Q&A: Pink Skies
ENCHANTING AND MESMERISING - there is something distinctly magical about Pink Skies’ music. An other-worldly journey, consisting of dreamy rock, pop, R&B, electronic, blended with 70s nostalgia.
Born and raised in Oakland, California, Ariel Berl aka Pink Skies, grew up playing in punk and indie bands while learning to record and produce his own music. Berl founded his Pink Skies project in 2017 after some soul-searching and moving to Los Angeles.
With over 50000 listeners on Spotify and collaborations with artists like 6LACK, Khalid and Glass Animals’ Dave Bailey, Berl continues to break out of his comfort zone, transcending the boundaries of music and proving that, truly, the sky is the only limit. His new debut album SPECTRA showcases the development and growth of Pink Skies while giving the listener a soundtrack for their summer. Despite the current climate and the power of the Black Lives Matter movement, Berl has kept with his release day in hopes that the current climate remains permanent, and we don’t move back to the “normal.” (View his statement here) Check out SPECTRA and read below to learn about the making of the album, the importance of collaboration and more.
LUNA: In the past few years you’ve been able to create a signature psychedelic sound for yourself. Sonically, what are some elements you’d like to explore more in the future?
BERL: I wouldn't even say I have a ps. People say that I have a psychedelic sound, but I've never really thought about it that way. Am I inspired by psychedelic music? Sure. But I am also inspired by so much other music, and I honestly think that "psychedelic" music is out of touch. It's all saturated and sounds the same with the same lyrical content. What I consider psychedelic music is something that is surprising, or unexpected or tricks the listener. Every Pink Skies song I've written I can tie to a pretty exact experience in my life but know there's just a generic sound to it. Also, I'm in a pretty different place now, so in the future, I will be exploring different lyrical content, and also different sounds.
LUNA: How do you think your background with Fever Charm has shaped BERL? Would BERL exist as it is now had you not been in Fever Charm?
BERL: Fever Charm laid the groundwork for everything. I wouldn't be good at singing or playing the guitar or being in a band if it wasn't for Fever Charm. All the guys in Fever Charm are still all my best friends. Yianni produced the album with me. Theo plays in our live show. JT was the first person who pushed me to start my own project, and has provided me really awesome opportunities for collaboration, which has resulted in lots of friendships and good times. I'm just waiting for the call to get a new Fever Charm album going!
LUNA: What role has collaboration played in your growth as an artist?
BERL: Collaboration has been huge. I had to work on my own for a while to learn how to produce and how to write songs my way. Now, I feel like every time I collaborate, I learn about new techniques, new styles, new perspectives. Every time I collaborate, I learn something new. It feels very human, and very good. I really want to continue collaborating a lot more. Plus, I think it's fun to work with other people.
LUNA: You just released your debut album SPECTRA - congrats! Can you share a favorite moment from the creative process of this project?
BERL: Yeah, the bulk of the album was recorded on an island in Washington, and I cherish those few weeks up there tremendously. It's when the whole thing came together. Just removing myself from society and all distractions and being able to lock in and really work opened up a whole world of creative possibilities. Staying up late, watching 2001: Space Odyssey, walking on the beach or on the one road throughout the island. The rain, the gloom, the solitude.
LUNA: Are there any common themes or narratives you touch on with the upcoming music?
BERL: The search for self-worth, looking for answers, learning about myself and who I am, long distance relationships, the idea of space and how it is nothing and everything all at the same time.
This is SPECTRA my debut album, out June 12th. I don't want to say much more. I don't want to ruin the album for anyone, and I want people to give the songs their own meanings.
LUNA: What role are you trying to play in this BLM movement?
BERL: I have been doing what I am capable of. Donating and raising money for several organizations, protesting in the streets of Los Angeles, and educating myself more and more about institutional racism that exists in our country, and trying to see through all the disguises that racism has taken over the history of our country. I've been also working very hard about making long term changes like researching where I am spending my money and who I am voting for, and how else my voice can be heard.
