The Bad Arts 004: Rachael Lavelle's Favourite Debut Album
In a new (and hopefully somewhat regularly scheduled!) series, I ask an artist to share their favourite debut album and go through all the things they love about it! First up, Rachael Lavelle...
In 2023, Dublin-based singer and composer Rachael Lavelle released her extraordinarty debut album (and, to my mind, one of the most interesting and captivating works from last year) Big Dreams to widespread critical acclaim. Its praise was warranted with Lavelle masterfully producing epic soaring electronic symphonies accompanied by rich saxophone motifs to provide a vast setting to her remarkable vocals and lyrics filled with existentialism. Around the time of Big Dreams’ release, I spoke to Lavelle all about the making of the album and its themes and experimenting with text-to-speech, which you can read here.
I remember how awe-struck I was the first time I saw Lavelle perform live, mainly becasue her vocals were unlike anything I had ever heard before. From that moment, I was completely drawn into every aspect of her music - its strikingly assured singularity and the humour she incorporates in her lyrics and visuals — and eagerly awaited having a body of work from her that I could spend as much time as possible in and visit whenever I wanted.
Given the success of Rachael Lavelle’s artistic accomplishement with her debut album, I thought there was no better person to kick-off a new series over here in which artitsts tell me about their favourite debut album and their own experiences crafting their own introductory work.
What is your favourite debut album of all time?
Rachael Lavelle: That would be serpentwithfeet’s debut, soil.
When did you listen to it for the first time?
Rachael Lavelle: When it was released in 2018. I think I came across the album through watching the video for ‘bless ur heart’. I love the visuals, the way he moves, his voice, the drama!
Was soil your introduction to serpentwithfeet? How does it fit with their other releases?
Rachael Lavelle: I first came across serpentwithfeet through his song ‘four ethers’. It’s this amazing dramatic orchestral song that uses a sample from Hector Berlioz's ‘Symphonie Fantastique’. I would say that soil is a lot spookier than the subsequent albums 👻.
Would you say that soil is a good entry point for someone who isn’t familiar with seprentwithfeet’s music?
Rachael Lavelle: I think so! But first ‘four ethers’…and then maybe go to the ‘blisters’ EP. It was produced by serpentwithfeet and the Haxan Cloak, who is also amazing.
What are some of the elements of this album that you were particularly impressed by when you first heard it?
Rachael Lavelle: I love the production; how the vocals are recorded and all the interesting textural sensations for the ears.
How has your relationship with this album evolved over time? Do you enjoy different qualities to its melodic structure and textures within the compositions compared to when you first listened to soil?
Rachael Lavelle: I am always surprised when I listen to this album! There are so many little details to hold your attention, his vocal runs are wild! The layered vocals and the harmonies are perfect. I guess it hasn’t been out for too long, so maybe in 10 years I will hear it differently but for now, I enjoy it all.
Is there a piece of lore surrounding this album - the making of it / critical reception upon release etc - that you particularly enjoy or were surprised to learn?
Rachael Lavelle: It features production from serpentwithfeet, Clams Casino, Katie Gately (who is totally amazing), Paul Epworth and mmph. In Katie Gately’s productions you can hear how she is trying to create the sounds of soil, wind, gravel, clay. She is very inspiring.
Favourite song from the album and why?
Rachael Lavelle: I love ‘seedless’ - it’s playful with really satisfying textures, vocals and beats in it.
When you were making your own debut album, Big Dreams, what were some of the key reference points or influences you had?
Rachael Lavelle: soil was definitely a reference. Joanna Newsom’s artwork for Divers, the LP came with these amazing prints of photos by Kim Keever which I put up all over my desk. Jóhann Jóhannsson’s score for ‘Arrival’. Richard Linklater’s film ‘Waking Life’. And finally, Youtube videos of people skydiving at sunrise.
What do you wish you knew or had been told whilst making your debut album?
Racahel Lavelle: I wish I knew that it would just take a lot of time and that that’s okay! Keep going! If it sounds good, it is good. And ask for help, collaborate.
What did the process of making Big Dreams teach you and what were you surprised to learn about yourself from the overall experience?
Rachael Lavelle: I had no time pressure when I was making it so I was allowed to indulge, which was great for spending lots of time trying many different things. I learnt that I am a terrible decision maker!
What, in your opinion, makes for an enduring debut album?
Rachael Lavelle: A sense of wonder, heart and humour.