Songwriter

Angel Olsen

Angel Olsen’s music defies any single genre. Since her 2010 EP, the Asheville-based musician/songwriter has released multiple albums, including 2016’s acclaimed My Woman, and her most recent, Phases; each with its own distinct vision and sound. Here, Angel reflects on her past year of extensive touring and recording, the inherent politics of making music, the person vs. the performer, and what one stands to learn through the process of looking back.

Kllo

Melbourne-based musicians Chloe Kaul and Simon Lam, AKA Kllo, grew up just five-minutes away from each other, but their musical beginnings were worlds apart. Here, the two cousins open up to us about merging their individual aesthetics in order to form a new and distinct sound; about improvisation, trusting the process, and learning to let go; and how their music is becoming more old school as they continue to evolve.

Jenny Hval

Norwegian songwriter and musician, Jenny Hval, reveals the risk she took with her new album, Apocalypse, girl, how growing up in Norway’s Bible Belt influenced the record, and the importance of looking inward before putting work out.

Sharon Van Etten

Read an excerpt from our print-exclusive interview with New York City-based musician, Sharon Van Etten, who recalls her path into music, her biggest risks, and her best advice to those starting out. Enjoy Sharon’s full interview in TGD Mag, Issue Two, available in our shop.

Iron & Wine

We’ve been fans of Sam Beam’s music since the early days of Iron & Wine, which is why we’re excited to tell you that his new album, Archive Series Volume No. 1, is out today! We recently sat down with Sam, who shared about his path from working in film and teaching to becoming a full-time musician, digging through the archives for his latest record, and upcoming projects. Enjoy this excerpt from our conversation with him and look for the full interview in print this spring!

Emilíana Torrini

Emilíana Torrini, Iceland-based singer and songwriter, recalls her first musical influence, explains why and how she refuses to be consumed by the industry, and encourages us to get the hours in early on to find out who we are—and then stick to it.

Noah Gundersen

It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that Noah Gundersen has dedicated his life to music: he recorded his first album at the age of 13, played his first show at 15, and began touring at 18. Although he has been singing, playing, and writing songs for the greater part of a decade, Noah doesn’t believe that he will ever truly “arrive”. He’ll be the first person to tell you that some of his success has been pure chance—as it was when his music was featured on the TV show, Sons of Anarchy. Despite his accomplishments, he asserts that none of it would have happened without dedicating himself to the years of hard work beforehand. Read on as Noah shares his insight on what it means to truly be successful, and why we should all focus on the journey rather than the “arrival.” —Tammi, TGD Editorial Intern

Lissie

Spirited and independent, Lissie has forged her own path as a musician, unfaltering in her pursuit of happiness over money. On the single “Shameless” from her latest album, Back to Forever, Lissie belts out the refrain: “I don’t want to be famous if I got to be shameless. If you don’t know what my name is…so what?” and she means it. No stranger to the limelight, Lissie was personable and candid in conversation as she shared about her earliest experiences performing, what gave her the confidence to pursue music, and why she’ll always choose creative freedom over fame. May Lissie’s words give you the courage to be yourself, stand up for what you believe in, and choose happiness over all other things. —Tina

Scott Hansen

As I’m writing this, I have “The Daydream” by Tycho playing in the background. I looked at the release date for that album, and it’s been over five years since it came out. As short as it is, I can distinctly remember that two-song EP being the soundtrack for many a road trip as well as the background for countless late nights of designing—and I know I’m not the only one. But it’s not just Scott’s music that has inspired over the years. Before Tycho, it was Scott’s art, made under the moniker of ISO50, that so many young graphic designers envied and followed with earnest intent. Needless to say, Scott has been an inspiration for many, including me, and it’s an honor to share his story, which will surely resonate and inspire. And as you read, remember that it’s the journey, not the destination that matters the most. —Ryan