we put so much love and hard work into it. Our goal with this album was to connect with more people like us – young people who may be going through heartbreak. We think that the sound has evolved in an incredibly fun and accessible way.
Are there any specific tracks on the album that hold special significance to the band or that you believe will resonate strongly with your fans?
Kylie Miller: Obviously Blame Brett has been a fan favourite so far and we’re so excited about that. The song itself is just so relatable – everyone has a Brett or maybe even is a Brett. Having difficulty moving on over heartbreak and being closed off is a universal experience. As a band our collective favourite is "If A Tree Falls." We wrote that song right after Jordan was broken up with and for us, it really started the process of making this record so it’s incredibly close to our hearts.
Finally, the title of the album, "Blame My Ex," is intriguing. Could you shed some light on the meaning behind the title and how it ties into the album's narrative?
Kylie Miller: The title is obviously meant to be a bit tongue and cheek – as a band we try never to take ourselves too seriously and to find humour in everything, even the dark moments. We wanted to album title to capture that vibe, but also be a hook within itself.
'Blame My Ex' is out now!
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