Interview with enigmatic dark pop singer ECHLO

Photo credit: Jen Squires / Artwork: ECHLO

Inspired by relationships of all kinds; platonic and romantic singer ECHLO speaks about how easy it is to be manipulated and be the manipulator with the song ‘Puppeteer’. In the process of writing a memoir, the singer and songwriter wants to write music with substance and hopes to filter this into everything she puts out. Today ECHLO has shared the video for ‘Puppeteer’, which was directed by Dusty Deen. The tone of the track is somewhat melancholic and features hazy trip-hop influences. The music video for ‘Puppeteer’ features a psychedelic aesthetic, adding a playful mood to this track. Overall, this release definitely shows an act with range and depth.

We chatted with multi-faceted singer ECHLO below.

Watch the ‘Puppeteer’ music video here

What are four words you would use to describe your music?

Feisty, pulsating, cinematic, soulful.

How does a song come together for you? What is the songwriting process?

I remember when I had roommates and they used to laugh at how ridiculous I sounded when writing. They’d just hear weird sounds coming from my room. I write the music first and then I just sing gibberish overtop until words start forming. It’s funny but works for me.

It’s always been an odd experience, quite meditative or rather spiritual. It feels like I’m tapping into my subconscious and through this process, messages, feelings, and stories bubble up and out. It’s often topics I think I’m scared to consciously accept or approach and through the creative process they find a way out.

What was the first album/CD you ever bought?

TLC – Crazy Sexy Cool.

What album do you know every word to?

Radiohead – OK Computer

Share some advice for other bands/artists creating original music?

Oh goodness. That’s tough. Soak up all the experiences until you’re ready to pop and have no other choice than to spill out all over the place. Write what is real to you. You’ve got to be able to feel the music. Write what you love but be open to critique and direction. Make sure you have some trusted advisors around you. They’re hard to come by. Don’t ask for too many opinions or you’ll go crazy.

What is the most memorable response you have had to your music?

A woman came up to me after a performance to tell me that during my show she’d found the courage to quit her job and pursue what she loved. She explained that she’d been putting up barriers as to why she shouldn’t and somehow just watching someone live a little differently showed her it was possible. Now, did she actually quit her job? That, I do not know. Regardless, she realized she didn’t have to conform to any norms.

If you could create your own radio show, what kind of music would you feature and why?

Deep house for kids. Lol.

Tell us about your upcoming releases?

‘Puppeteer’ should be relatable to anyone out there struggling to cut the strings in a toxic relationship, whether platonic or romantic. Sometimes we find ourselves in a position of power over someone else, the master in a love affair. We have all been masters and puppets in some form or another. At some point, we have to cut our strings and break free.

I am very excited about this video. It comes out on October 29th. I collaborated with Dusty Deen, a fabulous video artist. He animated some real footage of me singing and a little dance I created where I’m the puppet master manipulating two others. There are a few other little surprises. Working with Dusty was incredibly rewarding as he brings such a unique and dynamic style to the screen. His finished work is so intelligent and unique. Because of him, I think that ‘Puppeteer’ is engrossing, sensual, and seductive at the same time. I just love it, and I encourage everyone to go and discover more of Dusty’s work.

One last nugget of info you can’t wait to share with your fans?

I’m going to be releasing more and more videos where I partner with insanely talented video artists.

Interview with enigmatic dark pop singer ECHLO

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