Hotly-tipped indie riser Eden Rain delights us once more, with her hauntingly beautiful new ballad “Palo Alto”.
Capturing the confusion of what moving on from somebody really feels like, Rain’s sharp lyrics detail the unexpected hurdles that frustratingly pop up during the healing process: “Do you know how many people wear that cologne and that same T-shirt? Everywhere I go, I glimpse a piece of you,” Rain delicately sings.
Carving out a lane for herself through a winning combo of soft, sensitive sounds and intimate vocal stylings which tug at the heartstrings, Eden Rain is shaping up to be a definitive one to watch in the UK indie scene.
To celebrate the release of her new single “Palo Alto”, we caught up with Rain about creating the track, being in her “hell-hath-no-fury-like-a-woman-scorned era” and why she feels having a career in music “shouldn’t be just London-centric” – read on for more.
SheBOPS: What was the inspiration behind your new single ‘Palo Alto’?
Eden Rain: I was thinking about a notes page I found in my phone, which was titled: “Things That I Once Loved (But Now They Just Remind Me of Someone I Hate).” There was a long list. I found it the day we wrote the song, and it just stemmed from there.
Your lyrics in ‘Palo Alto’ delve into themes of loss and reclaiming spaces. How do you approach writing such personal content?
It came quite naturally as I was in an Airbnb in the middle of the countryside in the Yorkshire Dales on a writing week with Jack (who co-wrote and produced it). We are really close mates and he makes it very easy to feel like I can share my thoughts and ideas. So, I guess the song was written with the dream combination of being in the middle of nowhere with friends and lots of time to think.
What was the creative process like for ‘Palo Alto’? Did you face any challenges?
Once we brought the demo version back from the writing week we (more me tbf) struggled with Demo-itis. I loved the demo so much that it took a few versions (I think seventeen) of stripping it back and adding more and stripping it back again to get to the version we have now. Luckily I’m very picky and Jack is very patient. It was definitely a labour of love.
What message do you hope listeners take away from ‘Palo Alto’?
I’m definitely in my hell-hath-no-fury-like-a-woman-scorned era 💅🏻 So, I hope people take from that what they will. Also finding relatability in the subject, because who hasn’t had something they love ruined by someone they hate?
What’s your process for turning a song idea into a finished product?
A lot of trial and error and bounces backwards and forwards. I love listening to other songs for references and also scrolling through Pinterest to try to get the brain juices flowing.
How did your upbringing in Yorkshire shape your music style and identity as an artist?
I’m a diehard Yorkshire Stan. I love, love, love the North. It’s shaped me as a person and as an artist – there’s a lot to be said about the sense of community there and a passion for making music for the sake of music, instead of trying to make it in the industry. Also, all the independent venues I used to visit as a kid and teenager, I still go to and even perform in now. Basically, the be-all and end-all of having a career in music isn’t, and shouldn’t be, just London-centric.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about the music industry?
I think I first thought that the labels as a whole have more influence than they do and to be a successful artist you had to sign record deals. I just don’t think like that anymore. Also, the people who back you and your music, even when you’re not having a viral or ‘buzzy’ moment, are the people that you want to work with.
Who are some female musicians that have inspired you and why?
Carole King, Janice Joplin, Sinead O’Connor, Remi Wolf, Lola Young, Joy Crookes, RAYE – they all just write really fkin good songs and have amazing taste.
How do you think the perception of women in music has changed since you started your career?
It’s hard to say whether music has become more progressive or if I just surround myself with people who are dedicated to empowering female voices. I definitely feel way more supported now as a woman than when I started, but I think that’s more to do with me getting older and seeking that support out. I know it’s not gotten easier for a lot of people and the industry still has a long way to go.
In your opinion, how can the music industry improve its support for women in music?
People need to challenge their own biases. Book more female and non binary artists as headliners and at festivals and events. Buy their merch, listen to their music, believe them. Make more opportunities for women of colour, women from low income backgrounds and women in local music scenes. Work with female producers, songwriters, mix and master engineers!!!! There’s so much that can be done.
Lastly, what’s one thing you wish you knew before starting your music career?
Trust my gut more. Xx
“Palo Alto” by Eden Rain is out now.