Ruminative to its very core, patching, the inaugural album from folk singer-songwriter runo plum, is one of the most accomplished and rewarding debuts of the year. She talks rural inspirations and creative catharsis.
runo plum is adept in many things – not least pulling at your heartstrings. After an assured artistic entry over the past few years with a smattering of singles and EPs, the Minneapolis-based folk singer-songwriter has now shared a toweringly tender debut album.
Produced with her new Winspear labelmate and old friend Lutalo, patching is an appropriate title for the giving and gentle body of work. Off the back of a life-altering break-up, the artist set about achieving catharsis through creativity, weaving together emotions and memories, with her musings remarkably raw and honest, atop understated acoustic backdrops. Somewhere between Big Thief and Billie Marten, the record is a subtle triumph.
Below, the singer-songwriter talks music finding her, the inspiring nature of living in rural Minnesota, and putting together this wonderful debut album.
Listen to patching…
Read the interview…
How did you find music? Or did music find you?
Music definitely found me. I think it comes from somewhere deep within, apparently, I was singing before I could talk.
You’re based in Minnesota. How does the place influence your sound and artistic approach?
I lived in the northern rural part of Minnesota for the past few years. The isolation and quiet definitely found its way into my sound. It’s very foresty up there, full of wildlife and nature, which inspired lots of imagery in my songs as well.
What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve done for love?
Dated men / performed heteronormativity.
What’s the bravest thing you’ve done in your career?
Letting go of wanting to be mysterious and allowing myself to be visible and imperfect.
Congratulations on your debut album! How are you feeling about the release?
It’s going to be an emotional internal release as well as a professional one. It’s crazy how it is a new project to many but releasing this feels like sort of closing a chapter of some sort.
What’s the thought behind the album’s name, patching?
It’s basically just like, patching myself back together after a breakup, and also patching together the many feelings that come post breakup. like a big quilt of emotions.
What was the process of bringing the LP to life?
I made a demo album for almost all the songs before we went to record. The recording process was sorta like a big hang, Lutalo has been a friend of mine for years. Last December, we rented a cabin in the woods and got it finished in about little under 2 weeks. We drove back to Minnesota and made it back the day before Christmas.
What was the genesis, and how did it grow into this gorgeous body of music?
The catalyst was a life altering breakup, all the feelings that come along after that (grief, loneliness, etc). Then turned into some acceptance and then, (by the end of the album) i find myself falling in love again.
You’re heading out on the road this autumn. What’s in your tour survival pack?
Sooo much sleep, dramamine, nutrient dense foods, veggies, supplements.
What’s your favourite city that you’ve ever visited?
I really like Brighton, England. It’s very beautiful. Quaint but lively and very queer.
What’s your dream career scenario?
Write, record, tour, rest, repeat.
What’s exciting you right now?
Holidays in Minnesota, the first snowfall, starting all my winter knitting projects.
Words – Ben Tibbits
