Pie - Solitude (Single) + 10 Questions
Born in São Paulo, Brazil and now based in London, UK, rising artist PIE has got the best of both worlds with strong Latin and Bossa Nova influences, a dash of the unmistakable Brazilian groove whilst being heavily inspired by the ever growing UK Jazz scene. Returning with her sophomore single ‘Solitude’, the release is a glowing addition to her discography, continuing on the narrative from her debut track ‘Apathy’, her intimate stories centre on the various stages of a breakup, and all its accompanying emotions. Unafraid to wear her heart on her sleeve, the rawness of her lyrics and fluidity of her melodies go hand in hand, so prepare to be completely enraptured by PIE’s stunning sincerity. Crafting her own intricate brand of alternative R&B and contemporary soul, PIE is rapidly showing her potential to be one of the UK’s most exciting newcomers.
Pie sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I used to listen to a lot of classical music and jazz growing up to calm myself down so i ended up building a very emotional connection to music since my early days. I later on went to study Psychology in Portugal and brought a guitar with me, she became my best friend and companion as i was feeling constantly misplaced and lonely which led me to start writing, allowing me to acknowledge my own hidden feelings and bring them to the surface, aiding my healing process. I think that´s where it all really began.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Sasha Keable is one of my favourite artists at the moment, the way she portrays her pain and her own experience resembles Amy Winehouse´s sound in such a wise way so if i had the opportunity she would surely be my dream collab
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?
For me, making music is an extremely intimate and personal process, where i sit down with myself and open the space for truth and pain, love and heartbreak. The isolation made my introversion even worse so the idea of collabing with other musicians and performing live seems very scary and overwhelming at the moment.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Instrumentally happy and lyrically sad pretty much says it all.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
When i was at my last year at uni i decided that i wanted to get my music produced by someone else in order to take it to the next level as i was quite unhappy with how they were sounding with my own production in it . I came across Ed Black´s work and was completely mesmerised by his talent but my self limiting beliefs were screaming “That´s never going to happen, you don´t have a portfolio and he is already at a great place in the industry”. I had many breakdowns before i had the courage to send him a message and i can now say it was the best thing i could have ever done, he was so incredibly kind and i love having him on board in this project as my producer.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
I´d say start listening to all of your thoughts, specially the ones that say “ I´m not good enough, I won´t make it, there´s always someone better than me” sit with them and question “But what if?What if i try ?” because in the end its not about where the journey is going to take you, its about you allowing yourself the freedom to believe in yourself and your sound, even if its for a split second.
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
Erykah Badu, Celeste, Joy Crookes, Mac Ayres, Snoh Aalegra, Cleo Sol, Pip Millett, Christian Kuria, FKJ are always on repeat for me… to name a few.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
“Oncle Jazz” by Men i trust, “Lucid” by Raveena, “Ugh those feels again” by Snoh Aalegra, “Lianne La Havas” by Lianne La Havas and “I am Sasha Fierce” by Beyonce.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Boxing, I absolutely LOVE it. I’m a Pisces so i'm stereotypically calm but i have to admit i rage cry when i box every time. I´m also obsessed with animals so if you can´t contact me know that is because i’m probably walking the dogs or riding a horse.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
I eat carrots as a coping mechanism to deal with stress so it is a MUST item in my bag always then pictures of my dog to give me the serotonin to keep pushing even if i’m nervous and most definitely a notepad because i’m 100% going to forget my own lyrics.