Adrianne Lenker, Ryan Beatty, Labi Siffre: Nell Mescal explores the inspirations behind her new EP, “The Closest We’ll Get”.
Nell Mescal may have a famous brother, but she’s very much walking her own pathway. She’s established herself as a singer-songwriter with a wealth of musical talent and emotional capacity, now culminating in her releasing a wonderful new EP, “The Closest We’ll Get”, and joining HAIM on the UK arena tour this autumn.
The EP, Mescal’s second, is an enticing, understated collection of folk jams, brimming with romantic mediation, dazzling harmonies and spellbinding vocal passages. Produced by Adrianne Lenker and Billie Marten collaborator Philip Weinrobe, it is a giving and accomplished work, further presenting Mescal as one of Irish folk’s most promising and engaging contemporary artists. Dropping by Wonderland, she delves into the project influences in our latest On Repeat.
Listen to “The Closest We’ll Get”…
Nell Mescal is On Repeat…
Adrianne Lenker – “Sadness As A Gift”
A perfect song – I really love the instrumentation. It’s the perfect mix of catharsis and optimism which was something I really wanted to try capture across my EP aswell. I think Adrianne’s songwriting is second to none and Phillip (who produced my EP) is a wizard.
Dora Jar – “Lucky”
Everything about this song is just so great. I remember listening to it on loop the first time I heard it. It captures something so human and Dora’s writing is just full of magic.
Seafarers – “Everything I’d Do (to Get a Hold on You)”
The storytelling of this song is so inspiring, it’s hard to listen to it without getting emotional. It makes me excited to make music.
Bess Atwell – “Everyone Who’s Not In Love With You Is Wrong”
This song stopped me in my tracks when I first heard it and continues to every time I listen. I’ve listened to “”Light sleeper” almost everyday for a year and this is the opening track!
Sarah Julia – “Game of Pretend”
Their songwriting and harmonies are so special to listen to – I get chills every listen. I love their lyrics “bittersweet yesterday squeezing little lies into my lemonade” is one of my favs from this one.
Katie Gavin – “Inconsolable”
I love the emotion Katie Gavins vocal takes have and I particularly love the fiddle on this song.
Ryan Beatty – “Bruises Off The Peach”
The melodies in this song are addictive and so beautiful. I could listen to it for hours. He did a live performance of this song and I go back to it a lot. It’s so delicate and raw.
Labi Siffre – “Crying Laughing Loving Lying”
Probably one of my favourite songwriters of all time. Every lyric in every song is so beautifully written. Simple, honest and wonderfully profound.
