Mood Board is our column where artists share with us a few of the things that inspired their new record. This time, Australian indie pop artist Harriette Pilbeam, aka Hatchie, tells us how intimacy, long walks, the concept of “what could have been,” and more inspired her new record Liquorice — out today on Secretly Canadian.
— Annie Fell, Editor-in-chief, Talkhouse Music
1. Intimacy
Whether it be platonic or flirtatious, physical or emotional, intimacy was the key theme when I was writing this record. I was channeling a lot of new energy into each of my relationships with my partner, my friends, and myself during this period so I wanted to explore those intricate layers involved with tenderness and deep connection.
2. Richard Linklater's Sunrise films
I had seen Before Sunrise and Before Sunset years ago but rewatched them when I was writing this album and saw them in a completely different light. I think any movie or book that grapples with the concept of the butterfly effect, like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind or Sliding Doors, always has a lasting effect on me and forces me to reflect on my own experiences. I'm both terrified and fascinated by the idea of “what could have been,” and this spills into my music big time.
3. Long Walks
When I was making this album I was mindlessly walking over an hour every day just to try to settle my thoughts and figure out what to do next. Walking helps me compartmentalise my anxieties and focus on other things for the rest of the day. I tend to get extremely anxious on tour, so I find it calming to get up and squeeze a walk in before we start driving for the day, or to explore the area around the venue by myself between sound check and playing a gig. I feel more peaceful when I start the day with quiet time alone before talking to anyone else.
4. Licorice tea
I drank copious amounts of licorice tea while demoing and tracking this album. It's great for the vocal cords and gut!
5. French New Wave Cinema
Movies like Breathless and Une Femme est une Femme encouraged me to focus on simple but effective production and stop overcomplicating my songs. I also drew a lot of inspiration from the visuals — Anna Karina’s style, bold bursts of color, and collage-y posters.
