Interview: Lady Pills
Lady Pills by Sophie Adams
New England’s indie rockers Lady Pills, are back with their latest single, "Didn’t You." The track, described as both sad and sarcastic, delves into the gritty realities of the music industry, echoing the frustrations of navigating a post-pandemic world as an artist. Taken from their forthcoming concept album Renowned in the Roaring Twenties, "Didn’t You" offers a sharp reflection on the parallels between the music scene and service industry jobs, exploring the power dynamics and emotional toll involved in both.
In our interview with the band, frontwoman Ella shares the inspiration behind the song, the challenges of maintaining creative motivation in an increasingly corporate music landscape, and how humour serves as a vital tool for processing complex emotions. With Renowned in the Roaring Twenties set for release in April 2025, Ella gives us a glimpse into the album’s overarching themes, from identity and societal pressures to the artist's place in today’s world, all wrapped in a raw, honest sound that Lady Pills fans know and love.
Your single "Didn’t You" is described as sad and sarcastic, reflecting on the music industry. Can you talk more about the inspiration behind it and what message you want to convey?
I got the first bit of inspiration for this song when I was at work late one night at the bar/restaurant I worked at at that time. I was going through the motions, exhausted and taking a lot of shit and it just struck a chord (no pun intended) for me. I was feeling pretty beat down both at work and in the music world so I wrote this song to explore the parallels I was experiencing, especially about being in the service industry in two different facets.
The track is from your forthcoming concept album Renowned in the Roaring Twenties. How does "Didn’t You" fit into the overall story of the record?
So I wouldn't say the record is necessarily a storyline from start to finish, but it is an exploration of different themes in the music industry, especially post-pandemic. "Didn't you" is really exploring the parallels of being a provider of a "service" and hitting the marks/goals, while trying to keep someone down or under your thumb. And also the power dynamic that happens when you want to please someone or something, the ways you twist yourself up and bend over backwards to get approval or validation--and for what? The chorus "I've been sleeping with the goodbyes that you said" is meant to sort of summarize that feeling.
You’ve mentioned that "Didn’t You" is written from the perspective of a musician interacting with the industry like a “corporate boss”. How do you feel the post-pandemic industry has treated musicians, and how has this influenced your music?
I think a major piece here is the massive shift to experiencing a band or artist digitally instead of in person. It's not enough to just write good songs and put on a great show. If your online presence isn't "good enough" then the industry won't even bother taking a chance. They want to see that you've done everything and more, that you're an artist, a songwriter, a performer, a content creator, a brand, and marketing expert etc. before they support you which is total bullshit because not only is that a full-time job but it's also not the fucking point of music--in my opinion. And here I am watching myself play into these roles and try to do my best at them despite how uncomfortable and inauthentic it feels to me. I do it because I love the writing and performing aspect and at this point, you have to play this online game in order to get some support to do the shit you love. I also want to add that there are a ton of folks who are amazing and working hard to support artists and to make the industry more equitable so there is nuance within my blanket statement, but just like any major industry, 90% of the people calling the shots are more concerned with your internet presence than your music. I always say that the music industry is a place where you can have the most extensive resume and a plethora of experience and it doesn't fucking matter.
The album title Renowned in the Roaring Twenties evokes a sense of irony about fame and success. Can you share more about what this title means to you and how it ties into the album’s concept?
Totally. So I think about what the "Roaring Twenties" were like 100 years ago and this album title is totally ironic and sarcastic about time, us learning (or not learning) our lessons, history repeating itself, and how we are as a society still stuck in the same cycles. The 2020s thus far have been pretty shit and pretty damaging in a lot of ways, our planet is on the brink of collapsing due to climate change, and capitalism and individualism still commandeer the ship. I think a lot about the artist's "role" and place in all of this and the album title definitely reflects that. It's not all doom and gloom and there's a lot of beauty and joy to be found in many places--I don't feel hopeless by any means--but it is pretty ridiculous to look at the themes from 100 years ago and be like wow we still haven't figured this shit out in the grand scheme of things.
Your music has often tackled complex themes like identity and societal pressures. How do you balance these heavier subjects with the more sarcastic or humorous tone you’ve taken in songs like "Didn’t You"?
Humor is my coping mechanism! And I find that a lot of people relate to that. It's how I process and it's a place that I can process from for a longer time vs. anger or sadness
With Renowned in the Roaring Twenties being a concept album, what has the creative process been like? Was it more challenging to maintain a cohesive narrative across all the tracks?
So I didn't set out with the goal of creating a concept album--it pretty much wrote itself. I was working on a bunch of new music and when I stepped back I was like oh I see what's happening here. This is what I'm thinking about and working through. When I write songs, I don't usually go into it with a goal. I just feel the need to get something off my chest and it comes out however it comes out and then I can analyze all of it and be like "oh, okay, that's what I'm feeling." It's like a diary entry/stream of consciousness that then gets workshopped. So when I chose the tracks I wanted to record for this record it was a pretty glaringly obvious theme.
How do you feel your sound has changed with this new single compared to your previous releases?
I think it has matured a lot. I think this new record is really sonically similar to my first album, Despite. But the lyrics, composition, and arrangements have more maturity. I think the maturity comes from a combination of being more confident and giving less of a shit. I hope this record reaches people and can support them in the ways that music has supported me, but I'm also just proud of it and very much did it for myself.
The music industry is known for its ups and downs. How do you stay motivated and creative in an industry that can often feel like a corporate grind, as you explore in "Didn’t You"?
I don't always stay motivated and creative honestly. I've had to step away plenty of times because I've been doing this for such a long time and I don't have all of the growth and success to show for it that I wish I did, which can be really hard. I think the big thing is taking breaks and tending to other areas of my life that fill my cup. My goal now is to create from a place that loves the craft instead of a place that is trying to get something or somewhere.
You’ve built a reputation for your raw and honest lyrics. Do you feel more pressure as an artist to keep delivering this kind of emotional transparency as your fanbase grows?
Quite the opposite! Sometimes I wish I could deliver a more vague or up-to-interpretation version of my songs but it turns out I can't shut the fuck up! Subtlety is not my strong suit.
What do you hope listeners take away from "Didn’t You" and the themes you explore in the song?
I hope that people can dance and rock out through their difficult emotions. I won't pretend to have the solution but I can certainly empathize and support.
With the full album set for release in 2025, are there any other tracks you’re particularly excited for fans to hear?
The whole record! There's no filler on this baby. But I would say my current favorites are "Soft Machine" "Sink the Ship" and "Handle It" ... there are some zingers in there.
Finally, what have you been listening to lately? Any new or old favourites that have been on repeat?
I've been on a podcast train right now. My ears are tired from making this. But when I need some support I usually go to something from my childhood like Townes Van Zandt, Neil Young or Warren Zevon. But I'm totally obsessed with Chappell Roan and the new Sabrina Carpenter record. I've been enjoying pop music a lot recently. I think it's so sick that younger generations have THAT to listen to and identify with. Normalizing crying and sexual joy rules and I love that it's part of mainstream music
Renowned in the Roaring Twenties by Lady Pills is set for release on 4 April 2025, and will be available for streaming on all your favourite platforms.
