Brooklyn based folk singer Pearla (aka Nicole Rodriguez) stopped by Paste Studios just 10 days before her new record “Quilting and Other Activities” is set to be released. I actually saw her play at the Beehive in Brooklyn as part of the now defunct Northside Festival in 2017, even before she released her debut EP!
The coziness of Paste Studios was the perfect setting for Pearla to play four songs from her upcoming record, although I would have loved a couch so I could sit back, close my eyes and just listen to the dreamy lyrics. The special arrangements for this session used a lap steel guitar that had a more country/bluegrass feel to it. You would think Pearla was based out of Nashville rather than Brooklyn.
It was interesting to hear Pearla describe the songwriting process. They’ll sit together and identify all the underlying emotions within each song and determine what sounds best reflect those emotions. Also, locations and spaces may inform into the songs, utilizing sounds native to those locations. Some of the interesting sounds you’ll hear in Pearla’s songs are Tibetan sheep bells and screaming monkeys!
Pearla will be headlining Rough Trade tomorrow with Renata Zeiguer and Belle-Skinner. Definitely go check her out with or without sheep and monkeys! If not, pick up her new EP, find yourself a quiet room, and take a listen.
Setlist
Forgive Yourself
Quilting
Washing Machine
Somewhere
You can find the complete Paste Studios session here.
NOTE: all photographs are copyright of Howard Shiau Photography
