Q&A: Lydia Prettyman Finds Her Footing in “Saint”
WRITTEN BY RILEY HUNT
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Photo by Paul Lang
Where Lydia Prettyman goes, introspection and emotional depth follow. Prettyman is a singer-songwriter who specializes in songs straight from the heart. Her own struggles and ability to express them with each track are nothing short of impressive. Each track truly feels like a piece of a puzzle, each piece coming together to craft the relatable yet complex puzzle of Prettyman’s mind.
Prettyman recently released a new track, “Saint,” that highlights the never-ending thoughts of insecure doubt that muddle your brain. Paired with the music video she released alongside the song, the message is one to fully deconstruct and let it seep in. The lyrics of the track seize your attention and consequently leave it lingering for ages. Such beautifully crafted work will always find a way to weave its way into your being.
Life on Jupiter had the opportunity to chat with Prettyman about her music, creative process, and inspiration. Get in touch with your emotions by reading the full article below.
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LIFE ON JUPITER: Many of your songs focus on looking inward and facing deep-rooted insecurity and doubt. What has it been like to be able to create a platform for those vulnerabilities?
PRETTYMAN: Writing more recently about my insecurities and anxieties has been both incredibly relieving and terrifying! Being able to share this with others has been a hurdle and something that's taken a lot of time to feel comfortable with; I won't lie. I always respect those with platforms who post about the non-glamorous and realistic parts of being human and experiencing what life throws at you. Being able to do this myself has ultimately been something that has provided both me and my listeners a sense of comfort. There's something really special about knowing that someone is going through something similar to you; it can be so reassuring to know you're not alone with your thoughts.
What was it that first motivated and inspired you to create and release music four years ago, culminating in the release of your first single “Picture Frames”?
PRETTYMAN: I've always loved music in every sense - listening, creating, connecting with others, performing. When I released “Picture Frames,” I was really finding my feet with it all, to be honest. I'd written lots of songs, but that was the one where I just wanted to create a final, released version for people to listen to. I've always found music to be a release for my thoughts, a bit like therapy or journaling. Creating music really heals something in me and helps me process a lot of things that happen in my life.
You’ve described “Saint” as “a song for the girls who overthink.” When you get in that self-ridiculed state, what do you do to decompress and pull yourself out?
PRETTYMAN: Honestly, I'm still figuring this one out. Oftentimes I get into an overthinking state when I've spent too much time by myself. It's a fine line between having alone time and then spiraling because you've been alone for too long. Usually I make plans to see friends or my family, or I'll call my boyfriend, and we chat about anything and everything. My mum always says “a problem shared is a problem halved.” Sometimes you have to get it all out and maybe have a cry, and then have a cup of tea and watch a comfort film. It's all about being kind to yourself, and trying not to suffer on your own. So, spending time with others, preferably outdoors, and then relaxing with simple things you enjoy.
Quite personal in its message and imagery, was the story of “Saint” pulled from your own experiences or more as an outsider looking in?
PRETTYMAN: “Saint” is a very honest song that came from my own experiences. Basically, I'd had a few drinks one night, and the next day I was a little hungover and convinced myself nobody liked me and people were talking about me behind my back. When you're an anxious person, it's very easy to convince yourself of things that aren't real, and when you're feeling a bit fragile, it's easy to spiral. Although I'm trying to adopt a “so what?” mentality - even if people have talked about you behind your back, so what? Who cares? Still working on that though.
The music video for “Saint” perfectly encapsulates an emotionally bare isolation while feeling lost and unsure. It’s cinematic in its creation through symbolic frames of being alone in a calm yet solitary environment. If you had to pick a film to accompany “Saint” in its vulnerability and impact, which would you choose?
PRETTYMAN: What a great question! Thank you for describing it so perfectly. Dan, who directed the video, took some inspiration from a film called Days of Heaven. You can really see similarities in the landscape and colours. But in terms of films that show vulnerability in the same way that “Saint” does, I think Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is similar. The idea that you want to erase your own mind is a heartbreaking concept. One of my favourite films is called Never Let Me Go, and I think that also accompanies “Saint” well.
You’ve been compared to artists such as Alice Phoebe Lou, Billie Marten, and early Coldplay. How have these artists helped to direct your sound, and in turn, influence the music you create?
PRETTYMAN: I always take inspiration from songs that are unpredictable in their structure and chord progressions. Billie Marten is someone who's incredibly good at taking a song where you're not expecting it to go. Coldplay's earlier albums like Parachutes and X&Y also do this. I think pushing the boundaries on what a “normal” song should sound like creates very exciting music. I think because I've been told I sound like Alice and Billie, I subconsciously take inspiration from their music just generally. I love Billie's lyrics and Coldplay's vocal melodies, so these definitely linger in my head when I'm writing.
Congratulations on releasing your EP Feeling Everything At Once back in March! The EP as a whole focuses on balancing both internal and external relationships through a warmly nostalgic lens. What did the creation of such an intimate EP look like?
PRETTYMAN: Thank you! Creating this EP was so special and makes me feel a bit emotional looking back. I think putting together a body of work that encapsulates how the last two or three years of your life have looked is really crazy to me. It's just like listening to my journal entries, really. It took a lot of time and a lot of tired days in the studio, to be honest. But writing the songs, where they're just a skeleton, and then creating demos to flesh them out, then taking them to the studio, is a process that will always be incredibly rewarding and moving. I feel very attached to that EP, and for my debut EP I am incredibly proud of it, and grateful to every single person who helped to make it happen.
You’ve curated an upbeat pre-show playlist featuring a wide range of artists such as Olivia Dean, Jungle, Clairo, and Fontaines D.C. Including the playlist, what are some of your most essential pre-show rituals?
PRETTYMAN: I try to do all the proper vocal warm-ups. I drink lots of peppermint tea. Basically as many cups as I can. Then, to be honest, about 30 minutes before we go on, I have a beer and maybe say some affirmations with the band and just try to relax, really. Going onto stage relaxed and happy is so important for me.
Finally, what’s on the horizon for Lydia Prettyman?
PRETTYMAN: I'm working on loads more music which I'm sooo so excited for people to hear. These are some of my favourite songs I've ever written. Working on some live shows too... can't say too much about that, really, but just want people to know there's lots to look forward to.
