Girlpool interview: Entering an open and honest space

Image: Girlpool

It's amazing how a band can accelerate from DIY duo playing their hometown scene to pinpointing a route around Europe. Formed between best friends Cleo and Harmony, LA pop-punk duo Girlpool have done just that.

The beauty of their music lies in the pairs authentic lyricism. Sung harmoniously over stripped back melodies, they recount existential tales empowered with deeper meaning. 

It's clear to see that the two share both a creative and emotional chemistry when penning their captivating library. A synergy that is all for see on their documentary Things Are Okay, and debut record Before The World Was Big released earlier this year. 

Currently on tour in the UK, we had a brief chat with Girlpool to delve deeper into the nucleus of the band and grab their perspective of the lofty trajectory they've encountered in an incredibly short space of time.  

How does the dynamic of writing songs between you work, do you both find yourself on the same wavelength? 

Harmony: Yes, Cleo and I begun making music together because of how similar our wavelength felt in terms of interests both creatively and in the way we perceived the world.

We discuss ideas and explore how we can discuss them in a song in terms of sound and lyrical content, making sure both of us feel represented by each word we say. 

Cleo: Harmony and I write our songs together. We help facilitate the other's mind to enter an open and honest space. Together we discuss and stretch. Eventually, we'll find words and form sentences that fulfil the feelings we've unveiled together.

You justify not using drums in your music, which you're often asked about. Does it annoy you that the idea of genre conformity is suggested when your music works without needing that extra depth? 

Cleo: Sometimes, but not really. The nuisance isn't so much because of the expectation or lack of conformity, it's more so from the redundancy of the question itself. It makes sense that people might wonder why.  

Do you ever find it overwhelming that a DIY project has spawned into a tour of the UK and Europe? 

Cleo: When I think about this past year and how I used to spend my time I do feel overwhelmed. But that's because it's hard for me to fathom time. Looking at the huge picture makes me feel scared and confused. But that isn't via playing in Girlpool- I have felt that way when I've spent my time tapped into a different vessel too.

All of the huge is overwhelming. When I'm zoomed out my visibility barely fits in my brain. But right now, while I'm zoomed in, there's nothing else I'd rather do than write songs with Harmony and sit in so many pretty places. I feel endlessly grateful that I'm able to share and experience other's art so far away from what's familiar to me. 

How do you translate playing DIY sets in say someone's front room to the larger venues you're now touring - if at all?

Harmony: Cleo and I take extra care in maintaining our person regardless of if we are in a large venue or DIY space. Us playing music is the common factor and because of that, our creative body will remain the same regardless of how big or little the space is we are filling.  

Cleo: If we're able to tap into our space, it all feels the same. We starting playing in DIY spaces because we found that the transportation to that feeling felt smooth and safe. Sometimes it's hard when our environment challenges our connection, but we try to direct and transform a space to something that feels soft and close. 

Thanks guys!

Remaining tour dates below: 

Manchester - The Deaf Institute, Tuesday 8th September 

Glasgow - Broadcast, Wednesday 9th September 

Leeds - Brudenell Social Club, Thursday 10th September

Birmingham - Hare and Hounds, Friday 11th September (Tickets available below)

Brighton - The Hope, Monday 14th September

London - Scala, Tuesday 15th September