Music Q&A with Nectar
Photo by Ryan Kuk
Last Friday, indie punk band, Nectar released their latest album, No Shadow via Lauren Records! The album is the follow up to their 2018 full-length debut, Knocking at the Door. In this Q&A, the band talked about the album, their favorite artist to see live, who they would interview if they could, and more! You can purchase No Shadow HERE.
Congratulations on the release of No Shadow! What does the album mean to you?
Thank you! To me, the album represents a culmination of personal and artistic growth and perseverance. The start of the pandemic forced a long pause in the recording process, which resulted in deeper gratitude and intentionality once we were able to return to it. It felt like such a privilege to have that creative outlet to keep me steady in the midst of the fear and uncertainty of the pandemic. I can confidently say that the album contains all of my best efforts — from the songwriting to the cover artwork.
What’s your favorite song off No Shadow?
I like them all for different reasons, but if I have to choose one I’d say, “Cold Walk.” It’s the last song we wrote for No Shadow and showcases a softer side of Nectar while maintaining the upbeat ‘90s pop rock influence present in a lot of our songs. I really enjoyed collaborating with co-producer, Andrew Rodriguez, who encouraged me to explore creative directions for this song that I wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. Looking back, I would have been surprised to learn that a song featuring acoustic guitar and layered vocal melodies would become my favorite, but here we are!
Who has been your favorite artist or band to see live?
I saw Mitski in 2019 and really appreciated the level of thought and care put into the performance and choreography. It truly felt like the experience was an artwork in itself. It was very moving. As she closed the show with “Two Slow Dancers,” I remember allowing myself to let the tears flow and just feel and be in that moment.
If you had a chance to interview any of your musical heroes, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Kim Gordon because she is the coolest and I’d love to hear more about the intersections between her work as a musician and visual artist.
What is your favorite thing about making music?
My favorite thing about making music is the human connection that forms from it. I feel lucky to use music as a medium to process my feelings, thoughts, and experiences, but fulfillment comes from the way my music is activated through a connection with someone else. That could be collaborating on songwriting, performing together, or simply listening to my song and having an emotional response. I have an inherent need to create, and I feel lucky that the vulnerable results of that have been welcomed and allowed me to connect with others.
We all have our days where it may not be going as well as we’d like. People deal with their worst days in different ways. What helps you get through the bad days? How do you stay positive?
On the song “Ponytail” I end with the lyrics, “please don’t lose your joy in gentle things,” and my advice is the same. I try to focus on the small things that bring me joy — taking a walk and looking at flowers, petting my cats, eating a delicious baked good. Things are tough right now, and it’s important to be kind and gentle with yourself.
Thank you for taking the time for this Q&A. Any last words or final message for the readers?
Thank you so much! No big final message, just gratitude to the reader for checking out Nectar and to you for giving me the space to share more about my work!