Q&A: Pomegranate Penguins: Finding Comfort ‘In The Walls’
EMERGING FROM THE VIBRANT MUSIC SCENE OF BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON - Pomegranate Penguins, the indie duo composed of Ry Jacque and Hazel Rain, crafts a sound as comforting as a warm cup of tea on a rainy day. With their delicate harmonies and slow, deliberate percussion, their music evokes the intimacy of a hushed confession, drawing comparisons to the likes of Japanese Breakfast, Alvvays, and Jenny O. Their latest EP, In These Walls, promises a raw and authentic listening experience, showcasing the duo's ability to create vast soundscapes with minimal instrumentation.
The pair, who first crossed paths in high school, discovered a shared passion for music through performing covers together. This blossomed into a collaborative songwriting partnership, eventually leading them to solidify their bond as Pomegranate Penguins. Their music often explores themes of introspection, mental health, and finding hope amidst uncertainty, resonating deeply with listeners seeking solace and connection.
In These Walls marks a pivotal moment for Pomegranate Penguins, capturing the essence of their evolution as songwriters and performers. The EP delves into the complexities of personal experiences, transforming vulnerability into strength through heartfelt lyricism and captivating melodies.
We sat down with Pomegranate Penguins to discuss the creative journey behind In These Walls, their influences, and the unique dynamics that make their music so captivating.
LUNA: Can you tell me how the band got started? How did you come together?
RY: We got together in high school, and started dueting covers around the same time. After performing our first shows together these past couple years and collaborating on each other’s songs, we decided to officially become a band.
HAZEL: We both wanted to start performing live around the same time. My main instrument is piano and Ry’s is guitar, so we realized we could compliment each other’s songs nicely. After enough time supporting each other’s individual work, we discovered how well we worked as a team and that having a project that was equally ours could be really fun.
LUNA: How would you describe your musical style? Who are your biggest influences?
RY: Mostly acoustic, with songs ranging from indie-folk to alternative. Boston has been a great influence for me personally; they’re one of the reasons I started playing music in the first place. I’m also really inspired by Elliot Smith and Noah Kahan.
HAZEL:: This EP and collaboration has definitely led to me finding my sound and experimenting a bit more. When I first started putting out music a few years ago, it was very acoustic and stripped back, and what we’re releasing now has a lot more layers to it. I’m very inspired by Babehoven, especially seeing how much they’re able to do as a duo. Also Haley Heynderickx, The Mountain Goats and Shawnee Kilgore (a dear friend of mine).
LUNA: Congratulations on your new EP! What can you tell us about its concept and inspiration?
HAZEL: After playing our first show of the year back in January, we decided we needed a band name. After deciding on Pomegranate Penguins (each of us picking something significant to us), we were both just really wanting to have something out collaboratively without there needing to be a specific structure. The tracks ended up blending together really nicely; they all connect in themes feeling lost and hoping for change.
RY: Thanks! The songs in In These Walls have a lot of inspiration from our shared experiences.
LUNA: Do you have a favorite track on the album? What’s the story behind it?
HAZEL: I really love the first track “Answers.” For this EP, we alternated on the songwriting, each of us writing two of the four. Ry wrote this one, so I can’t fully share the thought process behind it, but for me it’s about struggling to accept mental health challenges when having a support system at home, and feeling like that should be enough.
RY: I think “I Promise” would have to be mine. Hazel wrote this song and it stood out to me from the first time I heard it. The instrumentation feels unique and the lyrics are hard-hitting.
LUNA: Were there any challenges or surprises during the recording process?
RY: We sort of challenged ourselves in creating this album, since we decided to mix it ourselves. It was fun to see what we could do with it, and we learned a lot in the process.
HAZEL: I was super excited to be releasing music together, but one challenge I had was in the timing of this project. It came about super spontaneously after I had already announced my debut album. Most of my unreleased and finished songs were already going towards that project so I struggled to figure out the right material to use. I wrote “I Promise” after we had already started the process, so it was a nice surprise to have something new to work with, especially because its sound is unlike any of my other songs.
LUNA: How do your personal experiences influence your songwriting?
HAZEL: My songwriting is often a response to a personal situation, sometimes in the exact moment. I’ve actually started working on making some of my writing less personal, and exploring other perspectives or basing work off of media I enjoy. I still think writing about my own experiences will always be how I process them.
RY: My personal experiences often influence the feelings behind my songs, but I sometimes like to fictionalize specific details.
LUNA: Where do you see the band going in the next few years? Any long-term goals?
RY: We have a couple shows planned in the next few months in Bellingham. We’re also working on some new music for future releases. Long-term we hope to keep producing music and performing!
HAZEL: We’ve had a lot of wonderful opportunities come through by connecting with other artists in our community, and have found music we love as well. If we’re in the same spot in a few years as we are now, performing locally and putting out our music independently, I’ll be thrilled. That being said, I’m also happy if bigger opportunities come up along the way.
LUNA: If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
RY: Of all time, probably Elliot Smith. He’s got a great sound and I feel like I can relate to his style of music.
HAZEL: Too many to count, but I think I’d pick Orla Gartland. She has a very enthusiastic energy that shines through in her music and I’m constantly inspired by her work.
LUNA: What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
RY: That we love our cats, who can occasionally be heard in the background if you listen really hard.
HAZEL: That is very important. We’re going to have to make a song emphasizing that. I also hope listeners feel seen and understood.
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