Soon to release her debut EP ‘Goodbye Lavender’, Opal Mag is an exciting emerging artist in Brighton’s music scene. Her tracks blend confessional lyricism with fuzzy, dreamy guitars, concocting her own brand of blissful indie rock. I caught up with her ahead of this year’s Great Escape Festival, where she told me about her upcoming release, her recording process, and being a Brighton-based artist.
You’re releasing your debut EP ‘Goodbye Lavender’ on the 29th of May – could you tell us what we can expect from it?
It’s very dreamy, as always. I feel like all my tracks have that fusion of dreaminess with, like, the fuzzy guitar tone. But there’s also a bit of a country influence, from the pedal steel guitar. There’s lots of sliding guitar, which feels really nostalgic to me.
I’m looking forward to hearing it! Did you write and record the songs down here in Brighton?
No, I actually went to Bam Bam Studios in Norfolk and recorded with producer Harry Jordan. We’re actually going to go back to work together again because I just had such a good time.
We did it in two sessions, across multiple days, which was really nice ‘cause I feel like, if you record in Brighton, and you’re based in Brighton, you’re not living in that world because you go home that night, and then you go back. Whereas, with this, it felt like a residential kind of studio. It just sort of lets you get lost in the world of the songs and keep you in that mindset.
So, do you find it important to step away from your everyday life to record?
Definitely. I feel like I prefer getting lost in that world, because if you go home and have dinner at home, sleep in your bed at home, you’re not continuously connecting to the music.
I really love the sound of the EP’s title, ‘Goodbye Lavender’. Where does it come from and what’s its meaning?
So the first time I went to the studio, I just had the best time, and we were leaving and driving back, and I was just really sad to be leaving. I wanted to stay forever. I looked to my left and out the window there was a lavender field. I was like, “Goodbye, lavender!” – as a joke, saying bye to the experience – and then ‘Goodbye Lavender’ sort of stuck in my head.
I really wanted to write a song about it to go on the record but I could never write what I wanted to. The second time we went back, on the first day there, I said, “Can we do an extra song? And I need to write it, now!”. So, I wrote it that day, and it just flowed – because I think I had to be in the environment to write the song. That’s why it’s called ‘Goodbye Lavender’.
There’s such a unique, dreamy quality to your music. Are there any references or artists that you draw inspiration from?
I always say Mazzy Star, who I think have that mix of dreaminess and the guitar tone that I like. Cocteau Twins… It’s hard to say, because sometimes my inspirations don’t match up to how I then sound.
You’re a Brighton-based artist and I was wondering what your experience has been like playing your music here. Is there something about the city that inspires you or that you feel platforms your music?
Yeah, it’s really cool with Brighton that even though it’s a city, it’s still really small. You kind of get to know everyone and all the venues are really close together, so it’s a really good place to start figuring out who you want to be, make a bit of a name for yourself, and just experiment. Then it kind of launches you to further afield.
It’s just really nice being so surrounded by it – especially on weekends like now with The Great Escape. Everyone comes out and you see so many people that you know. It’s a big community.
Do you have a favourite venue to play in Brighton?
I really liked Alphabet, and I feel like Green Door Store is a classic. I don’t know how many times I’ve played there!
The last thing I wanted to ask you about was The Great Escape Festival, as you’re playing this year. I know when you played last year, you did six shows in three days – what was that like?
Tiring, but very fun – it was really fun, actually. This year I’m sort of twiddling my thumbs because last year was so on the go. I knew where I was going to play so I had to go from one to the next, whereas now I have more freedom to go and see other people play. I like that I can do that this year. Last year it was manic!
Is there a song that you’re most looking forward to playing this time?
I’d say I really enjoy playing ‘World End’ and ‘Kiss Me’.
Opal Mag’s debut EP ‘Goodbye Lavender’ is out on Friday 29th May via Venn Records. Go and give it a listen!
