A Chat With: Molly Burch
Austin-based (via Los Angeles) singer songwriter Molly Burch has been out on the road this past month, in support of her debut album Please Be Mine. Recorded live in just one day, the album really showcases Molly's retro-inspired, alluring vocals. Prior to her show at The Empty Bottle this Thursday with Tim Darcy, we chatted with Molly about everything from her recording process to playing SXSW to her thoughts on The Backstreet Boys. Get to know all that and more in our chat with Molly Burch...
Photo Credit: Dailey Toliver
ANCHR Magazine: Congratulations on releasing your debut album Please Be Mine last month! How does it feel to have your first album out into the world, and what have been some highlights since the release?
Molly Burch: Thank you so much! It feels like a dream come true. Some of the highlights have been touring with my band and having a record release show in both my hometown of Austin and also my label's home, Brooklyn.
Please Be Mine Album Artwork
AM: Where did you pull influence from for your songwriting on the record?
MB: My main influence has always been women vocalists. I've been singing all my life and when I started to write songs I would focus on the voice first above all else. Billie Holiday, Nancy Sinatra, Peggy Lee are all women I've been listening to since I was a kid.
AM: Do you think that moving from LA to Austin had an effect on your writing and your sound?
MB: I think the act of moving to a new place and having the independence and solitary time had a big impact on my songwriting.
AM: As far as recording, I know you recorded a lot of your album in a live setting in one day. What were some of the biggest challenges with recording in such a high-pressure scenario?
MB: I don't recall any challenges. It was a pretty simple and relaxed process. I wanted the recordings to reflect how we sounded live and my and I felt comfortable with the songs enough to track live. It was a really fun and relaxed day!
AM: I recently talked to Tim Darcy and he mentioned the tour has been going great. What have been some of your favorite shows and cities to play in while touring with Tim?
MB: Are you trying to make me blush? Ha! I adore him and his band. We're having such a great time. Every city has been super wonderful. I think we all really enjoyed playing D.C.
AM: What’s your favorite way to stay entertained on the long drives during tour? Any new music, podcast, or book recommendations?
MB: We've been listening to a lot of music. To name a few, Hand Habits, John Andrew & The Yawns, lots of jazz, a couple podcasts here and there. This leg of tour I brought to read "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield and "The Girls" by Emma Cline. Also, my dear planner will keep my mind occupied. Couldn't live without my planner.
AM: You just played SXSW last week. As an Austin resident, what are some of your tips for first time SXSW festival goers?
MB: Yes, we just played SXSW. Not sure I have any tips! Haha. As a performer it can be extremely overwhelming on the brain. I like to rest us much as possible between shows and not over do it. It is hard to stay sane with all of the stimulation.
AM: On the same subject of SXSW, what are some of your other favorite bands that played the festival this year?
MB: Tim Darcy! WAND, Living Hour, Jay Som, Jess Williamson, Hand Habits and Mega Bog. Also, saw Kevin Morby play an acoustic set and was very happy about that!
AM: Since your bio mentions that you grew up with Hollywood musicals, what is your all-time favorite musical?
MB: Gypsy!
AM: So, this is kind of cheesy, but since your album is called Please Be Mine, I thought it might be cool to do a lightning round of “Please Be Mine or Decline” of some kind of polarizing things to get to know you better.
MB: So fun! Would be happy to.
AM: Coffee?
MB: BE MINE
AM: Scary movies?
MB: DECLINE
AM: Snowy days?
MB: BE MINE
AM: Nutella?
MB:DECLINE
AM: Spicy food?
MB: BE MINE
AM: Country music?
MB: BE MINE
AM: Pineapple on pizza?
MB: BE MINE
AM: The Backstreet Boys?
MB: DECLINE
AM: Cilantro?
MB: BE MINE
AM: Rom Coms?
MB: BE MINE